Bull Speed Ahead Podcast: 2021 End of Year (Episode 47)
BULL SPEED AHEAD PODCAST: Episode No. 47, Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly
Michael Kelly discusses several key topics in this 2021, year-ending podcast with hostÂ
Darek Sharp recorded Dec. 30, 2021.
TOPICS OF DISCUSSION INCLUDE:
Segment 1 - On the Field, Off the Field & Future Fields
The Bulls success in competition in 2021
USF collected six conference championship trophies, the program's most in 23 years, and sent nine teams to postseason competition in 2020-21. The Bulls posted just their third-ever top 70 finish in the the Learfield IMG Director's Cup standings, ranking second among all American Athletic Conference programs in the overall sports ranking and posting USF's best finish since the 2015-16.
Athletics continued academic success
The Bulls posted an 85 percent Graduation Success Rate (GSR) in the latest data released for all Division I institutions by the NCAA, marking the Bulls' second-highest mark ever, eighth-straight year at 82 percent or better and a GSR better than 84 percent for four-straight years, twice hitting the 85 percent mark in that time frame. A record five programs posted a perfect 100 percent GSR.
Updates on new facilities and fundraising
Ground was broken and construction got underway on a $22 million Indoor Performance Facility. In the fall, Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford announced the university was prioritizing building an on-campus stadium and momentum and planning continues to build toward accomplishing that goal in a 5-8 year time frame. The Bulls unveiled $3 million in football facility improvements in the fall, including a new state-of-the-art locker room. USF also announced a $1.5 million lead gift toward new baseball and softball facilities and is advancing plans for improvements to tennis, track, volleyball and golf facilities.
The growth of women 's sports at USF
The Bulls announced the addition of women's lacrosse starting in 2023-24 and anticipates announcing the addition of another women's program this spring, bringing the total number of Bulls' women's athletics teams to 12 and USF's total varsity sports program count to 21. The addition of the Stampede for Women fundraising effort brings a new focus to advancing the Bull's female sports programs. Women's varsity athletics began at USF in 1972 and women's athletics programs have won 59 conference championship trophies.
Segment 2 - Growth and future planning
Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) advancements
USF Athletics, an early adopter of the INFLCR content sharing technology, expanded its relationship with the industry leader in the space to provide NIL education, tracking, support and content for brand building through the new "Boost" program. Florida rules continue to evolve regarding NIL and USF will position itself to provide student-athletes the greatest platform to benefit.
Athletics handling of the COVID pandemic and emerging stronger
Athletics lost 64 staff members due to budget impacts of COVID, but used the opportunity to reorganize some areas and has returned nearly 40 positions to the department to date. The Bulls capitalized on ESPN+ and social media to continue to reach fans during the pandemic.
Bulls broadcast growth through ESPN+ and event streaming
USF opened a new $2 million broadcast studio constructed in the Muma Center which serves as the nerve center for USF Athletics ESPN+ productions and other athletic event streams originating from campus. Athletics is now streaming nearly every home athletic event, expanding into tennis coverage this spring.Â
Updating Athletics strategic plan to meet future challenges and opportunities
Kelly is very excited about the next 3-5 years in USF Athletics and leadership is working to position USF the best strategically to meet its goals amid the many changes in NCAA athletics. The university has also added Athletics as a major component of its strategic plan moving forward.
Team USF
Kelly thanks all of Bulls Nation for their support during some challenging times.
