Bulls Around the Bay: Fans to Meet USF Coaches at Busch Gardens!

Busch Gardens, Tampa, USA - Excitement is building in the Sunshine State as the University of South Florida (USF) gears up for a special event that connects fans with their beloved sports teams. The Bulls Around the Bay, a fan engagement extravaganza, will be held at Busch Gardens on June 14, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Head football coach Alex Golesh and head women’s tennis coach Cristina Moros will be there, ready to mingle with fans and show their team spirit. Coach Golesh will be available for fan interactions from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m., offering a unique chance for supporters to engage with the coaching team.

This event is part of Busch Gardens’ Sports Fan Fest, which will also feature representatives from other local sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Lightning. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day at the park while celebrating local sports culture. Plus, Busch Gardens is hosting a Father’s Day event on the same day, making it a fun outing for families.

USF Athletics and Student-Athletes

USF boasts a rich athletic history, sponsoring 21 varsity teams, 20 of which compete at the NCAA Division I level within the American Athletic Conference. The Bulls‘ athletic program, established in 1965, is entering its 59th season. The array of sports at USF includes everything from baseball and football to tennis and soccer. As a testament to their hard work, the Bulls have clinched 154 conference titles across 16 sports, with men’s tennis and men’s soccer standing out with 20 each.

In the classroom, USF student-athletes are putting in a solid performance, too. As of Fall 2024, they achieved a remarkable collective GPA of 3.46, marking the highest in program history. This is just a part of their ongoing academic excellence, as the athletic department has maintained a GPA above 3.00 for 20 consecutive semesters. USF student-athletes have also set a program-record Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 88% in 2024, underscoring the university’s commitment to both athletics and academics. It’s no wonder that over 750 Bulls have graduated since 2015!

Campus Life and Achievements

Aside from their athletic accolades, USF is glad to present an inviting campus atmosphere. With over 43,000 students, the university is known for its tight-knit community and diverse culture. Margriet Timmermans, an international tennis player at USF who began her journey in Fall 2019, appreciates making connections with fellow student-athletes and enjoys the fair weather that Florida has to offer. Timmermans has made quite the impression, having notable credentials from her junior years, including winning the Nike Junior Tour under 12 and being a four-time Dutch champion.

Furthermore, USF has been recognized as one of the top 50 public universities in the U.S., especially noted for its opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. Student life enjoys a variety of offerings, with more than 600 student organizations and popular fields of study including Health Professions, Business, and Engineering. The school spirit runs high, with traditions like the „Go Bulls!“ hand sign becoming a beloved emblem of unity among students.

As the Bulls Around the Bay event approaches, local fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and show their support for USF Athletics. From appreciating the hard work of the student-athletes to savoring the thrill of college sports, there’s no shortage of excitement at the University of South Florida. Let’s cheer for the Bulls!

For updates on the event and all things athletics, follow USF Athletics on X (@USFAthletics) and Facebook!