JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Unisun Sports, the groundbreaking strategic alliance between the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) and the United Athletic Conference (UAC), has officially commenced as of July 1, 2026. Unisun Sports will serve both conferences, designed to significantly enhance operational efficiency, foster deeper collaboration, and drive innovation across both NCAA Division I organizations.

"Today marks more than an official launch date—it represents the beginning of what's next in collegiate athletics. It celebrates a new era for the United Athletic Conference (UAC) as it officially steps into a multi-sport conference, the continued strength of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN), and the formation of a joint-venture, Unisun Sports," said Unisun Sports CEO, Jeff Bacon.

The Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) will continue its success across the southeast region with eight full-time members located in some of the country's most desired destinations. Spanning across four states with cities like Charlotte, Jacksonville, Louisville and Nashville in its market, the ASUN has defined itself as the destination-based conference.

Atlantic Sun Conference Members
Bellarmine University, Louisville, Kentucky
Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida
Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florida
Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tennessee
Queens University of Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina
Stetson University, DeLand, Florida
University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida
University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida

The United Athletic Conference, newly rebranded from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), will sponsor 16 sports and championships with nine full-time members. Those members span across six different states (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas) reaching millions of people across the south.

United Athletic Conference Members
Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas
Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee
University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas
Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky
University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama
Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas
University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas
University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia

Unisun Sports challenges what's possible in college sports by setting the tone rather than waiting for something to come along. The member institutions have forged a new path and today, Unisun Sports celebrates the ASUN and UAC and their vision to create what's next.

"I would like to recognize our University Presidents, Directors of Athletics, Administration, and those whose vision and leadership helped make this possible," Bacon said. "Together, we're creating a platform that strengthens our member institutions, and delivers innovation when asked what's next."

About Unisun Sports
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) will rebrand as the United Athletic Conference (UAC) and form Unisun Sports with the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN). This strategic alliance will facilitate collaborative scheduling, the leveraging of collective assets, and shared operational efficiencies designed to benefit all member institutions. The creation of Unisun Sports strengthens the geographic footprint for both conferences, ensuring that student-athletes continue to benefit from extensive competition opportunities. Both the ASUN and the newly-branded UAC will retain their independent conference structures and automatic qualifiers to NCAA Championships.

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 on the 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 - particularly with the new post-House Settlement that allows the department to compensate student-athletes for their name, image and likeness.

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.

DeLAND, Fla. – After four successful seasons at Stetson University, former Hatter standout Promise Keshi is heading home to begin her professional basketball career after signing with Alama San Martino di Lupari of Italy's Serie A1 for the 2026-27 season.

A native of Rubano, Italy, Keshi returns to her home country to compete in Italy's top professional league. Alama San Martino di Lupari has competed in Serie A1 since earning promotion to the top division in 2013.

Keshi enjoyed the finest season of her collegiate career in 2025-26, helping lead the Hatters to a 20-win season and an appearance in the ASUN Championship semifinals. One of Stetson's most versatile two-way players, she averaged 8.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 50.9 percent from the field and an impressive 94.1 percent from the free throw line.

Known for her defensive presence, Keshi emerged as one of the ASUN's premier perimeter defenders during her senior season. She led the Hatters with 57 steals while adding 38 blocked shots, using her length and versatility to impact games on both ends of the floor. She also established career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks during her final collegiate campaign.

Over four seasons in DeLand, Keshi appeared in 97 games with 50 starts, helping the Hatters compile 74 victories, finishing her career with 520 points, 362 rebounds, 131 assists, 130 steals and 72 blocks.

Keshi's signing marks a return to familiar surroundings. Before beginning her collegiate career in the United States, she played for San Martino's Under-14 team during the 2016-17 season. Nearly a decade later, she returns to the same organization to begin her professional career after four years at Stetson.

Keshi joins head coach Giuseppe Piazza's squad as the latest addition to the club's 2026-27 roster, becoming the latest Hatter to continue her basketball career at the professional level.
 

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DeLAND, Fla. – Stetson cross country head coach Kristin McWilliams has announced the Hatters' 2026 competition schedule, featuring six regular-season meets leading into the ASUN Championship and NCAA South Regional.

The Hatters will once again compete at a mix of regional and nationally recognized meets after both the men's and women's programs enjoyed record-breaking performances throughout the 2025 campaign.

Stetson opens the season on Sept. 4 at the Florida Intercollegiate Invitational in Jacksonville before traveling to Tallahassee for the Florida State Pre-Regional Invitational on Sept. 18. The Hatters will then head to Fairburn, Georgia, on Oct. 2 for the Georgia Tech Invitational.

The schedule continues Oct. 16 at the Crimson Tide Invitational in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, giving Stetson another opportunity to compete against some of the nation's top programs before postseason competition begins.

The postseason opens Oct. 30 with the ASUN Championship at the University Club at Arlington in Richmond, Kentucky. The season concludes Nov. 13 at the NCAA South Regional, returning to Apalachee Parkway in Tallahassee, Florida.

Stetson enters the 2026 season after one of the strongest years in program history. The women's team produced multiple school records, highlighted by freshman Hannah Judge breaking the program's 5K and 6K records. On the men's side, the Hatters established a program record for the fastest team average at the ASUN Championship before finishing 22nd at the NCAA South Regional.

The Hatters will look to build on that success this fall as they return several key contributors from both squads.

2026 Stetson Cross Country Schedule

DELAND, Fla. – Five members of the Stetson men's rowing team have been named 2026 Empacher-IRCA Scholar Athletes, the Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association (IRCA) announced.

Representing the Hatters on this year's list are Endrik Brettmann, Chris Furton, Walker Hollmann, Sacha Roiena, and Elliott Steward.

Presented by Empacher Bootswerft, the Empacher-IRCA Scholar Athlete award recognizes collegiate rowers and coxswains who have demonstrated excellence both academically and athletically.

To earn the distinction, student-athletes must be in at least their second year of eligibility, compete in one of their program's top three boats during the season or at the 2026 IRA National Championship, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50 through the fall semester.

This year, 676 rowers and coxswains from 55 teams representing 48 collegiate programs met the award's criteria, highlighting the select group of student-athletes recognized by the IRCA.

The five honorees helped guide the Hatters through one of the program's most successful recent seasons. Stetson captured the Men's Varsity 8+ B Final at the SIRA Championship, earned a silver medal in the Men's Second Varsity 4+ at the Dad Vail Regatta, and concluded the year by competing at the IRA National Championship on Lake Natoma in Sacramento, California.

Stetson's 2026 Empacher-IRCA Scholar Athletes

DeLAND, Fla. – Former Stetson football student-athlete Gerardo Rodriguez recently helped Puerto Rico capture the gold medal at the 2026 IFAF Central American and Caribbean Flag Football Championships in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Rodriguez, a San Juan native and 2020 Stetson graduate, was a member of Puerto Rico's men's national team that finished a perfect 7-0 en route to the regional title. Puerto Rico capped its championship run with a 47-36 victory over Jamaica in the gold medal game after defeating Nicaragua 52-7 in the semifinals. The team also posted victories over Nicaragua (35-6), the Dominican Republic (39-20), El Salvador (35-14), the Cayman Islands (38-0) and Jamaica (36-6) during pool play.

The championship comes during a period of rapid international growth for flag football as the sport prepares for its debut at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Puerto Rico's victory further strengthens its standing among the top flag football nations in the Caribbean and Central American region.

Before helping Puerto Rico earn gold on the international stage, Rodriguez spent four seasons as a member of the Stetson football program after arriving in DeLand from IMG Academy. A defensive back for the Hatters, he appeared in four games during his collegiate career and earned Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll recognition.

Rodriguez's connection to Puerto Rico football extends well beyond his college days. Prior to arriving at Stetson, he earned MVP honors while representing Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Football Classic and has remained heavily involved in the growth of the sport on the island. He currently serves as the CEO/Founder of Legacy Sports Agency and was recently announced as the National Director and Head Coach of Puerto Rico's Adult National Tackle Football Team.

A Sport Business major with a minor in Professional Sales, Rodriguez graduated from Stetson in 2020. His latest accomplishment adds another chapter to a football career that has spanned high school, college and now international competition.

As Puerto Rico continues to establish itself among the top flag football nations in the region, Rodriguez remains one of several former Hatters making an impact far beyond DeLand.

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.

DeLand, Fla. — Stetson University head women's soccer coach Jamie Souza has announced the addition of Madison Jones as an assistant coach for the Hatters.

Jones joins the Stetson staff following a collegiate playing career that included stops at two Southeastern Conference programs, the University of Kentucky and the University of Florida.

"We are very excited to give a young and aspiring coach her first opportunity in the college coaching landscape," said Souza. "Maddie was an excellent player and has all the hallmarks of a person who will make an excellent coach. Our players are going to benefit from Maddie's experience at the Power 4 level but more importantly her infectious personality and love for the game."

A native of Longwood, Fla., Jones recently completed her collegiate career at Florida, where she appeared in every match during the 2024 season and started 13 contests in midfield. She continued to play a key role for the Gators in 2025, recording two goals and an assist while earning Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll recognition.

Jones transferred to Florida following her freshman season at Kentucky, where she appeared in all 18 matches and made four starts for the Wildcats. She scored two goals during her debut collegiate campaign, including the game-tying goal against Florida.

Prior to her collegiate career, Jones was one of Central Florida's most accomplished prep players at Lake Brantley High School. She was named the Orlando Sentinel All-Central Florida Player of the Year and Seminole Athletic Conference Player of the Year as a senior after recording 20 goals and 10 assists. Jones also earned ECNL Southeast All-Conference honors and participated in the ECNL id2 National Training Camp.

Jones graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Health Education and Behavior and is pursuing a Master's degree in Management.

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.