By Savannah Ruiz, University Communications and Marketing intern
More than 9,000 elementary and middle school students from across Tampa Bay filled the stands at Yuengling Center as they witnessed USF women's basketball鈥檚 91-58 win against Houston Christian University during Education Day. It鈥檚 an annual event that encourages community involvement and allows students a chance to experience USF鈥檚 school spirit.
The tone was set the moment students entered the arena 鈥� shiny green pom-poms held by each child shook with excitement as they took their seats. Enthusiastic rumblings echoed throughout the room, and youthful eyes shined with anticipation in the moments leading up to the game.
鈥淭his is my fifth time coming here,鈥� exclaimed one student from Lomax Elementary School.
Their excitement fueled USF鈥檚 players, performers and mascot. Rocky the Bull was a highlight for them, launching T-shirts into the audience and hopping onto the court for a dance break. For the kids, no moment was too small to cheer as loudly as they could. If a song they knew played over the loudspeakers, if they caught a glimpse of themselves on the jumbotron, or if a cheerleader waved to the audience 鈥� all of it warranted rapturous applause.
鈥淚t's the loudest event of the year,鈥� said Ally Stoyan, who works for USF Athletics Live Entertainment.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a wonderful atmosphere, and it鈥檚 great for our players. Having all of the students there really helped us, and it made it exciting," said interim head coach Michele Woods-Baxter.
For many children, this wasn't just their first live basketball game 鈥� it was their first experience on a college campus. And what an exciting introduction to one of the many events that come with being a Bull. Education Day reflects USF鈥檚 commitment to maintaining strong connections with the Tampa Bay community and inspiring future Bulls.
鈥淣inety percent of a child鈥檚 brain is developed by age 5,鈥� said Sabrina Ruiz, director of family services at the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County. Ruiz emphasized how meaningful experiences outside the classroom are essential and help spark curiosity and build confidence.
Beyond the excitement of the game, Education Day is an opportunity for children of all backgrounds to see themselves in a college environment 鈥� not just as attendees, but as active participants in the fun. This event bridges the gap for students, turning the notion of attending college from a distant, looming idea to a welcoming reality.
The USF women's basketball team next plays at home on Dec. 18 against South Carolina.