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Sunshine State Conference
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
 | |
| Association | NCAA |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1975 |
| Commissioner | Ed Pasque (since 2014) |
| Sports fielded |
|
| Division | Division II |
| No. of teams | 11 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne, Florida |
| Region | Florida |
| Official website | sunshinestateconference |
| Locations | |
 | |
The Sunshine State Conference is a college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level. All of its member institutions are located in the state of Florida, which is popularly known as the Sunshine State.
The conference was originally formed in 1975 as a men's basketball conference. It has since expanded to sponsor championships in 18 sports, including men's and women's basketball, baseball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's lacrosse, women's rowing, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's swimming, men's and women's tennis, women's volleyball.
SSC institutions have won a total of 135 NCAA national team championships, including a conference record eight in the 2024–25 academic year.[1] The conference has also claimed a total of 101 national runner-up trophies.[2]
History
[edit]The conference was preceded by the Florida Intercollegiate Conference,[citation needed] which was disbanded in the mid-1960s. The Sunshine State Conference was founded in 1975 by Saint Leo University (then Saint Leo College) basketball coach & athletic director Norm Kaye. Kaye served as Commissioner the first year until Dick Pace was named Commissioner in 1976. Kaye continued as Executive Director of the Conference for an additional 12 years. Pace was inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 1985.
The six charter Conference members were: Biscayne College (now St. Thomas University), Florida Technological University (now University of Central Florida), Eckerd College, Florida Southern College, Rollins College, and Saint Leo College.
The Conference has seen dozens of athletes go on to have successful professional careers. Some examples include: Current PGA Tour players Lee Janzen and Rocco Mediate went to Florida Southern. Janzen won golf's U.S. Open in 1993 & 1998; on the baseball side are Tino Martinez (Tampa), Tim Wakefield (Florida Tech), Ryan Hanigan (Rollins), Bob Tewksbury (Saint Leo), and J. D. Martinez (Nova Southeastern). Wakefield tied a career high of 17 wins pitching for the 2007 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox and Tewksbury was third in balloting for the National League Cy Young Award while going 16–5 for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1992.
Chronological timeline
[edit]
- March 2, 1975 – Basketball conference exploration meeting is held at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Main purpose of meeting is to discuss formation of an NCAA Division II mid-Florida basketball conference.[3]
- March 16, 1975 – Second exploration meeting is held at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. The name "Sunshine State Conference" is suggested by Dr. Calvin C. Miller and is adopted for league use. Norm Kaye of Saint Leo is named Interim Commissioner. Dr. Thomas B. Southard, president of Saint Leo College, is named as first conference president.
- June 1975 – Conference constitution adopted.
- October 8, 1975 – First meeting of the SSC is held in Orlando. Basketball regulations and league bylaws are revised and approved.
- December 3, 1975 – Florida Southern defeats Eckerd, 96–84, in first SSC basketball game played in Saint Petersburg.
- April 8, 1976 – Dick Pace is named league commissioner. NCAA approves automatic bid for SSC basketball champion. Golf and Tennis are added to league for 1976–77, baseball and soccer are added for 1977–78.
- May 18, 1977 – First Sunshine State Conference men's basketball tournament held
- February 1, 1981 – Norm Kaye of Saint Leo is appointed as executive of SSC. Executive Committee is formed, consisting of league athletic directors.
- July 1, 1981 – Florida Institute of Technology joins the Sunshine State Conference.
- September 2, 1981 – The University of Tampa joins the Sunshine State Conference.
- April 15, 1982 – League adopts women's competition in basketball, cross country, slow-pitch softball, tennis, and volleyball.
- May 1, 1984 – University of Central Florida (formerly Florida Technological University) withdraws from the conference. Women's fast-pitch softball is adopted for league play in 1985.
- February 2, 1986 – Bob Vanatta, athletic director at Louisiana Tech University, is named as league's first full-time commissioner.
- June 13, 1988 – Barry University joins the conference.
- November 1990 – Conference signs a two-year contract with the Sunshine Network for seven events.
- February 11, 1991 – University of North Florida joins the conference, effective July 1, 1992.
- July 1, 1994 – Don Landry is named conference commissioner and conference relocates to Orlando.
- November 22, 1994 – Conference announces three-year deal to have postseason basketball tournament at The Lakeland Center. The SSC will serve as host in 1996 and 1997.
- December 1, 1994 – Sunshine Network announces nine-event television package for school year.
- June 9, 1995 – Inaugural SSC Awards Luncheon held in Orlando.
- February 29, 1996 – Inaugural SSC Hall of Fame/Honors banquet held in Lakeland.
- September 30, 1996 – University of North Florida withdraws from the Sunshine State Conference, effective June 30, 1997.
- October 15, 1996 – Women's crew added to Sunshine State Conference sponsored sports.
- December 18, 1996 – Lynn University joins the Sunshine State Conference, effective July 1, 1997.
- July 15, 1998 – League adds women's soccer and women's golf as sponsored sports.
- August 24, 1999 – Saint Leo College becomes Saint Leo University and adopts new nickname ("Lions") and logo.
- July 1, 2000 – 25th Anniversary of the Sunshine State Conference.
- August 26, 2002 – Nova Southeastern University joins the Sunshine State Conference as a provisional member.
- May 26, 2004 – Don Landry announced retirement as SSC Commissioner, effective August 1, 2004. Landry remained acting commissioner through September 6, 2004.
- July 26, 2004 – Michael J. Marcil named SSC commissioner, effective September 7, 2004.
- September 14, 2009 – Jay Jones officially begins duties as the SSC commissioner, replacing Mike Marcil, who left the post June 30, 2009.
- April 7, 2010 – League adds men's and women's swimming as sponsored sport.
- July 1, 2013 – League adds men's lacrosse as sponsored sport.
- February 3, 2014 – Ed Pasque officially begins duties as the SSC commissioner, replacing Jay Jones, who left the post December 31, 2013.
- July 1, 2014 – League adds women's lacrosse as sponsored sport. – Palm Beach Atlantic University and Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University join Sunshine State Conference as provisional members; effective July 1, 2015.
- December 13, 2023 – The SSC announced the addition of three sports in 2024–25—beach volleyball, plus men's and women's outdoor track & field. The SSC will become the first conference outside NCAA Division I to officially sponsor beach volleyball.[4]
Member schools
[edit]Current members
[edit]The SSC currently has 11 full members, all are private schools:
| Institution | Location[a] | Founded | Affiliation | Enrollment | Nickname | Joined[b] | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barry University | Miami Shores | 1940 | Catholic | 6,825 | Buccaneers | 1988 | |
| Eckerd College | St. Petersburg | 1958 | Presbyterian | 1,893 | Tritons | 1975 | |
| Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University | Daytona Beach | 1926 | Nonsectarian | 8,755 | Eagles | 2015[c] | |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland | 1883 | United Methodist | 2,915 | Moccasins | 1975 | |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne | 1958 | Nonsectarian | 7,223 | Panthers | 1981 | |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton | 1962 | Nonsectarian | 3,520 | Fighting Knights | 1997[d] | |
| Nova Southeastern University | Davie | 1964 | Nonsectarian | 22,830 | Sharks | 2002[e] | |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University | West Palm Beach | 1968 | Christian | 4,147 | Sailfish | 2015[f] | |
| Rollins College | Winter Park | 1885 | Nonsectarian | 3,047 | Tars | 1975 | |
| Saint Leo University | St. Leo | 1889 | Catholic | 14,190 | Lions | 1975 | |
| University of Tampa | Tampa | 1931 | Nonsectarian | 11,429 | Spartans | 1981 |
- Notes
- ^ All cities are located in the State of Florida.
- ^ Represents the calendar year when fall sports competition begins.
- ^ The Embry–Riddle men's and women's basketball teams joined the SSC two years after becoming a full member for other sports (2017–18).
- ^ The Lynn men's and women's basketball teams joined the SSC a year after becoming a full member for other sports (1998–99).
- ^ The Nova Southeastern men's and women's basketball teams joined the SSC two years after becoming a full member for other sports (2004–05).
- ^ The Palm Beach Atlantic men's and women's basketball teams joined the SSC a year after becoming a full member for other sports (2016–17).
Former members
[edit]The SSC had three former full members, all but one were public schools:
| Institution | Location[a] | Founded | Affiliation | Enrollment | Nickname | Joined[b] | Left[c] | Current conference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Florida | Orlando | 1963 | Public | 68,571 | Knights | 1975 | 1984 | Big 12[d] |
| University of North Florida | Jacksonville | 1969 | Public | 16,309 | Ospreys | 1992[e] | 1997 | Atlantic Sun (ASUN)[d] |
| St. Thomas University | Miami Gardens | 1961 | Catholic | 1,750 | Bobcats | 1975 | 1987 | The Sun[f] |
- Notes
- ^ All cities were located in the State of Florida.
- ^ Represents the calendar year when fall sports competition begins.
- ^ Represents the calendar year when spring sports competition ends.
- ^ a b Currently an NCAA Division I athletic conference.
- ^ The North Florida men's and women's basketball teams joined the SSC a year after becoming a full member for other sports (1993–94).
- ^ Currently an NAIA athletic conference.
Membership timeline
[edit]
Full member (all sports) Full member (non-football) Associate member (football-only) Associate member (other sports)
Conference facilities
[edit]| Institution | Arena | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Barry | Health and Sports Center | 1,938 |
| Embry–Riddle | ICI Center | 1,968 |
| Eckerd | McArthur Center | 1,000 |
| Florida Southern | Jenkins Field House | 2,500 |
| Florida Tech | Clemente Center | 1,500 |
| Lynn | de Hoernle Center | 1,000 |
| Nova Southeastern | Rick Case Arena at the Don Taft University Center | 5,500 |
| Palm Beach Atlantic | Rubin Arena | 2,000 |
| Rollins | Warden Arena | 2,500 |
| Saint Leo | Marion Bowman Activities Center | 2,000 |
| Tampa | Bob Martinez Sports Center | 3,432 |
National championships
[edit]Sunshine State Conference schools have won 135 NCAA Division II National Championships as of 2024-25.[5]
Championships by year
[edit]| Year | Titles | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1965-66 | 1 | Rollins tennis (M) |
| 1966-67 | ||
| 1967-68 | ||
| 1968-69 | ||
| 1969-70 | 1 | Rollins golf (M) |
| 1970-71 | 1 | Florida Southern Baseball |
| 1971–72 | 2 | Florida Southern Baseball • Rollins tennis (M) |
| 1972-73 | ||
| 1973-74 | ||
| 1974-75 | 1 | Florida Southern Baseball |
| 1975-76 | ||
| 1976-77 | ||
| 1977–78 | 1 | Florida Southern Baseball |
| 1978-79 | ||
| 1979-80 | ||
| 1980-81 | 3 | Florida Southern Baseball • Florida southern Basketball (M) • Florida Southern golf (M) |
| 1981-82 | 2 | Florida Southern golf (M) • Tampa Soccer (M) |
| 1982–83 | ||
| 1983-84 | ||
| 1984-85 | 2 | Florida Southern Baseball • Florida Southern golf (M) |
| 1985-86 | 1 | Florida Southern golf (M) |
| 1986-87 | 1 | Tampa golf (M) |
| 1987–88 | 2 | Florida Southern Baseball • Tampa golf (M) |
| 1988–89 | 1 | Florida Tech soccer (M) |
| 1989-90 | 2 | Florida Southern golf (M) • Barry soccer (W) |
| 1990-91 | 3 | Florida Southern golf (M) • Rollins tennis (M) • Rollins golf (W) |
| 1991-92 | 3 | Tampa Baseball • Rollins golf (W) • Florida Tech soccer (M) |
| 1992-93 | 3 | Tampa Baseball • Barry soccer (W) • Florida Southern softball |
| 1993–94 | 3 | Barry soccer (W) • North Florida tennis (W) • Rollins golf (W) |
| 1994-95 | 3 | Florida Southern Baseball • Florida Southern golf (M) • Tampa soccer (M) |
| 1995-96 | 2 | Florida Southern golf (M) • Barry Volleyball (W) |
| 1996-97 | 2 | Lynn tennis (W) • Lynn golf (W) |
| 1997-98 | 3 | Tampa Baseball • Florida Southern golf (M) • Lynn tennis (W) |
| 1998–99 | 2 | Florida Southern golf (M) • Lynn soccer (W) |
| 1999-2000 | 2 | Florida Southern golf (M) • Florida Southern golf (W) |
| 2000–01 | 3 | Florida Southern golf (W) • Rollins tennis (M) • Lynn tennis (W) |
| 2001–02 | 4 | Rollins golf (M) • Florida Southern golf (W) • Barry Volleyball (W) • Tampa soccer (M) |
| 2002–03 | 1 | Rollins golf (W) |
| 2003–04 | 2 | Rollins golf (W) • Lynn soccer (M) |
| 2004–05 | 3 | Florida Southern Baseball • Rollins golf (W) • Barry volleyball (W) |
| 2005–06 | 2 | Tampa Baseball • Rollins golf (W) |
| 2006–07 | 5 | Tampa Baseball • Barry golf (M) • Florida Southern golf (W) • Lynn tennis (M) • Tampa volleyball (W) |
| 2007–08 | 2 | Rollins golf (W) • Tampa soccer (W) |
| 2008–09 | 2 | Lynn baseball • Nova Southeastern golf (W) |
| 2009–10 | 3 | Florida Southern golf (M) • Nova Southeastern golf (W) • Barry tennis (M) |
| 2010–11 | 2 | Nova Southeastern golf (W) • Barry tennis (W) |
| 2011–12 | 2 | Nova Southeastern golf (M) • Nova Southeastern golf (W) |
| 2012–13 | 6 | Tampa baseball • Barry golf (M) • Lynn golf (W) • Nova Southeastern rowing • Lynn soccer (M) • Barry tennis (M) |
| 2013–14 | 3 | Barry golf (M) • Lynn golf (W) • Barry tennis (W) |
| 2014–15 | 7 | Tampa baseball • Florida Southern basketball (M) • Nova Southeastern golf (M) • Barry rowing • Lynn soccer (M) • Barry tennis (M) • Tampa volleyball |
| 2015–16 | 5 | Nova Southeastern baseball • Saint Leo golf (M) • Rollins golf (W) • Florida Southern lacrosse (W) • Barry rowing |
| 2016–17 | 3 | Barry tennis (W)[6] • Barry golf (W) • Florida Southern golf (M) |
| 2017–18 | 2 | Barry tennis (W)[7] • Lynn golf (M)[8] |
| 2018–19 | 7 | Barry soccer (M)[9] • Tampa volleyball[10] • Florida Tech golf (W)[11] • Lynn golf (M)[12] • Barry tennis (M)[13] • Barry tennis (W)[14] • Tampa baseball[15] |
| 2019–20 | ||
| 2020–21 | 2 | Barry tennis (M) • Barry tennis (W) |
| 2021–22 | 4 | Tampa lacrosse (M) • Barry tennis (M) • Barry tennis (W) • Tampa volleyball (W) |
| 2022–23 | 5 | Nova Southeastern basketball (M) • Nova Southeastern golf (M) • Nova Southeastern swimming (W) • Barry tennis (M) • Barry tennis (W) |
| 2023–24 | 5 | Tampa baseball • Nova Southeastern swimming (W) • Tampa swimming (M) • Nova Southeastern tennis (W) • Tampa lacrosse (W) |
| 2024–25 | 8 | Lynn soccer (M) • Lynn volleyball (W) • Nova Southeastern swimming (W) • Nova Southeastern basketball (M) • Tampa lacrosse (W) • Barry tennis (W) • Embry-Riddle rowing (W) • Tampa baseball |
Championships by school
[edit]| School | NCAA Titles |
Most Recent |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Southern | 30 | 2017 — men's golf |
| Barry | 29 | 2025 — women's tennis |
| Tampa | 24 | 2025 — women's lacrosse, baseball |
| Lynn | 16* | 2024 — men's soccer, volleyball |
| Nova Southeastern | 15 | 2025 — women's swimming & diving, men's basketball |
| Rollins | 15 | 2016 — women's golf |
| Florida Tech | 3 | 2019 — women's golf |
| Embry-Riddle | 1 | 2025 — women's rowing |
| Saint Leo | 1 | 2016 — men's golf |
| North Florida | 1 | 1994 — women's tennis |
Controversy
[edit]On July 17, 2007, NCAA vacated Lynn's 2005 Women's Division II Softball Championship due to extra benefits given to two players. The NCAA found that former coach Thomas Macera gave two Lynn softball players cash payments totaling more than $3,000. Lynn was also placed on probation for two years.[16] As of 2024-25 Lynn University has won 17 national championships at the Division II level, but now the NCAA recognizes only 16 of them because of the unsanctioned actions.
Mayors' Cup Champions
[edit]The Mayors' Cup was originally presented following the 1986–1987 academic year to recognize the annual SSC all-sports champion. The men's division recognizes competition in eight sports: soccer, cross country, basketball, swimming, golf, tennis, lacrosse and baseball. The Women's Mayors' Cup recognizes competition in ten sports: volleyball, soccer, cross country, basketball, swimming, golf, tennis, lacrosse, softball and rowing.[17]
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Sports
[edit]| Sport | Men's | Women's |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball |  |
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| Basketball | |
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| Beach volleyball |
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| Cross country | |
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| Golf | |
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| Lacrosse | |
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| Rowing |
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| Soccer | |
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| Softball |
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| Swimming & Diving | |
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| Tennis | |
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| Track & field outdoor | |
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| Volleyball |
|
SSC is adding Beach Volleyball, Men's Outdoor Track, and Women's Outdoor Track championships in 2024–25.
Men's sponsored sports by school
[edit]| School | Baseball | Basketball | Cross country |
Golf | Lacrosse | Soccer | Swimming & diving |
Tennis | Track & field outdoor |
Total SSC sports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barry |
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[a] |
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8 |
| Eckerd |
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6 | |||
| Embry–Riddle |
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8 | |
| Florida Southern |
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9 |
| Florida Tech |
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6 | |||
| Lynn |
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9 |
| Nova Southeastern |
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8 | |
| Palm Beach Atlantic |
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8 | |
| Rollins |
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7 | ||
| Saint Leo |
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8 | |
| Tampa |
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8 | |
| Totals | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 85 |
- ^ Barry will add men's lacrosse in 2026–27.
Women's sponsored sports by school
[edit]| School | Basketball | Beach volleyball |
Cross country |
Golf | Lacrosse | Rowing | Soccer | Softball | Swimming & diving |
Tennis | Track & field outdoor |
Volleyball | Total SSC sports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barry |
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[a] |
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11 |
| Eckerd |
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8 | ||||
| Embry–Riddle |
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10 | ||
| Florida Southern |
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11 | |
| Florida Tech |
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6 | ||||||
| Lynn |
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10 | ||
| Nova Southeastern |
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10 | |
| Palm Beach Atlantic |
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10 | ||
| Rollins |
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9 | |||
| Saint Leo |
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10 | ||
| Tampa |
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12 |
| Totals | 11 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 11 | 11 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 11 | 108 |
- ^ Barry will add women's lacrosse in 2026–27.
Other sponsored sports by school
[edit]| School | Men | Women | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Track & field indoor |
Volleyball [a] | Track & field indoor | |||
| Barry | IND | ||||
| Embry–Riddle | PBC | PBC | |||
| Florida Southern | IND | IND | |||
- ^ De facto Division I sport. The NCAA's top-level national championship is open to members of Divisions I and II.
Discontinued Sports
[edit]Florida Tech= Football, Men's Golf, Women's Cross Country, Women's Golf, Women's Rowing
Rollins= Football, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country
St. Leo= Men's Swimming, Women's Swimming
Tampa= Football, Men's Tennis, Men's Wrestling
References
[edit]- ^ "Sunshine State Conference Celebrates Historic 2024-25 Season with Eight Team National Championships". June 9, 2025. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ "Sunshine State Conference National Champions". Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ^ "About The SSC". July 29, 2015. Retrieved September 21, 2016.
- ^ "Sunshine State Conference Adds Beach Volleyball and Outdoor Track" (Press release). Sunshine State Conference. December 13, 2023. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ "NCAA DIVISION II NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS WON BY SSC INSTITUTIONS". July 24, 2015. Retrieved June 2, 2025.
- ^ "Barry Women's Tennis Defeats Lynn to Win NCAA Championship". Sunshine State Conference. May 13, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
- ^ "Barry Women's Tennis Claims Fourth National Title in Eight Years". May 12, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
- ^ "Lynn Wins 2018 NCAA Division II Men's Golf National Title". May 25, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
- ^ "Barry Men's Soccer Rallies For First National Championship". December 1, 2018. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
- ^ "Tampa Defeats Western Washington to Capture Third Volleyball Title". December 1, 2018. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
- ^ "Florida Tech Women's Golf Wins 2019 National Championship". May 18, 2019. Retrieved May 18, 2019.
- ^ "Lynn Men's Golf Tops Lincoln Memorial for NCAA Title". May 25, 2019. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
- ^ "Barry Men's Tennis Rallies For Fourth National Championship". May 25, 2019. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
- ^ "Barry Men's Tennis Rallies For Fourth National Championship". May 25, 2019. Retrieved May 25, 2019.
- ^ "Tampa Baseball Wins the 2019 NCAA D2 National Championship". June 8, 2019. Retrieved June 8, 2019.
- ^ "NCAA vacates Lynn's 2005 softball title", Palm Beach Post Staff, Palm Beach Post, July 17, 2007
- ^ "Sunshine State Conference Mayors' Cup". Retrieved July 1, 2018.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sunshine State Conference.
Sunshine State Conference
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Founding and early years
The Sunshine State Conference (SSC) was established in 1975 as a men's basketball-only organization for NCAA Division II institutions in Florida. The idea originated from an exploratory meeting on March 2, 1975, at Florida Southern College to form a regional conference, followed by a second meeting on March 16, 1975, at Eckerd College where the name "Sunshine State Conference" was adopted, proposed by Dr. Calvin C. Miller of Florida Technological University. The six charter members were Biscayne College (now Saint Thomas University), Eckerd College, Florida Southern College, Florida Technological University (now University of Central Florida), Rollins College, and Saint Leo College (now Saint Leo University).[4][1] In June 1975, the conference constitution was approved, and the first official meeting occurred on October 8, 1975, in Orlando, where basketball regulations and league bylaws were established. Dick Pace was appointed as the inaugural commissioner on April 8, 1975, and the NCAA granted the SSC an automatic bid for the Division II men's basketball tournament. The first SSC basketball game took place on December 3, 1975, with Florida Southern defeating Eckerd 96-84. Prior to the conference's formation, charter members like Florida Southern had already demonstrated national prowess, winning NCAA Division II baseball championships in 1971, 1972, and 1975.[4][1] The SSC's early years emphasized regional competition among Florida's small private institutions to promote both athletic competition and academic excellence, with most charter members being private colleges focused on liberal arts education. Men's golf and tennis were added as sponsored sports for the 1976-77 academic year, expanding beyond basketball. On May 18, 1977, the conference adopted its first postseason men's basketball tournament, which debuted in the 1977-78 season and was won by Florida Technological University; baseball and men's soccer were also added that year as the next sports. By the late 1970s, the SSC had transitioned to a more established multi-sport entity within NCAA Division II, with cross country joining in 1979, solidifying its role in fostering competitive balance and institutional growth among its members.[4][1]Expansion and membership changes
Following its founding as a basketball-only conference, the Sunshine State Conference began expanding its sports offerings in the early 1980s to include women's competitions, marking a shift toward gender equity in line with Title IX principles. On April 15, 1982, the league adopted women's basketball, cross country, slow-pitch softball, tennis, and volleyball as sponsored sports, providing structured competition for female athletes across member institutions.[1] This addition was followed by the adoption of women's fast-pitch softball in 1985, further broadening the conference's scope.[1] By the mid-1990s, these developments, combined with the inclusion of additional Olympic sports such as men's and women's golf and soccer in the late 1990s, formalized the SSC as a comprehensive multi-sport conference, emphasizing balanced athletic programs beyond its original basketball focus.[1] Membership growth during this period reflected the conference's increasing regional influence, with strategic additions strengthening its competitive depth. Florida Institute of Technology and the University of Tampa joined in 1981, expanding the league to eight institutions and enhancing geographic representation in central Florida.[1] Barry University became a full member on June 13, 1988, bringing strong programs in baseball and other sports to the fold.[1] The University of North Florida joined effective July 1, 1992, but departed after the 1996-97 academic year to pursue Division I opportunities, creating a vacancy filled by Lynn University's entry on July 1, 1997.[1] Earlier, the University of Central Florida withdrew in 1984 as it transitioned to higher divisions, illustrating the challenges of retaining members amid evolving institutional ambitions.[1] While core charter members like Eckerd College maintained steady involvement, some institutions navigated temporary affiliations in non-core sports during this era to align with broader NCAA opportunities. Governance evolved in the 1990s to support this expansion, with key leadership and structural updates professionalizing operations. Bob Vanatta was appointed as the first full-time commissioner on February 2, 1986, followed by Don Landry's tenure beginning July 1, 1994, which coincided with the conference office's relocation to Orlando to better serve its growing footprint.[1] The headquarters later moved to Melbourne, Florida, around 2000, centralizing administration near key member institutions like Florida Tech.[5] These changes included minor rebranding efforts, such as Saint Leo College's transition to Saint Leo University and adoption of the "Lions" nickname on August 24, 1999, aligning with institutional evolutions.[1] By the early 2000s, the conference introduced an all-sports competition framework to recognize overall excellence, building on earlier all-sports trophies awarded since 1986. This culminated in the rebranding of the award as the Mayors' Cup in 2006, honoring the mayors of host cities for SSC institutions and promoting inter-member rivalry across all disciplines.[6] The inaugural Mayors' Cup under its new name was awarded to Florida Southern College for the 2006-07 academic year, encapsulating the conference's maturation into a holistic athletic association.[6]Recent developments and milestones
In December 2023, the Sunshine State Conference announced the addition of beach volleyball and men's and women's outdoor track and field as sponsored sports, effective for the 2024-25 academic year, bringing the total number of conference-sponsored sports to 21, including 12 for women.[7] This expansion reflected the conference's ongoing commitment to broadening athletic opportunities amid stable membership of 11 institutions since 2015.[1] The 2020-21 academic year presented significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the conference suspending all fall sports competition in July 2020 and postponing winter sports through December, ultimately canceling conference play for soccer, volleyball, and swimming & diving.[8] Post-pandemic recovery has been marked by robust athletic success, including a record eight NCAA Division II team national championships in the 2024-25 season—the first time the conference achieved this feat in 36 years—contributing to a cumulative total exceeding 135 titles.[9] As part of its 50th anniversary celebration in the 2025-26 academic year, the conference honored its legacy of over 135 NCAA national team championships, alongside academic excellence exemplified by the Commissioner's Honor Roll, which recognized 2,264 student-athletes for achieving a minimum 3.20 GPA in spring 2025 alone.[2][10] The milestone included a commemorative video debut in August 2025 highlighting five decades of championships, academics, and growth. Recent sponsorship partnerships have supported these initiatives, such as the August 2025 agreement with Firefly Recovery for recovery and training technology integration across member institutions.[11] Additionally, Legacy Sports Construction served as the presenting sponsor for the 2024 men's and women's basketball championships, aiding event operations and facility enhancements.[12]Member institutions
Current members
The Sunshine State Conference (SSC) comprises 11 private institutions, all located within the state of Florida, reflecting a regional focus on higher education and NCAA Division II athletics. These members are diverse in their academic offerings, ranging from liberal arts colleges to specialized universities in fields like aeronautics and marine science, but united by their commitment to balancing rigorous academics with competitive sports programs. As of 2025, the conference supports over 2,500 student-athletes across its sponsored sports, fostering environments where academic success is prioritized alongside athletic achievement—evidenced by high graduation rates and frequent academic all-conference honors.[1] The following table lists the current full members, including their locations, founding years, approximate total enrollments (as of fall 2024, the most recent available data), religious or sectarian affiliations (where applicable), and join dates to the SSC.| Institution | Location | Founded | Enrollment | Affiliation | Joined SSC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barry University | Miami Shores | 1940 | 6,900 | Roman Catholic (Adrian Dominican Sisters) | 1988 |
| Eckerd College | St. Petersburg | 1958 | 1,800 | Presbyterian Church (USA | 1975 (charter) |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Daytona Beach | 1926 | 8,700 | Nonsectarian | 2017 |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Melbourne | 1958 | 9,048 | Nonsectarian | 1981 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland | 1883 | 2,800 | United Methodist | 1975 (charter) |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton | 1962 | 3,500 | Nonsectarian | 1997 |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale | 1964 | 20,800 | Nonsectarian | 2002 |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University | West Palm Beach | 1968 | 3,600 | Christian (interdenominational) | 2017 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park | 1885 | 3,100 | Nonsectarian (historically liberal arts) | 1975 (charter) |
| Saint Leo University | Saint Leo | 1889 | 10,200 | Roman Catholic (Benedictine) | 1975 (charter) |
| University of Tampa | Tampa | 1931 | 10,900 | Nonsectarian | 1981 |
Former members
The Sunshine State Conference (SSC) has experienced few membership changes since its founding in 1975, with most departures occurring in its early decades as institutions pursued transitions to NCAA Division I athletics. These exits helped shape the conference's identity as a stable home for private Florida-based schools focused on Division II competition.[1] Biscayne College (now St. Thomas University) was one of the six charter members when the SSC was established on March 16, 1975, initially as a basketball-only league. The institution competed as a full member until 1987, contributing to the conference's early growth in sponsored sports like baseball starting in 1977. During its tenure, Biscayne's men's basketball team, led by coach Ken Stibler, earned multiple Sunshine State Conference Coach of the Year honors in the mid-1980s. Following its departure, Biscayne College rebranded as St. Thomas University and shifted its athletics program to the NAIA's Sun Conference (now The Sun Conference), where it has since competed without returning to Division II. The exit reduced the conference to five full members temporarily but allowed the SSC to prioritize expansion in other sports.[1][13] Florida Technological University (now University of Central Florida, UCF) joined as a charter member in 1975 and remained until May 1, 1984, participating in basketball and emerging sports like baseball. As a public institution, UCF helped establish the SSC's regional footprint during its formative years, though it did not secure national titles. The departure was driven by the university's ambition to elevate its athletics to NCAA Division I status, aligning with broader institutional growth. Post-exit, UCF transitioned to Division I as an independent before joining conferences like the Metro Conference and eventually the Big 12 in 2023, where it now fields competitive programs in football and basketball. This move underscored the SSC's role as a launchpad for upwardly mobile schools, prompting the conference to recruit replacements like Florida Tech in 1981 to maintain competitive balance.[1][14] University of North Florida (UNF) joined the SSC on July 1, 1992, as the conference's first public university member since UCF's exit, bringing new energy to sports like men's golf and tennis. Over five years, UNF achieved significant success, winning three NCAA Division II national championships: men's golf in 1994 and 1997, and men's tennis in 1995. It also claimed the SSC Commissioner's Trophy in 1996 for overall athletic excellence. UNF withdrew on September 30, 1996, effective June 30, 1997, to join the Peach Belt Conference, reflecting its strategic shift toward long-term Division I aspirations (realized in 2009). Today, UNF competes in the ASUN Conference at the Division I level, with continued strength in golf and tennis. The departure briefly shrank the league but reinforced its stability, as subsequent expansions in the 2000s restored and exceeded prior membership levels, reaching 11 full members by 2017.[1][15][16]Membership timeline
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Founding | The Sunshine State Conference is established as an NCAA Division II basketball conference with six charter members: Biscayne College (now Saint Thomas University), Eckerd College, Florida Southern College, Florida Technological University (now University of Central Florida), Rollins College, and Saint Leo College.[1] |
| 1976–77 | Sport expansion | Men's golf and men's tennis are added as sponsored sports.[1] |
| 1977–78 | Sport expansion | Baseball and men's soccer are added as sponsored sports.[1] |
| 1980–81 | Sport expansion | Men's and women's cross country are added as sponsored sports.[1] |
| 1981 | Membership addition | Florida Institute of Technology and the University of Tampa join the conference.[1] |
| 1981–82 | Sport expansion | Men's and women's basketball regular season and tournament formats are formalized.[1] |
| 1982 | Sport expansion | Women's basketball, women's cross country, slow-pitch softball, women's tennis, and women's volleyball are added.[1] |
| 1984 | Membership departure | University of Central Florida withdraws from the conference.[1] |
| 1985 | Sport expansion | Women's fast-pitch softball replaces slow-pitch softball.[1] |
| 1987 | Membership departure | Biscayne College (now Saint Thomas University) withdraws from the conference.[1] |
| 1988 | Membership addition | Barry University joins the conference.[1] |
| 1991–92 | Membership addition | University of North Florida joins the conference (effective July 1, 1992).[1] |
| 1996–97 | Membership departure | University of North Florida withdraws from the conference (effective June 30, 1997). This marks a shift to an all-Florida geographic footprint, which has been maintained since.[1] |
| 1997–98 | Membership addition | Lynn University joins the conference (effective July 1, 1997).[1] |
| 1996 | Sport expansion | Women's crew (rowing) is added as a sponsored sport.[1] |
| 1998–99 | Sport expansion | Women's golf and women's soccer are added as sponsored sports.[1] |
| 2002–03 | Membership addition | Nova Southeastern University joins as a provisional member (full membership effective 2004–05).[1] |
| 2010–11 | Sport expansion | Men's and women's swimming are added as sponsored sports.[1] |
| 2013–14 | Sport expansion | Men's lacrosse is added as a sponsored sport.[1] |
| 2014–15 | Sport expansion | Women's lacrosse is added as a sponsored sport.[1] |
| 2014 | Membership addition | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Palm Beach Atlantic University join as provisional members (full membership effective 2017–18).[1] |
| 2017–18 | Membership addition | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Palm Beach Atlantic University become full members, bringing the conference to 11 institutions, a stable membership level maintained through 2025.[3] |
| 2024–25 | Sport expansion | Beach volleyball, men's outdoor track & field, and women's outdoor track & field are added as sponsored sports.[7] |
Conference facilities
Primary athletic venues
The primary athletic venues of Sunshine State Conference (SSC) member institutions consist of on-campus multi-purpose arenas and gymnasiums that host regular-season competitions in basketball, volleyball, and other indoor sports, while also supporting intramural activities, training, and community events. These facilities are tailored to NCAA Division II requirements, featuring standard court dimensions, lighting, and spectator amenities to foster competitive play and fan engagement across the conference's Florida-based schools. Capacities typically range from 1,500 to 4,500 seats, reflecting the scale of Division II athletics, with many venues named after donors, alumni, or notable figures in education and public service. The following table highlights representative primary basketball venues among SSC members, focusing on their capacities and key features:| Institution | Venue | Capacity (Basketball) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tampa | Bob Martinez Athletics Center | 3,432 | Named after former Florida governor Bob Martinez; includes three full-size courts for multi-sport use including volleyball; built in 1982 with ongoing maintenance for NCAA compliance.[17] |
| Florida Southern College | George W. Jenkins Field House (home of Perry Weatherbee Court) | 1,800 | Named after philanthropist George W. Jenkins; renovated in 2011 with new bleachers (including 600 seat-back chairs) and 2012 lobby upgrades for improved accessibility and spectator experience.[18] |
| Nova Southeastern University | Rick Case Arena | 4,500 | Part of the Don Taft University Center, named after auto dealer Rick Case; supports basketball, volleyball, and entertainment events with modern audio-visual systems added in recent years.[19] |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Charles and Ruth Clemente Center | 1,500 | Named after donors Charles and Ruth Clemente; multi-purpose gym with an "air wall" for dividing spaces, accommodating basketball, volleyball, and recreation; integrated with adjacent training facilities for comprehensive athletic support.[20] |
Championship hosting sites
The Sunshine State Conference utilizes a combination of higher-seed hosting at member institutions' home venues and designated rotating or neutral sites for its postseason tournaments across sponsored sports. This approach ensures competitive equity while leveraging accessible facilities within Florida. For tournament-format events like basketball, soccer, and lacrosse, the higher-seeded teams host early rounds and subsequent games at their primary athletic venues, with finals potentially advancing to predetermined NCAA super regional sites outside the conference.[22][23][24] In baseball and softball, no dedicated conference tournament exists; regular-season champions earn automatic NCAA Division II bids, with South Region hosting determined by national seeding and typically occurring at the top seed's on-campus field. For instance, the University of Tampa hosted the 2024 NCAA South Region #1 tournament at its home facility as the region's top seed, while Saint Leo hosted the South Region #2 bracket including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. This seed-based rotation prioritizes strong programs' infrastructure for regional play.[25][26] Swimming and diving championships rotate among neutral or conference-affiliated aquatic centers to accommodate large fields. The 2025 event was held at Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training (FAST) in Ocala, hosted by Lynn University, marking the second consecutive year at this venue. Earlier iterations, such as the 2012 championships, took place at the Long Center in Clearwater, highlighting the use of municipal facilities for multi-day meets. Florida Tech's natatorium in Melbourne has served as a frequent host in prior years, supporting the conference's emphasis on centralized, high-capacity sites.[27][28][29] Outdoor track and field events are conducted at rotating university complexes, with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Track & Field Complex in Daytona Beach hosting the inaugural 2025 championship and designated as the 2025-26 host; this facility, including Alumni Fields for field events, offers an eight-lane track and lighting for multi-day competitions. Other sports follow similar patterns, such as women's rowing at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota (hosted by Rollins College) and beach volleyball at Saint Leo University's dedicated courts. The conference office in Orlando occasionally coordinates administrative aspects of these events, including bracket announcements and logistics.[22][30][31]Championships
National championships by year
The Sunshine State Conference (SSC) member institutions have a storied history of success in NCAA Division II athletics, with national team championships dating back to the 1960s, including pre-conference titles won by charter members prior to the league's founding in 1975. These victories span multiple sports and demonstrate the conference's consistent excellence, culminating in a total of 135 team national championships as of the 2024-25 season.[15] The 2024-25 academic year stands out as the most prolific in SSC history, with member schools securing a record-tying eight national titles—the highest single-season total for any Division II conference since the California Collegiate Athletic Association's mark in 1981-82.[9]| Academic Year | National Championships (School, Sport) |
|---|---|
| 1965-66 | Rollins, Men's Tennis |
| 1969-70 | Rollins, Men's Golf |
| 1970-71 | Florida Southern, Baseball |
| 1971-72 | Florida Southern, Baseball; Rollins, Men's Tennis |
| 1974-75 | Florida Southern, Baseball |
| 1977-78 | Florida Southern, Baseball |
| 1980-81 | Florida Southern, Baseball; Florida Southern, Men's Basketball; Florida Southern, Men's Golf |
| 1981-82 | Florida Southern, Men's Golf; Tampa, Men's Soccer |
| 1984-85 | Florida Southern, Baseball; Florida Southern, Men's Golf |
| 1985-86 | Florida Southern, Men's Golf |
| 1986-87 | Tampa, Men's Golf |
| 1987-88 | Florida Southern, Baseball; Tampa, Men's Golf |
| 1988-89 | Florida Tech, Men's Soccer |
| 1989-90 | Florida Southern, Men's Golf; Barry, Women's Soccer |
| 1990-91 | Florida Southern, Men's Golf; Rollins, Women's Golf; Rollins, Men's Tennis |
| 1991-92 | Tampa, Baseball; Rollins, Women's Golf; Florida Tech, Men's Soccer |
| 1992-93 | Tampa, Baseball; Barry, Women's Soccer; Florida Southern, Softball |
| 1993-94 | Rollins, Women's Golf; Barry, Women's Soccer; North Florida, Women's Tennis |
| 1994-95 | Florida Southern, Baseball; Florida Southern, Men's Golf; Tampa, Men's Soccer |
| 1995-96 | Florida Southern, Men's Golf; Barry, Volleyball |
| 1996-97 | Lynn, Women's Golf; Lynn, Women's Tennis |
| 1997-98 | Tampa, Baseball; Florida Southern, Men's Golf; Lynn, Women's Soccer; Lynn, Women's Tennis |
| 1998-99 | Florida Southern, Men's Golf; Lynn, Women's Soccer |
| 1999-00 | Florida Southern, Men's Golf; Florida Southern, Women's Golf |
| 2000-01 | Florida Southern, Women's Golf; Rollins, Men's Tennis; Lynn, Women's Tennis |
| 2001-02 | Rollins, Men's Golf; Florida Southern, Women's Golf; Tampa, Men's Soccer; Barry, Volleyball |
| 2002-03 | Rollins, Women's Golf |
| 2003-04 | Rollins, Women's Golf; Lynn, Men's Soccer |
| 2004-05 | Florida Southern, Baseball; Rollins, Women's Golf; Barry, Volleyball |
| 2005-06 | Tampa, Baseball; Rollins, Women's Golf |
| 2006-07 | Tampa, Baseball; Tampa, Volleyball; Barry, Men's Golf; Florida Southern, Women's Golf; Lynn, Men's Tennis |
| 2007-08 | Tampa, Women's Soccer; Rollins, Women's Golf |
| 2008-09 | Lynn, Baseball; Nova Southeastern, Women's Golf |
| 2009-10 | Nova Southeastern, Women's Golf; Florida Southern, Men's Golf; Barry, Men's Tennis |
| 2010-11 | Nova Southeastern, Women's Golf; Barry, Women's Tennis |
| 2011-12 | Nova Southeastern, Men's Golf; Nova Southeastern, Women's Golf |
| 2012-13 | Lynn, Men's Soccer; Lynn, Women's Golf; Barry, Men's Tennis; Barry, Men's Golf; Tampa, Baseball; Nova Southeastern, Women's Rowing |
| 2013-14 | Barry, Women's Tennis; Barry, Men's Golf; Lynn, Women's Golf |
| 2014-15 | Barry, Women's Rowing; Tampa, Baseball; Nova Southeastern, Men's Golf; Barry, Men's Tennis; Florida Southern, Men's Basketball; Lynn, Men's Soccer; Tampa, Volleyball |
| 2015-16 | Nova Southeastern, Baseball; Barry, Women's Rowing; Saint Leo, Men's Golf; Rollins, Women's Golf; Florida Southern, Women's Lacrosse |
| 2016-17 | Barry, Women's Tennis; Barry, Women's Golf; Florida Southern, Men's Golf |
| 2017-18 | Barry, Women's Tennis; Lynn, Men's Golf |
| 2018-19 | Tampa, Baseball; Barry, Women's Tennis; Barry, Men's Tennis; Lynn, Men's Golf; Florida Tech, Women's Golf; Tampa, Volleyball; Barry, Men's Soccer |
| 2020-21 | Barry, Men's Tennis; Barry, Women's Tennis |
| 2021-22 | Tampa, Volleyball; Barry, Women's Tennis; Barry, Men's Tennis; Tampa, Men's Lacrosse |
| 2022-23 | Nova Southeastern, Women's Swimming; Nova Southeastern, Men's Basketball; Barry, Men's Tennis; Barry, Women's Tennis; Nova Southeastern, Men's Golf |
| 2023-24 | Nova Southeastern, Women's Swimming; Tampa, Men's Swimming; Nova Southeastern, Women's Tennis; Tampa, Women's Lacrosse; Tampa, Baseball |
| 2024-25 | Lynn, Men's Soccer; Lynn, Volleyball; Nova Southeastern, Women's Swimming; Nova Southeastern, Men's Basketball; Tampa, Women's Lacrosse; Barry, Women's Tennis; Embry-Riddle, Women's Rowing; Tampa, Baseball |
National championships by school
The Sunshine State Conference's member institutions, both current and former, have collectively secured 135 NCAA Division II national team championships as of the 2024-25 academic year.[15] Florida Southern College holds the lead with 30 titles, excelling in baseball and men's golf, while Barry University follows with 29, dominating in tennis and volleyball.[15] The University of Tampa ranks third with 24 championships, particularly strong in baseball and volleyball.[15]| School | Total Championships | Leading Sports and Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Southern College | 30 | Baseball (9 titles, including 1971–1988 era); Men's Golf (13 titles, 1981–2017); Women's Golf (4 titles, 2000–2007)[15] |
| Barry University | 29 | Women's Tennis (9 titles, 2011–2025); Men's Tennis (7 titles, 2010–2023); Volleyball (3 titles, 1995–2004)[15] |
| University of Tampa | 24 | Baseball (10 titles, 1992–2025); Volleyball (4 titles, 2006–2021); Men's Soccer (3 titles, 1981–2001)[15] |
| Lynn University | 16 | Men's Soccer (4 titles, 2003–2024); Women's Tennis (3 titles, 1997–2001); Men's Golf (2 titles, 2018–2019)[15] |
| Nova Southeastern University | 15 | Women's Golf (4 titles, 2009–2012); Men's Golf (3 titles, 2012–2023); Women's Swimming & Diving (3 titles, 2023–2025)[15] |
| Rollins College | 15 | Women's Golf (9 titles, 1991–2016); Men's Tennis (5 titles, 1966–2001); Men's Golf (2 titles, 1970–2002)[15] |
| Florida Tech | 3 | Men's Soccer (2 titles, 1988–1991); Women's Golf (1 title, 2019)[15] |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | 1 | Women's Rowing (1 title, 2025)[15] |
| Saint Leo University | 1 | Men's Golf (1 title, 2016)[15] |
| North Florida (former member) | 1 | Women's Tennis (1 title, 1994)[15] |
Mayors' Cup winners
The Mayors' Cup is an annual all-sports trophy awarded by the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) to recognize the top-performing full member institutions across its sponsored sports. First presented at the end of the 1986–87 academic year, the award honors overall athletic excellence and is sponsored by the mayors of the cities and towns hosting SSC member schools to foster inter-institutional rivalry and community engagement. Separate divisions for men's and women's sports were established to account for differences in participation and sponsorship, with points accumulated based on team finishes in conference competitions.[6] Points for the Mayors' Cup are awarded according to a team's regular-season conference standing in sports that do not host a championship tournament, such as basketball and soccer, while championship event finishes determine points for sports like cross country, golf, tennis, outdoor track and field, and rowing. Only full SSC member institutions are eligible to compete for the trophy, with points calculated across all currently sponsored sports; discontinued or emerging sports are excluded from scoring. In cases of ties for the overall points total, co-champions are recognized, as seen in several years where multiple schools shared the honor.[32][33] The following table lists the Mayors' Cup winners by academic year for both divisions, including co-winners where applicable. Awards were not presented for the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[6][34][32]| Year | Men's Winner | Women's Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | Florida Southern | Tampa |
| 2023–24 | Nova Southeastern | Tampa |
| 2022–23 | Saint Leo | Tampa |
| 2021–22 | Florida Southern | Tampa |
| 2020–21 | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 2019–20 | Not awarded | Not awarded |
| 2018–19 | Lynn | Tampa |
| 2017–18 | Florida Southern | Florida Southern |
| 2016–17 | Florida Tech | Saint Leo |
| 2015–16 | Saint Leo | Nova Southeastern |
| 2014–15 | Lynn | Rollins |
| 2013–14 | Saint Leo | Tampa |
| 2012–13 | Florida Southern / Saint Leo | Tampa |
| 2011–12 | Florida Southern / Florida Tech | Rollins |
| 2010–11 | Barry | Florida Southern |
| 2009–10 | Rollins | Rollins |
| 2008–09 | Barry / Florida Southern | Rollins |
| 2007–08 | Florida Southern | Nova Southeastern |
| 2006–07 | Barry | Florida Southern |
| 2005–06 | Lynn | Barry |
| 2004–05 | Lynn | Florida Southern |
| 2003–04 | Rollins | Rollins |
| 2002–03 | Rollins | Rollins |
| 2001–02 | Florida Southern | Barry |
| 2000–01 | Florida Southern | Florida Southern |
| 1999–00 | Florida Southern | Barry |
| 1998–99 | Florida Southern | Florida Southern / Rollins |
| 1997–98 | Florida Southern | Florida Southern |
| 1996–97 | Florida Southern | Barry |
| 1995–96 | Florida Southern | North Florida |
| 1994–95 | North Florida | Florida Southern |
| 1993–94 | North Florida | North Florida |
| 1992–93 | Tampa | Tampa |
| 1991–92 | Florida Tech | Tampa |
| 1990–91 | Tampa | Barry |
| 1989–90 | Tampa | Florida Southern |
| 1988–89 | Florida Southern / Tampa | Florida Southern |
| 1987–88 | Florida Southern | Florida Southern |
| 1986–87 | Tampa | Florida Southern |
Sports
Sponsored men's sports
The Sunshine State Conference (SSC) sponsors nine men's sports, providing competitive opportunities for student-athletes across its 11 member institutions. These sports emphasize both individual and team achievements, with conference championships determining regular-season and tournament winners where applicable. Participation varies by sport, reflecting the diverse athletic programs at member schools, and the conference maintains high standards of competition aligned with NCAA Division II guidelines.[36] The sponsored men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, and outdoor track and field. Baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, and soccer feature full participation from all 11 schools, fostering broad engagement in team-based and endurance disciplines. Lacrosse involves 8 member institutions, highlighting a growing emphasis on the sport since its addition as a sponsored activity. Swimming draws 10 teams, tennis 11, and outdoor track and field—newly added in the 2023-24 academic year—includes 10 participants in its inaugural seasons as of 2025. Overall, SSC member schools average approximately 200 student-athletes per institution across men's and women's programs combined, underscoring the conference's commitment to balanced athletic development.[36][7][37] Tournament structures vary to suit each sport's format and ensure fair competition. For baseball, the conference champion is determined by regular-season standings from a full round-robin schedule among all 11 teams, without a postseason tournament, allowing focus on overall performance leading into NCAA regionals. Basketball employs a single-elimination tournament involving all 11 teams, with higher seeds hosting quarterfinal, semifinal, and championship games to reward regular-season success. Cross country crowns an individual and team champion at a single championship meet in the fall, emphasizing regional qualifiers. Golf features a stroke-play championship tournament with all participating teams competing over multiple rounds at a host site.[38][23][22] Lacrosse, added as a sponsored sport in 2013, utilizes a single-elimination tournament format with the top eight teams advancing to quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final hosted by the highest seed, promoting intense postseason play. Soccer follows a similar model, with an eight-team single-elimination tournament after the regular season, including first-round byes for top seeds and neutral-site hosting for later rounds. The swimming championship is a multi-day meet where all 10 teams compete in individual events and relays, scored by points to determine team and individual honors, building on dual meets throughout the season. Tennis hosts a championship tournament with dual matches among the top teams, using a team format to decide the conference title. Outdoor track and field, introduced for the 2024-25 season, culminates in a scored championship meet featuring individual events and relays for 10 teams, mirroring national NCAA standards. These formats ensure equitable competition while preparing athletes for national postseason opportunities.[1][39][40]| Sport | Number of Participating Schools (as of 2025) | Key Tournament Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 11 | Regular-season round-robin standings |
| Basketball | 11 | Single-elimination tournament (all teams) |
| Cross Country | 11 | Single championship meet |
| Golf | 11 | Stroke-play championship tournament |
| Lacrosse | 8 | Single-elimination (top 8 teams) |
| Soccer | 11 | Single-elimination (top 8 teams) |
| Swimming | 10 | Multi-day scored championship meet |
| Tennis | 11 | Dual-match championship tournament |
| Outdoor Track & Field | 10 | Scored championship meet with events |
Sponsored women's sports
The Sunshine State Conference sponsors championships in 12 women's sports, reflecting a commitment to gender equity in NCAA Division II athletics within Florida's competitive landscape. These include basketball (11 teams), cross country (10 teams), golf (11 teams), lacrosse (9 teams), rowing (6 teams), soccer (11 teams), softball (11 teams), swimming (10 teams), tennis (11 teams), volleyball (11 teams), beach volleyball (8 teams), and outdoor track & field (10 teams) as of 2025. Participation varies by sport due to institutional priorities, but full conference membership stands at 11 institutions, enabling robust competition across disciplines.[1][41][42] Unique offerings like women's rowing and beach volleyball distinguish the SSC, emphasizing water-based and coastal activities suited to Florida's geography. Rowing competitions typically feature head-to-head regattas on local lakes and reservoirs, such as Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, where teams race in varsity eight, four, and pair events to determine conference champions. Softball tournaments follow a single-elimination format, culminating in a postseason event hosted by the top seed, with games emphasizing pitching duels and defensive plays in the humid Florida climate. Other sports, such as soccer and volleyball, involve round-robin scheduling followed by playoff brackets, fostering intense rivalries among regional programs. Swimming shares facilities and events with the men's counterpart, promoting combined meets for efficiency.[43][44][45][46] The conference has expanded women's sports steadily to enhance opportunities, with rowing introduced in 1996 to capitalize on Florida's rowing venues and beach volleyball added as an official championship sport starting in the 2024-25 season, building on prior provisional participation since around 2015. These additions align with NCAA trends toward inclusive, region-specific athletics, increasing female athlete involvement and national contention—evidenced by multiple SSC teams qualifying for NCAA postseason in rowing and emerging beach volleyball programs.[1][7]Variations and discontinued sports
While the Sunshine State Conference sponsors championships in 21 sports—nine for men and 12 for women—not all member institutions field teams in every discipline, leading to variations in offerings driven primarily by institutional resources, facilities, and enrollment sizes. Smaller or newer members, such as Palm Beach Atlantic University, often prioritize core sports like basketball and soccer due to limited infrastructure, such as the absence of dedicated fields for less central programs like baseball in their early years of membership, though they have since expanded participation. Larger institutions like the University of Tampa and Florida Southern College tend to offer the full slate, contributing to more balanced conference competition. These differences ensure flexibility for schools to align athletics with academic missions while maintaining league viability.[3] The following table illustrates representative variations in sport participation among select member schools for the 2025 academic year, focusing on conference-sponsored disciplines where deviations occur. Note that all schools participate in basketball, soccer, and tennis, but electives like rowing and beach volleyball show notable gaps. Data as of November 2025.| School | Men's Sports Offered (Variations from Full 9) | Women's Sports Offered (Variations from Full 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | All 9 (full participation) | 11 (no rowing) |
| Eckerd College | 8 (no lacrosse) | 12 (full participation) |
| Florida Institute of Technology | All 9 (full participation; men's XC/T&F reinstated post-2022) | 11 (no rowing; women's XC/T&F discontinued 2022) |
| Nova Southeastern University | All 9 (full participation) | 10 (no rowing, no beach volleyball) |
| Palm Beach Atlantic University | 8 (no swimming) | 8 (no swimming) |
| Saint Leo University | 7 (no swimming, no track & field; XC reinstated post-2023) | 7 (no swimming, no track & field; XC reinstated post-2023) |