TAMPA, Fla. (April 22, 2025) – University of South Florida Athletics has announced a new partnership with LifeLink of Florida, aligning two incredible Tampa Bay area organizations for community-driven programs within the region.

"At USF, we are always looking for ways to use the power of sport to make a meaningful impact in our community," said USF Vice President for Athletics, Michael Kelly. "This collaboration with LifeLink of Florida is a powerful example of what can happen when two mission-driven organizations come together for a greater purpose. We're proud to work alongside LifeLink to help educate and engage our fans in this lifesaving cause."

The joint initiative will debut at the annual USF football spring game in recognition of National Donate Life Month. Donor mom, Marcia Welch, will be on the field to accept the game ball in memory of her son, Jacquez Welch. Jacquez passed away in 2019 and became an organ and tissue donor, saving four lives and improving dozens more. A high school football star with a college scholarship, Jacquez had made the decision to register as a donor when he received his driver's license. Throughout the game, special activations will highlight impactful educational efforts to raise awareness around organ and tissue donation. Fans will be encouraged to follow Jacquez's example and say "yes" to becoming a donor, offering hope and the chance to save lives.

"We are excited to partner with USF Athletics to bring the LifeLink mission and lifesaving message of organ and tissue donation to the Bulls community," said Executive Director of LifeLink of Florida, Darren Lahrman. "This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity to share our Infinity Campaign with USF students, athletes, and fans, illustrating the legacy you create when you choose to be a donor. The impact is immediate for those you save and heal, and the ripple effect on their family, friends, and communities is immeasurable."

One donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of dozens more through tissue donation. In 2024, thanks to the generosity of organ donors and their families, LifeLink facilitated 361 donors and provided 936 organs for transplant, their most lifesaving year ever. Still, more than 100,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving transplant in the United States today, 5,500 of whom are in Florida.

The partnership between USF Athletics and LifeLink creates a meaningful opportunity to engage college students, alumni, student-athletes, and fans alike. Everyone inspired to make a lifesaving difference can register as an organ and tissue donor by visiting MyStoryContinues.com.

About LifeLink® of Florida
LifeLink® of Florida is the federally designated, nonprofit organ procurement organization on the front line of saving lives through organ and tissue donation in west and southwest Florida. LifeLink collaborates around the clock with local hospitals to honor the decisions of registered donors, support donor families, and save lives of patients in need of transplantation each year.

LifeLink staff are available for media interviews with media outlets, and to schedule presentations with local schools, civic groups, and businesses on the importance of donation. For more information about LifeLink visit www.LifeLinkFoundation.org.

About USF Athletics
USF Athletics sponsors 21 varsity teams, with 20 competing at the NCAA Division I level in the American Athletic Conference, including the recent additions of women's lacrosse and women's beach volleyball. The Bulls' athletic program, founded in 1965, is in its 59th season.

Nearly 500 student-athletes train and compete in the Tampa General Hospital Athletics District on the east end of USF's Tampa campus. The Bulls have won 152 conference titles across 16 sports, with 81 men's championships and 71 women's championships. Men's tennis and men's soccer lead with 20 titles each, while women's programs have been headlined by women's tennis (14) and volleyball (13). Since joining the American Athletic Conference in 2013, USF has secured 35 conference team titles.

Academically, USF student-athletes have achieved a program-record 20 consecutive semesters with a combined GPA of 3.0 or above as of fall 2024. Since 2015, more than 750 Bulls have earned their degrees.

Follow South Florida Athletics
For the latest updates from USF Athletics, visit GoUSFBulls.com. Follow USF Athletics on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
 
Get your tickets today!
Call 1-800-GO-BULLS (1-800-462-8557) or email BullsTickets@usf.edu to claim your season or single-game tickets. You can also download the USF Bulls app on the Android or Apple stores to purchase tickets and parking. Visit USFBullsTix.com for more information.