Dear Hatter Fans,  

As we enter the month of May, we approach the conclusion of our spring season and look forward with great anticipation to celebrating commencement with the Class of 2026. This time of year serves as an opportunity to reflect on our collective accomplishments.

Reflecting on my first day at Stetson two years ago, it is remarkable to consider the progress achieved in just 24 months. A tangible symbol of that transformation is that the office I entered on my first day, May 6, 2024, no longer exists.

Those who have visited campus recently have experienced extensive renovations to both the Edmunds Center and the Wilson Athletic Center (WAC). Largely due to the upgrades, we are especially grateful to be returning indoors for graduation this year. The enhancements in Edmunds - including a new entrance, concessions areas, lobby, office spaces, and meeting rooms - have been well received. The WAC has become a vibrant hub of daily activity for our student-athletes and staff. These two facilities are now connected by the Bruce and Allison Dahlgren Champions Walkway, which celebrates our recent championship-winning programs.

On that note, we are proud to soon recognize three additional championship teams to the Champions Walkway. We recently celebrated our men's tennis team securing its first Atlantic Sun Conference championship and their trip to compete in the NCAA Tournament. Additionally, we extend our congratulations to our beach volleyball team for earning its eighth ASUN title in dominant fashion. And, this past weekend, our softball team earned a regular-season divisional championship and will begin play at the ASUN Tournament tomorrow in Jacksonville.

Beyond competition, our student-athletes continue to excel academically and make meaningful contributions within the community. More than 70 percent of our student-athletes have achieved a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. They have dedicated hundreds of hours to community engagement, making a visible and positive impact throughout DeLand and the surrounding areas.

We are also excited about what is to come. The new-look Atlantic Sun Conference begins competition July 1. In April, we welcomed our new women's basketball head coach, Melissa DeVore. Men's and women's outdoor track will make its official NCAA debut next spring.  

As the landscape of intercollegiate athletics continues to evolve, Stetson announced in December its decision to opt in to the House Settlement. These important steps position us to plan strategically for the future and maintain our competitiveness at the NCAA Division I level. While support for individual teams remains vital, there are now additional opportunities to contribute directly to name, image, and likeness (NIL) initiatives and expanded scholarship resources through each sport-specific Championship Resource Fund. Gifts to each team's Program Fund and Championship Resource Fund can be made here. 
  
I am also pleased to report that the inaugural year of the Athletic Strategic Impact Fund has been a success. Your generosity has provided critical support to our student-athletes where it is needed most, and I hope that you will consider continuing to support this effort as we prepare for next academic year.

I am deeply grateful for the commitment and hard work demonstrated by our student-athletes, coaches, and staff over the past two years. It is inspiring to see our student-athletes thrive within a relationship-rich educational environment while competing and succeeding at the highest levels of intercollegiate athletics.


Go Hatters!


Dr. Ricky Ray
Director of Athletics