DeLAND, Fla. -- For more than a century, Stetson University has been woven into the identity of DeLand. Today, Stetson Athletics is extending that legacy well beyond competition, serving as a catalyst for community engagement, economic development and civic pride throughout West Volusia.
From affordable ticket initiatives and youth programming to downtown partnerships and volunteer service, the Hatters are creating meaningful connections that benefit residents, visitors and local businesses alike.
"Our goal is to make Stetson Athletics an experience that belongs to the entire community," said Stetson Athletic Director Ricky Ray. "Whether someone is attending their first game, meeting student-athletes at a local school or spending the weekend exploring downtown DeLand, we want everyone to feel connected to the Hatters."
An Economic Driver for DeLand
Every year, thousands of visitors travel to DeLand for Hatter-related activities such as Homecoming, Family & Friends Weekend, Commencement, the start of each academic semester or any of the approximately 250 home athletic events hosted by Stetson Athletics. Visitors fill hotels and vacation rentals, dine in local restaurants and shop throughout Historic Downtown DeLand.
West Volusia Tourism Executive Director Georgia Turner says Stetson is one of the region's biggest tourism assets.
"Stetson University is one of the main reasons people come to visit West Volusia," Turner said. "We're proud to be the official travel partner of Stetson Athletics and Homecoming because it is a very important part of our tourism product."
Athletics extends that impact throughout the year. Visiting teams, families and fans generate business for hotels, restaurants and retailers, while marquee events such as Stetson baseball's matchup with Florida State, softball's big game against the University of Florida and other regionally and nationally recognized competitions attract visitors from across the state.
Stephanie Garcia Mullins, executive director of the MainStreet DeLand Association, sees that impact firsthand.
"Athletics brings thousands of visitors to DeLand throughout the year," Mullins said. "They stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, shop downtown and often leave saying, 'We had no idea DeLand was this wonderful.'"
Stetson Athletics is also positioned to continue to grow its impact onthe local economy through partnerships with Playfly Sports and Affinity Licensing, a pair of nationally-respected organizations that will help grow the department's brand and financial stability.
Building a Stronger Downtown
One of the newest examples of the partnership between the university and the community is HatterFest, the community pep rally held in Historic Downtown DeLand during Family & Friends Weekend.
The event, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2 - the day before the Hatter football team hosts Marist, fills downtown with students, alumni, families and residents while supporting local restaurants and retailers.
"I'd love to see even more partnerships between athletics and the downtown community," Mullins said. "In the last year or so, they've been working on this more than ever, and it's paying off."
That relationship extends beyond special events. Fans purchase officially licensed Stetson apparel and merchandise from local retailers throughout the year, while Homecoming, Commencement and the arrival of students each semester create additional opportunities for downtown businesses.
"When the Hatters win, it feels like DeLand wins," Mullins said. "People wear green proudly, businesses celebrate, and there's a real sense of community excitement that's contagious."
Making Athletics Accessible
Stetson Athletics has focused on making Hatter events welcoming and affordable for everyone.
The department lowered football ticket prices while introducing discounted admission for youth, seniors and military members and their families. Affordable group ticket programs encourage schools, youth organizations and civic groups to attend games together.
Football fans can also enjoy HatterZone, a premium hospitality area featuring shaded seating, air conditioning, food and beverages.
The department has revived partnerships with VetTix and Operation Hat Trick, helping active-duty military members, veterans and their families experience Hatter athletics.
Many Stetson sports—including men's and women's soccer, beach volleyball, indoor volleyball, tennis and lacrosse—offer free admission. After many contests, student-athletes remain to sign autographs, take photographs and meet young fans.
Serving Beyond the Scoreboard
Community engagement continues long after the final whistle.
The football team's High Five Fridays sends players into local elementary and middle schools to welcome students and encourage them to pursue higher education.
Student-athletes and coaches volunteer hundreds of hours each year, participating in events including Monsters on Main Street, the MeStrong 5K, the DeLand Mardi Gras Dog Parade and numerous charitable initiatives. They also visit area schools, speak to civic organizations and support nonprofit partners throughout West Volusia.
"I think they do a great job," Mullins said. "We regularly see student-athletes and coaches involved in the community, and that kind of engagement makes a real difference. It shows they're invested in DeLand, not just located here."
Turner agreed, noting that those interactions inspire local youth.
"The student-athletes are great examples for young people," Turner said. "They're hard workers, and they're showing what higher education can look like."
A Community United
Beyond the measurable economic impact, both community leaders say Stetson Athletics helps define what makes DeLand unique.
"No matter where we go, people know Stetson University," Turner said. "They know the Hatters. They know the hat."
For Mullins, the connection is even more personal.
"Stetson Athletics isn't just part of the university; it's part of our community," she said. "Their success becomes our success, and we're better because they're here."
Whether welcoming thousands of visitors to downtown, inspiring local children, supporting small businesses or giving residents a team to rally behind, Stetson Athletics continues to prove that its greatest impact reaches far beyond the playing field.
The Hatters aren't simply competing for championships—they are helping strengthen the economy, enrich the quality of life and reinforce the sense of pride that makes DeLand one of Florida's most distinctive college towns.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
