via USF website/press releases

September 19th, 2024 – South Florida Lacrosse Announces Debut Game at Home vs. Kennesaw State

Bulls Women’s Lacrosse will debut at Corbett Stadium on Friday, February 7, 2025 under the lights against Kennesaw State.

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 19, 2024 – University of South Florida Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Mindy McCord, announced the Bulls Debut game today.

South Florida will play their inaugural game at home, in Corbett Stadium on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. against Kennesaw State.

“This is truly an experience of a lifetime and we hope to set a new record for attendance in our home opener,” Head Coach Mindy McCord said. “Our team is going to play an exciting, fast-paced style of play that any sports fan is going to love, so we’ll need Bulls Nation’s support this season as we make history.”

While tickets for the match are not yet on sale, you can put down your initial deposit to reserve Bulls season tickets here. Season ticket members will secure the best pricing for tickets and other unique experiences not available to the general public.

If you can’t make it out, the game will also be broadcast on ESPN+.

There will be a player autograph signing session after the game at the stadium.

The Bulls will eventually play their games in the new on-campus stadium, scheduled in the fall of 2027 and become the lacrosse team’s home in the spring of 2028, for which further renderings were released this week, (read more here). Until then, they will play all their home games at Corbett Stadium.

About the Opponent
Kennesaw State added women’s lacrosse as the university’s 17th NCAA Division I championship sport, with intercollegiate competition beginning back in the spring of 2013. The program competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference, with their highest conference finish being third, occurring both in 2018 and 2022.

ABOUT USF LACROSSE
The University of South Florida announced the addition of women’s lacrosse to its now 21-sport varsity athletics program in November of 2021. The Bulls named eight-time conference coach of the year Mindy McCord to lead the program in May of 2022. McCord, who came to USF with 240 career wins, earned 21 regular season and conference tournament titles at Jacksonville University and led the program to eight NCAA appearances after starting and leading the Dolphins’ program in its first 13 years. She developed 13 All-Americans, 81 all-conference selections and 13 conference player of the year honorees during that span. USF runs a fast-paced, high scoring offense influenced by the early 1990’s Loyola Marymount men’s basketball record-setting fast break, which ranked among the national leaders in shots, points per game and scoring margin numerous seasons during McCord’s tenure at JU. The Bulls had a full roster on campus for the 2023-24 school year and will begin NCAA Division 1 competition in the American Athletic Conference in February of 2025.

Follow USF Women’s Lacrosse on Twitter (@USFWLAX), Instagram, Facebook for all the latest information concerning the USF Women’s Lacrosse program.

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November 13th, 2024 – USF Lacrosse and Mindy McCord Announce Third Signing Class in USF Women’s Lacrosse History

The class will be on campus for the 2025-26 academic year.

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 18, 2024 – The University of South Florida head women’s lacrosse coach, Mindy McCord, has announced the Bulls’ third-ever signing class as USF prepares to begin competition in the spring of 2025.

The Bulls’ signing class of nine student-athletes comes from seven states, with two from Colorado and Georgia each and one from Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Indiana, and Virginia.

The 2025 class includes one goalie, two attackers, three midfielders, one attacker/midfielder, and two defenders. The signees will be ready to step into a highly competitive American Athletic Conference, as they come from talent-rich and competitive high school programs.

“This is a class that will be transformative for years to come,” Mindy McCord said. “The 2025 class is the first in our history that went through a complete recruiting cycle knowing what our program is all about, and with a thorough understanding of what our South Florida goals and culture are all about. That’s why it’s a top recruiting class that is built on skill, athleticism, and character.”

The recruiting class will arrive on campus in the fall of 2025 and will be a part of the program’s second competitive season in the spring of 2026.

Kadyn Brandt | M | Flemington, New Jersey | Triple Threat Iron
Midfielder for Hunterdon Central Regional High School…Won Hunterdon County Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024…Selected to First Team All-County (Hunterdon Warren Sussex), First Team All-Conference Skylands, and First Team All-State (Group four)…Named to Third Team All-State (New Jersey)…Selected USA All-American Athletic and Academic…Also competed in cheer.

Why USF: ” I chose USF for not only the coaches and family environment created by players and staff but for the ability to start a legacy and make history with teammates and coaches who I love.”

Avery Graham | M | Olnery, Maryland | Hero’s Lacrosse
Midfielder for Sherwood High School…Won Montgomery County Player of the Year in 2024 and was named First Team All-County 2022, 2023, and 2024…Named to the Washington Post’s All-Metro Second Team in 2024 and Honorable Mention in 2023…Named to 2022, 2023, and 2024 First Team All-Division, winning the Division’s Player of the Year award and her team’s MVP award in 2023 and 2024…Selected for the New Balance All-America Team (Baltimore) in 2023 and the American Select Team (Maryland) in 2022…Also played both varsity flag football and varsity basketball and ran cross country…Named to the Washington Post All-Metro First Team for Cross Country in 2022 and the Second Team in 2021..finished third place in the Maryland 4A Cross Country State Championships.

Why USF: “I chose South Florida for the coaches and the team culture. I cannot wait to step on campus and help build the legacy of this program!”

Madisyn Jokerst | M/A | Parker, Colorado | Team 180 Sports 
Midfielder and attacker for Regis Jesuit High School…Named captain her Junior year (2024)…Selected to participate in the 2022 and 2024 National Team Development Program Combine for Team USA after scoring 146 goals and 38 assists in 49 career prep games…Selected to the 2023 and 2024 First Team Continental League and 2022 Second Team Continental League…Named Second Team All-State (Colorado) and 2025 American Select Team Colorado in 2021 and 2023…Selected to the 2022 Under Armour 150 and 2021 QPLL Futures…Named 2023 and 2024 Regis Jesuit High School Most Valuable Attacker…Selected to the Adrenaline All-American Watch List for 2025 class.

Why USF: ” The community and the coaches. I love how they care about your mental health and how you are as a person.”

Alexa Lang | G | Aurora, Colorado | Team 180
Three-year Goalie for Colorado Academy before transferring to The John Carroll School for her upcoming Senior year…Was named a 2024 USA Lacrosse Academic All-American and made the Colorado All-State Team…She made All-Conference and won the 5A State Championship all three seasons at Colorado Academy, en route to a 51-0 career record, 57.8% save percentage, and 4.6 goals allowed against…Selected for the 2022 and 2023 Under Armour 150 and was the 2021 and 2022 Under Armour All-American Goalie for the Southwest…Also named a four-star recruit by Inside Women’s Lacrosse (Class of 2025) and a three-time Lacrosse ID Experience selection…Named to the Class of 2025 Adrenaline All-American Watchlist and a Best In Class Prospect Camp Standout…Was the 2023 American Select Team Colorado Goalie.

Why USF: “Where do I begin? It’s an AAU school, the honors college is amazing, the location is ideal, the team culture and coaches make it feel like a family, the NIL Opportunities are everywhere…I could go on. The first time I visited the campus was in January of 2023 during a camp, and I fell in love with how fast I was encouraged to play. I felt for the first time that I was in a place that perfectly matched my playing style.”

Lucy Livingston | D | Sayville, New York | Long Island Yellow Jackets
Defender for the Sayville High School…Earned All-Division in 2024…Named to the All-Rookie team for the 2023 season…Also played varsity soccer and basketball for Sayville High School.

Why USF: “I chose USF because I wanted to be a part of this team’s culture and learn from these coaches.”

Hayden Miller | D | Milton, Georgia | Eagle Stix Blue
Defender for Milton High School…Named to All-America South Team 2022, 2023, and 2024…Named to All-America Tournament Team and Watch List 2022 and 2024…Selected as 2023 Under Armour All-Star…Named to Under Armour 2022 and 2023 150…As a Senior in 2024, earned the most caused turnovers for Milton Lacrosse…Won the Hustle Award for Milton Lacrosse as a Junior in 2023…Scholar Athlete 2022, 2023, and 2024…Also played varsity flag football and was named captain all four years, winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024.

Why USF: “I choose USF because the coaches really care about us, not just as players. It feels like a big family. The location is awesome, and the vibe at USF is unmatched. It is the perfect spot to grow both on and off the field!”

Lyla Sharpe | A | Granger, Indiana
Attacker for Penn High School…Named 2022 New Player of the Year…Named Offensive Player of the Year and All-State for the 2023 season after leading the team in points…Sat out 2024 due to injury…Held role on the Student Athletic Leadership Council every year of high school.

Why USF: “I chose USF because of the incredibly hard-working, compassionate, and driven coaching staff and team, all of whom had the clear intention of building a competitive and uplifting environment. As soon as I met the team, it was evident that each player put their teammates first and worked hard as a family. You could feel how grateful every player was to be in their position, and it showed on the field. In addition to the amazing facilities and huge support from the university as a whole, the coaches have so much care for the individual players and team success and a contagious vision to compete at a high level.”

Aria Webster | A | Ashburn, Virginia | Skywalkers Lacrosse
Attacker for Independence High School…Earned First Team All-District 2022, 2023, and 2024…Named First Team All-Region 2022, 2023, and 2024…Selected to Second Team All-State 2023 and 2024…Named First Team All-State in 2024 and was District Regional Player of the Year…Also ran track and field while in high school.

Why USF: “The family atmosphere, along with the amazing coaching staff and academic opportunities. I have also loved Florida since I was young and always dreamed of living there!”

Alex Whitecliffe | M | Ball Ground, Georgia | Southern Zone Lacrosse
Midfielder for Cherokee High School…Two-time USA Lacrosse All-American in 2023 and 2024…USA U18 Developmental Program Member in 2024…New Balance All-American South Team in 2024… DiVaristy All-Star Team Selection and DiVarsity Game MVP in 2023 and 2024…First-Team All-County and All-State in 2023…2023 and 2022 UA 150 Participant…Scored her 100^th career goal as a sophomore…All-America All-Tournament Team in 2022…named to the All-America 2025 Watch List as a freshman…Named to the Under Armour All-America Underclass Command South Team in 2022…Named Varsity MVP Offensive Player of the year as a Freshman and was named to the All-County Second Team…Max Prep Stats Leader in ground balls in the state of Georgia with 111 as a Freshman…Has played the sport since third grade…Also played Varsity basketball and volleyball at Cherokee High School…Named All-County and All-Region First Team in Basketball for 2024, also being named to All-Region First Team in 2023.

Why USF: “I chose USF because I get to be a part of developing and paving the way for a new team and competing at a high level. I also chose USF for the team culture and family feel that the coaches and players showed me.”

ABOUT USF LACROSSE
The University of South Florida announced the addition of women’s lacrosse to its now 21-sport varsity athletics program in November of 2021. The program embarks on their inaugural season on Feb. 7, 2025. The Bulls named eight-time conference coach of the year Mindy McCord to lead the program in May of 2022. McCord, who came to USF with 240 career wins, earned 21 regular season and conference tournament titles at Jacksonville University and led the program to eight NCAA appearances after starting and leading the Dolphins’ program in its first 13 years. She developed 13 All-Americans, 81 all-conference selections, and 13 conference Player of the Year honorees during that span. USF runs a fast-paced, high-scoring offense influenced by the early 1990s Loyola Marymount men’s basketball record-setting fast break, which ranked among the national leaders in shots, points per game, and scoring margin numerous seasons during McCord’s tenure at JU.

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November 6th, 2024 – USF Releases Four New On-Campus Stadium Renderings Ahead of Groundbreaking

The renderings showcase three new viewpoints inside and outside the stadium and an evening view of the student section.

TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 6, 2024) – Ahead of the historic on-campus stadium groundbreaking on Friday, the University of South Florida unveiled four new renderings of the facility. The renderings showcase three new viewpoints inside and outside the stadium and an evening view of the student section, previously released in September.

The student section, which includes all stadium west-side seating, features the iconic “Bull U” logo. The logo will be illuminated at night, fostering an electric atmosphere under the stadium lights. The night rendering of the student section offers a close-up view of the DJ deck and dedicated student-only concessions to provide easy access to food and refreshments.

Located within the stadium perimeter, the north lawn area is envisioned as a vibrant, walkable area adjacent to scenic trails and a lush tree canopy, making for a unique entrance to the stadium. This versatile space will be a hub for various events, sponsor activations, and guest amenities. Potential uses include sponsored gatherings, tailgating, live music, and other non-game day events. Since it is located within the stadium perimeter, the north lawn will be conveniently accessible throughout game day.

The shaded home stands on the stadium’s south side are designed to elevate the fan experience by focusing on comfort and convenience. The lower and main bowls on that side will serve as the home stands for USF fans. Premium seating, including club and private suites, will also be on the stadium’s south side. A covered rooftop patio will give fans a unique experience atop the stadium. These areas are designed with both comfort and visibility in mind, ensuring fans have a premier view of the field.

The on-campus stadium’s concourse, located 10 rows up from the field, is designed to keep fans engaged with the game regardless of their vantage point. The concourse will feature stadium concessions, providing easy access to refreshments and food while keeping fans connected to the action on the field.

“We are thrilled to bring our on-campus stadium vision closer to reality, and these new renderings give Bulls fans an exciting glimpse into the game day experience awaiting them,” said Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly. “Our priority is to deliver an unparalleled fan experience. Key features of the stadium, such as the inviting north lawn, southside premium tower, and expansive concourse, are specifically designed to enhance comfort and offer unique amenities that cater to our community. This stadium is truly being designed by USF, for USF, reflecting valuable input from our students, alumni, Bulls Nation, and the greater Tampa Bay community to elevate the overall experience.”

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Nov. 8 at 3:30 p.m. It will be live-streamed on ESPN+ and can be viewed on USF Athletics and the university’s official social media accounts.

About USF Athletics
USF Athletics sponsors 21 varsity men’s and women’s teams that compete in 13 different sports, 20 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 began in 1965 and will be in its 59th season in 2024-25. Nearly 500 student-athletes train and compete in the athletic district located on the east end of the campus in Tampa, Fla. USF has garnered 16 national championships in varsity sports (the latest in 2022-23 in the NCAA indoor and outdoor high jump) and owns 149 conference titles won in 16 sports in department history, led by 20 each for men’s tennis and men’s soccer. USF has claimed 80 men’s conference championships and 69 women’s titles, led by 14 in women’s tennis and 12 in volleyball, and owns 32 American Athletic Conference team titles since joining the conference in 2013, including four in 2023-24. USF student-athletes have posted a combined annual grade-point average over 3.0 for a program record of 19 straight semesters as of spring 2024. USF has had over 700 student-athletes earn their degree since 2016-17.

Get your tickets today!
Call 1-800-GO-BULLS (1-800-462-8557) or email BullsTickets@usf.edu to claim your 2024 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.

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September 30th, 2024 – Brooks, Harbaugh, Gramatica, Nelson: Notable Names Carry On Family Legacies at South Florida – Alison Harbaugh Excerpt

by Joey Johnston

She already made a name for herself in three seasons of high-level lacrosse at Notre Dame and now, as a graduate student, she’s poised to become an integral part of USF’s burgeoning first-year program.

But her name itself?

It still makes people pause or do a double-take.

Harbaugh.

Alison Harbaugh.

“People are usually nice about it,” she said. “It’s definitely strange at the same time. I mean, it’s my name. What’s the big deal? I grew up with it, you know?

“But the biggest thing is the pride I have in my name. It’s my family, the people I love. We’re very close and I am extremely proud to be a Harbaugh.”

Alison Harbaugh is accustomed to attention because of the pedigree of her sports-centric family. Her father, John, is in his 17th season as head coach of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, who he guided to the Super Bowl XLVII championship. Her uncle, Jim, coached the Michigan Wolverines to last season’s college-football national championship and now heads the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers.

“You could say there are expectations and challenges to her name being Harbaugh, even when Alison was a little kid,” John Harbaugh said by telephone from Baltimore. “But she has done great with it. She handles any added attention with such grace. I’m really proud of her and it’s probably difficult for most people to understand what that’s like, having people look at you a certain way simply because of your name or who your dad is.”

Actually, in the USF athletic department, Alison Harbaugh is surrounded by kindred spirits.

USF football freshman place-kicker Nico Gramatica is the son of Martin Gramatica, once a Pro Bowl kicker and Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Additionally, Nico Gramatica’s uncles (Bill and Santiago) were two of the top kickers in USF football history.

USF softball sophomore infielder DaNia Brooks is the daughter of Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, the former Bucs linebacker and Super Bowl champion.

USF softball sophomore infielder Jamia Nelson is the daughter of former NBA all-star point guard Jameer Nelson, who was the 2004 National College Basketball Player of the Year at Saint Joseph’s University.

“I think if the four of us were sitting at a table together, even though we might not know each other that well, we’d find that we have a lot in common,” Alison Harbaugh said. “Our dads have been involved in the business of sports, where things can be so fickle, where the media and fans say things about you that maybe aren’t exactly right.

“But you know what? You stay true to that family name. You grow closer and tighter. Your dad might be well-known, but he’s still your dad. And that’s what really matters.”

If the famous dads of these disparate USF athletes got together, they would also bond through the commonalities.

“I think the similarities are we really enjoy these moments as parents and we look forward to our kids blazing their own trails,” Derrick Brooks said.

Honoring The Family Name

John Harbaugh wasn’t there that night, but he saw the video taken by his wife, Ingrid. Alison, a multi-sport athlete, played point guard for her state-champion high-school basketball team. When she went to the free-throw line — a particularly important moment in a big game — a group of boys began the chant:

Harbaugh (stinks)! Harbaugh (stinks)!

Your dad’s getting fired! Your dad’s getting fired!

“Can you imagine?” John Harbaugh said. “That’s pretty rough treatment for a high-school girl. But you know what? She hit those free throws.”

Alison Harbaugh always had the “clutch gene,” according to her father. She was very young when they began playing catch in the front yard. When the family lived in Philadelphia, she was a productive 5-year-old on a 7-year-old baseball team. When she discovered lacrosse, the games of catch continued. She used a lacrosse stick. He used a baseball glove.

With everything John Harbaugh has experienced in football — including defeating a 49ers team coached by his brother at the Super Bowl, 173 victories heading into this season, five division championships and 11 postseason teams — he said nothing compares to the pressure of watching Alison compete in lacrosse.

“Football is way, way easier,” John Harbaugh said with a laugh. “I mean, there’s always pressure and stress in an NFL game. But the stress of watching your own child? I think any parent would agree that puts you on the edge of your seat. You just want them to do well.

“At the same time, I’ve had more fun through the years watching Alison’s lacrosse matches. I’ve felt the pressure, too, believe me, but seeing her perform and watching her happiness … it’s great. I am incredibly excited that she’s playing for USF, helping to get that program off the ground. The USF Bulls will be awesome — mark my words. And you will see me there for sure.”

USF’s inaugural lacrosse match (against Kennesaw State) is Feb. 7, 2025 — the Friday before the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

“My dad was like, ‘I’m not missing any games, so if we’re playing in the Super Bowl, I’ll get a plane and then I’ll come back,’ ” said Alison Harbaugh, who knows where to find her father at lacrosse matches — high up in the corner, watching intently, not saying a word. “And I’m like, ‘Dad, slow down, take it easy. Let’s be reasonable. You’ll have a lot more lacrosse games to attend. If you’re in the Super Bowl, you better stay in place.’

“It’s just that Harbaugh competitiveness and enthusiasm that we all have. I don’t care what it is — even a card game — we go all out and somebody will be crying at the end. At the same time, my dad has this tender side and he always knows the right words. I could have a bad day or practice and he’ll remind me that doesn’t determine my value, who I am and who God says I am. He says, ‘If you lay your head down at night and you know you did your best, that’s all you can do. Let the chips fly.’ He’s a great person and a great dad.”

She has learned to ignore the often-toxic public comments that surround a high-profile coach or athlete.

“When you’re young and they (Ravens) lose, you go into school Monday morning wondering, ‘Who’s the first person who will say my dad should’ve done this or that?’ ” said Allison Harbaugh, who was initially recruited out of high school by USF coaches Mindy and Paul McCord when they were at Jacksonville University. “My mom always told me to go out there with my head held high, proud of who I was. And I did.

“I don’t read social media. It’s not productive and it would just make you angry. I know the truth. As crazy as the attention can get, it has just made my family super close. We all know the deal. My dad is the best.”