History • Excellence • Hatter Pride
Stetson Athletics
From the moment Stetson students first gathered to play football in 1894, athletics has been woven into the history of Stetson University. For more than 125 years, generations of Hatters have represented one of the South's most historic academic institutions while building a tradition defined by competition, academic achievement, first-class facilities and championship success.
Perhaps one of the most aptly named mascots in college athletics, the label "Hatters" reflects the University's association with John B. Stetson, maker of the well-known Stetson hats. When Stetson University played the first intercollegiate football game in Florida in 1901, the name "Hatters" was used for the first time and has remained the University's beloved athletic identity ever since.
Florida Firsts
A Foundation of Intercollegiate Athletics in Florida
Stetson played Florida's first intercollegiate baseball game in 1895, the state's first intercollegiate basketball game in 1900 and the first intercollegiate football game in 1901. The Hatters later became the first college basketball program in Florida to reach 1,000 victories. In 2012, Stetson was among the founding programs for the first season of collegiate beach volleyball, and the Hatters competed in the inaugural NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship in 2016.
Competing at the Highest Level
NCAA Division I Since 1971
Stetson has proudly competed at the NCAA Division I level since 1971 and has been a member of the ASUN Conference since 1985. Today, approximately 500 student-athletes compete across 19 NCAA Division I sports while representing the Hatters on conference and national stages.
Just as Stetson University is committed to providing a rigorous academic experience, Stetson Athletics is committed to preparing student-athletes for excellence in competition and beyond. Daily physical and intellectual training, mental health resources, athletic nutrition, strength and conditioning, academic support and high-level coaching help create an environment designed to develop student-athletes, coaches and staff while building a culture of champions.
A Campus Built for the Hatters
Home to one of the most picturesque campuses in the nation, Stetson University makes an immediate impression on visitors. Historic architecture, beautiful landscaping and modern amenities create a distinctive environment in the heart of DeLand.
Stetson's athletic facilities reflect that same character. Since 1997, the University has opened or transformed facilities including the Mandy Stoll Tennis Center, Wilson Athletic Center, Melching Field at Conrad Park, Patricia Wilson Field, Athletic Training Center and Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center. Intimate by design, Stetson's venues allow fans to connect closely with Hatter student-athletes and are supported in large part by donors committed to the future of Stetson Athletics.
Award-Winning Facility
Patricia Wilson Field
The home of Stetson Softball has earned seven National Field of the Year awards.
Hatter Highlights
Championships & National Success
Stetson student-athletes compete annually on a national stage, continuing a tradition that spans generations and has produced conference championships, NCAA postseason appearances and some of the most memorable moments in University history.
Baseball
Stetson hosted its first NCAA Regional at Melching Field in 2018 and swept the weekend to advance to the first NCAA Super Regional in program history. The Hatters returned to championship form in 2024, capturing the ASUN Tournament Championship and advancing to the NCAA Tallahassee Regional, before earning another ASUN title and NCAA Regional berth in 2025.
Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball made national history in 2019 by upsetting No. 1 seed USC at the NCAA Championship, becoming the first No. 8 seed to win a dual at the national tournament. The Hatters continued their championship tradition in 2026, sweeping North Florida to capture the program's eighth ASUN Championship and advance to the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship.
Women's Basketball
Women's Basketball captured ASUN Championships and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 2005, 2011 and 2013, establishing one of the program's most successful eras.
Men's Basketball
In 2024, Men's Basketball captured the first ASUN Tournament Championship in program history, punching its ticket to March Madness and making Stetson's first appearance in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.
Women's Tennis
Women's Tennis captured back-to-back ASUN Championships in 2024 and 2025, continuing a conference championship tradition that dates to the program's first league titles in the 1980s.
Men's Soccer
Men's Soccer captured the 2024 ASUN Regular Season Championship, adding another league title to the program's history.
Men's Golf
Gaspar Glaudas captured individual medalist honors at the 2025 ASUN Championship to earn a berth in NCAA Regional competition. One year later, Matthis Lefèvre was named the 2026 ASUN Men's Golfer of the Year after winning three individual tournaments and represented Stetson at the NCAA Athens Regional.
Women's Golf
Isaki Sakashita was named the 2026 ASUN Women's Golfer of the Year after a season featuring three individual victories, two runner-up finishes and eight top-five performances. She represented the Hatters individually at the NCAA Tallahassee Regional.
Men's Tennis
Men's Tennis made history in 2026 by winning the first ASUN Championship in program history. The title secured Stetson's first NCAA Tournament berth in men's tennis.
Softball
Softball captured its sixth ASUN Championship in 2026 and returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014. At the Tallahassee Regional, the Hatters defeated No. 9 Florida State, 8-3, for one of the biggest postseason victories in program history.
Recent Championship Run
The Hatters Continue to Add to the Record Books
2024: Men's Basketball ASUN Champions • Baseball ASUN Champions • Women's Tennis ASUN Champions • Men's Soccer ASUN Regular Season Champions
2025: Baseball ASUN Co-Tournament Champions • Women's Tennis ASUN Champions • Gaspar Glaudas, ASUN Men's Golf Individual Champion
2026: Softball ASUN Champions • Beach Volleyball ASUN Champions • Men's Tennis ASUN Champions • Isaki Sakashita, ASUN Women's Golfer of the Year • Matthis Lefèvre, ASUN Men's Golfer of the Year
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Pete Dunn
Dunn served 37 seasons as Stetson's baseball head coach, compiling 1,312 victories and leading the Hatters to 18 NCAA Regional appearances. He was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014 and the ASUN Hall of Fame in 2024.
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Glenn Wilkes
Wilkes' legendary men's basketball coaching tenure spanned 36 seasons and produced 552 victories. He was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014.
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Beyond Stetson
Hatters on the National & Professional Stage
Stetson alumni have carried Hatter excellence into professional sports, business, education, entertainment and public service.
Jacob deGrom
Two-time National League Cy Young Award winner (2018, 2019) and 2014 NL Rookie of the Year.
Corey Kluber
Two-time American League Cy Young Award winner (2014, 2017).
Logan Gilbert
Made his Major League Baseball debut in 2021 and earned MLB All-Star honors in 2024.
Sam Ryder
Earned his PGA Tour card in 2017 after starring for the Hatters.
Donald Payne
Three-time All-American and one of the leading tacklers in NCAA Division I history who went on to play linebacker in the NFL.
Donald Parham Jr.
Consensus All-American at Stetson in 2018 who went on to play professionally in the NFL.
Tessa Gavilsky
Former Women's Soccer standout who won a pair of Swedish First Division championships with Mallbackens IF and spent a season with the NWSL's Houston Dash.
Dr. Nefertiti Walker
Former Women's Basketball student-athlete who has built a distinguished career in higher education leadership.
Ted Cassidy
Former Stetson basketball player who became one of Hollywood's recognizable character actors, best known for portraying Lurch on The Addams Family.
Peter Nyong'o
Former Men's Soccer goalkeeper whose post-Stetson story became part of a memorable Academy Awards moment alongside his sister, Lupita Nyong'o.
The Next Chapter
More Memories. More Championships. More Hatters.
More than a century after Stetson student-athletes first represented the University in competition, the mission remains the same: compete with pride, represent the Green and White and leave Stetson Athletics stronger for the next generation. With the warmest greetings and utmost excitement, we welcome you to the Hatter Family.
Go Hatters!
