Today is July 22, 2026, and excitement is in the air here in Auburndale! Florida Polytechnic University is stepping up its game in the world of athletics, and there’s a lot to unpack about what’s happening. Just the other day, on July 20, the Auburndale City Commission gave a thumbs-up to a three-year athletics facilities agreement with Florida Poly. This partnership means that the university can officially use some fantastic local venues for their athletic programs.
So, what does this mean for Florida Poly? Well, for starters, they’ll be hosting practices, home games, and special events at several key locations: the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, the Auburndale Softball Complex, and the Auburndale Community Center. This is particularly exciting because it coincides with the inaugural seasons of Florida Poly’s soccer teams, kicking off in August. It’s a big step for a university that’s just over 2,000 students strong and is building an athletics program from scratch!
Facilities and Priorities
The facilities are not just any old spaces; they’re designed to create a quality environment for athletes. For instance, the Auburndale Community Center will be home to men’s and women’s basketball practices, while the Auburndale Softball Complex will host practices for the softball teams. The Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, just ten minutes from campus, will be the main venue for baseball practices, as well as men’s and women’s soccer and cross-country practices. Talk about a prime location!
Florida Poly teams are set to enjoy priority scheduling and access to these facilities, complete with dedicated locker rooms and pregame field access. That’s what every athlete dreams of! Even the arrangement includes athletics storage space and game-day amenities to support the university’s sports programs. It’s a big deal, especially when you consider that Florida Poly is planning to join the NAIA and the Sun Conference.
Coaching and Future Plans
Leading the charge on this new athletics initiative is Derek Lower, the Director of Recreation and Athletics. He’s on the lookout for eight head coaches to guide the new sports programs. Most of these coaches are being pulled from schools already in the Sun Conference, so there’s plenty of experience coming on board. The first sport to hit the field will be men’s soccer, coached by Clay Roberts—set to launch in August!
But wait, there’s more! While these venues are a fantastic temporary solution, the plan is for all sports to be on campus within five years. A basketball arena is the first priority, so fingers crossed that this vision becomes a reality. Until then, the city of Auburndale is stepping up to help with facilities. That kind of support is invaluable!
For those interested in more details, you can check out the full story here. And for a deeper dive into Florida Poly’s athletic ambitions, don’t miss the insights from this source.
It’s an exciting time for Florida Polytechnic University and the city of Auburndale. With the right facilities, enthusiastic leadership, and a clear vision for the future, we’re looking forward to seeing how these new sports programs evolve. Who knows? In a few years, we might be cheering for our very own champions right here in Auburndale!