Pensacola State College’s Athletics Program received a historic boost with a $250,000 donation from Pensacola Sports Association.
The donation – announced at the College’s Pirate Experience held Sept. 27 on the Pensacola campus – is the lead gift in the PSC Athletics Program “Game Plan” capital campaign.
“This donation, the largest ever in our athletics program history, will go a long way toward helping us reach our goals for the athletic capital campaign,” said PSC President Ed Meadows.
“We have some amazing and talented student-athletes here at Pensacola State College. They are outstanding in the classroom and on the court and field, so we want our sports facilities to match the caliber of our students and serve their needs. We are so grateful to Pensacola Sports for investing in the College and our student-athletes.”
Jim Beran, Pensacola Sports Board of Directors chairman, said the organization is happy to partner with the College and find a new home.
“Pensacola State College has made such an indelible mark on our community, in scholastics and sports,” Beran noted. “I know the Pensacola Sports staff is super happy to be on campus now and part of all the excitement. We know PSC will be great stewards of this worthy donation, and we look forward to partnering with the College moving forward.”
Pensacola Sports is temporarily in Building 11 on the campus, while Building 24, across from the baseball field, is being renovated.
Announced in September 2022, the Game Plan’s goals include updating existing and constructing new facilities, increasing scholarship endowments, and providing general support for PSC Athletics.
The capital campaign includes the construction of a top-tier soccer complex on the Pensacola campus, complete with bleachers, a concession stand, locker room, press box, scoreboard, and other amenities. This fall, the College fielded a women’s soccer team that currently has a 2-0-2 record in conference play, making them the Region 8 Champions. The Pirates will play the winner of Region 10 for a chance to go to the National Tournament in Arizona. The playoff match will take place on the road Oct. 28.
Women’s soccer joins PSC baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s cross-country, eSports, softball, and women’s volleyball. With a 21-1 record, the volleyball team is ranked seventh in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II this season. In Sun Lakes North Conference play, the team is 9-0.
Other major funding initiatives include constructing an Academic Success Center for student-athletes, an Athletics Strength and Conditioning Center, locker rooms for volleyball and cross-country, and updates and expansions to baseball and softball facilities.
Also, the PSC Athletics Strength and Conditioning Center was unveiled in the former West Florida Genealogy Branch Library. College administrators announced the formation of the Champion Club, a private booster lounge in the Lou Ross Center.
Chad McCammon, Andrews Institute Vice President of Orthopedics, announced they will support PSC student-athletes. Three athletic trainers will provide services on the Pensacola campus.
Bryan Lewallyn, PSC Athletic Director, was excited about the announcements.
“We cannot thank Pensacola Sports enough for their generous contributions to PSC Athletics. This a monumental moment, and we are excited about our future,” Lewallyn added.
For more information on the PSC “Game Plan” Athletics Campaign, visit https://pirates.pensacolastate.edu/.
