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NCAA recognizes Legends and Legacy Community Award winners

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Recognizing that sport has a way of bringing people together, the NCAA has leveraged March Madness to elevate the importance of service to the community and helping others. Thaddeus Bullard (aka Titus O’Neil in WWE), Jane Castor, Gwen Myers, Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy and Derrick Brooks will be honored during the weekend of the Women’s Final Four. Mike Farrant photo

TAMPA – The NCAA announced its 2025 Legends and Legacy Community Award recipients for Tampa, the host city of this year’s Women’s Final Four.

The five honorees are residents, business leaders and concerned neighbors who have committed their time, resources and influence to improve and invest in their home city and surrounding areas. Finalists have had a major impact on sports, equity, government, health and safety, and higher education in their communities and fields of work.

The Women’s Final Four Legends and Legacy Honorees include:

  • Derrick Brooks, executive vice president of corporate and community development, Vinik Sports Group
  • Thaddeus Bullard (aka Titus O’Neil in the WWE), president and chair, Bullard Family Foundation.
  • Jane Castor, mayor, City of Tampa.
  • Gwen Myers, District 3 commissioner, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.
  • Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy, former senior associate athletics director and interim director of athletics, University of South Florida

Community leaders will be recognized in or around game activities in Tampa during Final Four weekend. This year’s Women’s Final Four will be on April 4 and 6.

“The 2025 Legends and Legacy Community Award is an honor for local citizens whose investments and generosity have lasting positive change within their cities,” said Felicia Martin, NCAA senior vice president. “This year’s recipients are true champions for their hometowns — committed to doing something good for their neighborhoods, dedicated to creating opportunities for fellow citizens and passionate about serving their community in unique and meaningful ways.”

 

Tampa Bay Suns soccer player not giving up after ACL injury  

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As Kaylan Marckese focuses on recovery, the Tampa Bay Sun take on Spokane Zephyr FC on March 19 at home, Brooklyn FC away on March 29 and Fort Lauderdale United FC on April 5 at home. Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Sun

TAMPA – Surgeons repaired Tampa Bay Sun player Kaylan Marckese’s torn ACL on March 6. That afternoon, Marckese announced she intends to battle back and return to the pitch. 

Just 10 minutes into her debut with her hometown Tampa Bay Sun last month, the St. Petersburg native went to the ground with a ruptured ACL. Marckese knows she faces a daunting recovery process because she just went through it.  

Marckese tore this same ACL, in her left knee, in 2023. After 15 months of grueling rehab and training, directed in Tampa by TGH and USF Health, she finally took the field with the Sun for the first time on Feb. 8.

Hometown fans cheered. Some even wore orange-and-yellow goalkeeper jerseys that matched Marckese’s. Then, heartbreak. 

“Feb. 8 was an emotional day filled with gratitude and pride,” Marckese wrote in a message to fans. “Unfortunately, that only lasted a good 10 minutes.”

“There are too many incredible people who helped me get to this point to name, but l have so much love for all of you!” she continued. 

“Now I get to do it all over again, and make it better. Stick by me, folks…”

In the coming weeks, doctors and trainers will work with the 26-year-old St. Petersburg High School graduate and University of Florida soccer star to determine her specific recovery path and timeline.

The rehabilitation for Marckese Will again be guided by USF Health and Tampa General Hospital.

 “We applaud and support Kaylan’s positive attitude and strong determination,” said Christina Unkel, Tampa Bay Sun FC president and general manager. “Those are values reflected in this team, and we can’t wait to see everything she can accomplish.”

 

NFL QB Baker Mayfield gifts luxury watches to offensive line

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NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield bought luxury watches for members of his offensive line recently at the TAG Heuer boutique at Tampa International Plaza. Photo courtesy of TAG Heuer

 

TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not win Super Bowl rings this past season but quarterback Baker Mayfield made sure his lineman felt appreciated with the next best thing. 

Mayfield stopped by the TAG Heuer boutique at Tampa International Plaza recently to buy his teammates the latest Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport timepieces. 

Tampa Bay center Graham Barton just finished a rookie season in which he started 16 games for the Buccaneers. Barton shows off his new TAG Heuer timepiece next to the boutique’s new Buccaneers autograph board. Photo courtesy of TAG Heuer

Luke Goedeke, Tristan Wirfs, Robert Hainsey, Cody Mauch and Graham Barton were among teammates to receive the luxury watches, each featuring a skeleton dial to display its mechanics.

TAG Heuer Carrera’s brand pays tribute to the Carrera Panamericana auto race of the 1950s. And its Chronograph Extreme Sport watches are “inspired by the thrill of high-performance and adrenaline-fueled excellence” – something NFL players on the line of scrimmage can relate to.

Mayfield is coming off the best season of his career. His 4,500 passing yards ranked third among all quarterbacks while he threw the second most touchdown passes at 41. 

Tampa Bay’s 10-7 record was the best in the NFC South Division. The Buccaneers returned to the NFL Playoffs for the fifth consecutive year.

The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport’s skeleton dial showcases the timepiece’s mechanics. Photo courtesy of TAG Heuer

This was in spite of losing receiver Chris Godwin in Week 7 for the rest of the season to an ankle injury. Receiver Mike Evans also was sidelined for three games as he nursed an injured hamstring from that same game. Other players also made the injury report. 

“To me, it still goes up to the guys up front,” Mayfield told reporters at the end of the season about his team’s success. “Relying on those guys, leaning on them and trusting everybody else – just doing our job trying to find ways to win.”

Heading into the NFC Wild Card Round against the Washington Commanders, Mayfield shared with reporters his thoughts on his offensive line.

Mayfield described Wirfs’ growing comfort in his second year at left tackle as huge for the team. Wirfs earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection this past season. 

Rookie center Barton and second-year Mauch showed growth over the season while Mayfield believes third-year tackle Goedeke is one of the most underrated linemen in the NFL. 

Tampa Bay center Robert Hainsey has played four years with the Buccaneers. He shows off his new timepiece at the Tampa TAG Heuer Boutique. Photo courtesy of TAG Heuer

Mayfield also credited fourth-year center Hainsey for helping everyone behind the scenes with communication. 

“It’s a full group effort,” Mayfield said. “It’s fun to see the chemistry and how they work together.”

Mayfield surprised his offensive line with timepieces to thank them for protecting him throughout the season. 

Barton and Hainsey liked the gifts so much, they visited the TAG Heuer boutique for themselves to see the collection. Their signatures joined Mayfield’s in what has become the Buccaneers autograph board.  

 

Tampa Bay Lightning meet pediatric patients

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Tampa Bay Lightning players visit pediatric patients at AdventHealth Tampa. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
Tampa Bay Lightning players visit pediatric patients at AdventHealth Tampa. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – Tampa Bay Lightning players took a break from their on-ice duties Feb. 24 to spread cheer to young patients at AdventHealth Tampa. 

Players Nick Perbix and Jonas Johansson visited the pediatric unit and the pediatric emergency department, bringing smiles and joy to the children receiving care.

During their visit, the players handed out stuffed bears wearing the Tampa Bay Lightning’s white road jersey featuring the AdventHealth Patch with a Purpose. 

The visit was a welcomed dose of warmth and excitement to those facing health challenges. The players also took time to pose for photos with the kids and their families, creating special memories that will last long after their visit.

“We are so thankful to the Tampa Bay Lightning and these incredible players for taking the time to visit our pediatric patients,” said Erica Brissette, the pediatric nurse manager at AdventHealth Tampa. “Their visit brought so much joy to our young patients and their families. It’s a beautiful gesture of kindness and community spirit.”

AdventHealth Tampa and the Tampa Bay Lightning share a longstanding partnership focused on improving the health and well-being of the local community. 

Tampa Bay Lighting honors dad that saved son’s life

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Derek Stock and his son, Levi, 11, received a signed Andrei Vasilevskiy jersey from AdventHealth. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth
AdventHealth is also providing 100 CPR Anytime Kits for the American Heart Association in Derek Stock’s name. Derek stands with his family. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

TAMPA – Derek Stock was honored by the Tampa Bay Lightning as an AdventHealth Goal Getter for spreading awareness about the importance of CPR in the community, after he saved the life of his son, Levi.

Levi was struck by lightning 2.5 years ago while boating. 

The family was enjoying an afternoon on their boat but noticed storm clouds off in the distance, so they decided to be proactive and head back in. When they were getting ready to dock, Derek saw his son struck by lightning.

“I saw the strike go through him,” Derek said. “Never forget the moment, it’s the most powerful force I’ve ever felt in my life. It just rocked me back sitting on the little center console boat.”

Derek, who was CPR trained and certified, saved his son’s life.

“I started compressions and CPR immediately, he wasn’t breathing, he wasn’t responding. My wife dialed 911. In that time and it kind of felt like an eternity going through that, but it was only four minutes before the ambulance showed up,” Stock said. “My wife stayed there (at the hospital) and at 2 a.m. she texted me, ‘he said three words,’ so that was a blessing, and a prayer answered.”

AdventHealth was not only the presenting sponsor of Health and Wellness Night but the company also serves as the team’s health and wellness partner. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Levi has since made a full recovery.

Since the incident, Stock has made CPR training and education his mission and he continues to work across the Tampa Bay area to share how important it is for people to know how to do it.

“You can watch a lot of videos online and see how CPR is done but I’m so thankful, it was almost like it was second nature,” Stock said. “I really support the goal of the American Heart Association to have one person in each household trained in CPR. There are things where a perfectly healthy person could need CPR and you just don’t want to not be equipped.”

The family received a standing ovation from the crowd of thousands in attendance to see the Lightning play the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 4 at Amalie Arena. Levi was also surprised with an autographed jersey of star goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, his favorite player, from AdventHealth.

To further honor Derek, AdventHealth is also providing 100 CPR Anytime Kits for the American Heart Association in his name.

Hundreds of AdventHealth team members and their families came out to the Feb. 4 game, which was designated as Health and Wellness Night.  

 

Partnership will track cognitive performance in sports

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The Tampa Bay Juniors Hockey Club has a reputation for a progressive approach to athlete training. The club combines physical training, character building and cognitive development to elevate player performance. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

LUTZ – Athletes’ Cloud has launched a pilot program that will integrate cognitive training into the Tampa Bay Juniors Hockey Club’s athletic development program. 

The initiative highlights the role of brain health in sports performance, injury prevention and recovery. Athletes’ Cloud will oversee the initiative using the NeuroCatch platform. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with NeuroCatch and Tampa Bay Juniors Hockey Club to revolutionize athlete cognitive development and brain health,” said Trey Stapleton, head of communication for Athletes’ Cloud. “Together, we’re setting new standards in youth sports, prioritizing athlete well-being.”

Athletes’ Cloud believes cognitive skills such as focus, attention and memory are as essential as physical conditioning. These skills impact reaction time, decision-making and performance.

“The NeuroCatch platform is a game-changer for our player development, helping athletes sharpen focus and play instinctively,” said Brett Strot, owner of the Tampa Bay Juniors.

The platform measures brain function. The system is based on the science of brain vital signs, enabling cognitive assessments through integrating neurophysiological and cognitive-behavioral measures. 

This technology delivers assessments of cognitive function within minutes at the point of care.

This four-month pilot program will accomplish three objectives to gather data:

  • Baseline Scans: Foundational data will be established to track the cognitive progress of over 50 Premier and Elite Team members and coaches.
  • In-Season Monitoring: Two to three mass scanning sessions will track the impact of training and gameplay on cognitive health. Specific cognitive exercises and methodologies will also be introduced to enhance player development.
  • Injury Management: Tampa Bay Juniors will use NeuroCatch technology to aid in concussion protocol management with team trainers and players’ doctors. Post-impact scans will compare baseline data and provide insights for recovery protocols. Players, parents and medical professionals will have real-time access to information.

Data collected during the season will culminate in team reports and a case study, providing insights to improve training methodologies. 

The results will also be benchmarked against anonymized data from hockey players across the U.S. and Canada. Players will have access to their individual results and performance data through the Athlete’s Cloud website and app. 

“NeuroCatch and Athletes’ Cloud technology could revolutionize player training by enhancing cognitive capabilities,” Strot said. “This program promises to elevate performance on and off the ice.”

Athletes’ Cloud is seeking additional local sports organizations to partner with and bring this advanced technology and awareness to their teams.

Athletes’ Cloud is a member of the Pasco EDC SMARTstart Incubator. 

“It’s incredibly exciting to see a sports tech company like Athletes’ Cloud thriving in Pasco’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Dan Mitchell, SMARTstart program director. “As Florida’s Sports Coast, this is the perfect place for innovative ventures that blend technology and athletics. I can’t wait to see how they continue to impact the sports world.”

Ace Golf Riverview closing after 21 years 

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Ace Golf Range in Riverview includes an 18-acre golf practice range, 18-hole miniature golf, and outdoor batting cages. Photo courtesy of Ace Golf Riverview

RIVERVIEW – Ace Golf Range in Riverview plans to cease operations May 4 at the close of business.

A developer has obtained zoning for a 24-hour emergency medical center, medical offices and single-family homes on the golf range site. If all goes as planned, the developer will own the property as of May 22. Construction will take 1.5 to 2 years.

Ace Golf Riverview is the second of two Ace Golf recreation facilities in Brandon and Riverview.

Owners Bill Place and Su Lee started the Brandon golf range in 1993 and ran it until it was sold for development in 2019. The couple started Ace Golf Riverview, a former hay farm, in 2003. 

Both centers consistently won awards for Best Standalone Golf Range and Top 50 Golf Range in the US from the Golf Range and Recreation Association.

The owners expanded Ace Golf to include two other bay-area golf ranges and four golf courses. The golf ranges were constructed in Tampa and St. Petersburg. The existing golf courses that Ace Golf acquired were renovated and restored to profitability. The courses included: Pebble Creek Golf Club in New Tampa, Wentworth and Crescent Oaks Golf Clubs in Tarpon Springs, and Plantation Palms Golf Club in Land O Lakes. The courses have since been sold to golf course operators, except for Pebble Creek which is closed and being converted to a residential development pending zoning. 

Ace Golf Riverview sustained damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, including downed trees, a tornado destroying part of the maintenance barn, and flooding in the batting cages. 

All services have been restored and will be offered through the May 4 closing date. Liquidation sales will start over the holidays and into the spring.

The owners thank the many residents that enjoyed the facilities, the staff members that have worked with them, and the politicians and residents that supported the rezoning.

 

Want to play?

Ace Golf Riverview, located at 12910 Boyette Road, is open to the public seven days and evenings weekly including holidays. Visit ace-golf.com or call 813 672-7750 for details. 

 

Tampa Bay Sun FC players assist with hunger relief

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Tampa Bay Sun FC players and coaches assist Feeding Tampa Bay. Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Sun FC

TAMPA – Tampa Bay Sun FC players and coaches, along with dozens of community volunteers, sorted and packaged over 16,000 pounds of food, which will provide nearly 14,000 meals through Feeding Tampa Bay.

This initiative is part of the Sun’s ongoing Season of Giving campaign. The team wants to ensure families in need have access to nutritious food during the holiday season.

Defender Brooke Hendrix, who leads the player-led Servant Heart group, emphasized the team’s dedication to community service. 

“We all come together as players to determine how we can better serve our community and each other,” Hendrix said. “We wouldn’t be here without the community. It’s nice [that our supporters] give so much to us, so we want to pay it forward.”

To further support local hunger relief efforts, the Sun has partnered with Feeding Tampa Bay and Seeds of Hope to host donation boxes at Riverfront Stadium during recent home matches.

The team encourages fans and community members to continue their support by participating in Holidays in The Sun during the team’s next home match on Dec. 14. 

3 football teams advance to regional finals

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Armwood, Tampa Bay Technical and Wiregrass Ranch were high school football teams in Pasco and Hillsborough counties that had advanced to the third round regional finals in the state playoffs.

Below is a breakdown of how each team performed during the second round on Nov. 22. Third-round games are scheduled for Nov. 29.

 

7A Playoffs 

  • No. 2 Plant City lost to No. 3 West Orange, 26-25, in the second round. Plant City defeated No. 7 Riverview, 47-28, in the first round. 
  • No. 4 Newsome lost to No. 1 Venice, 56-17, in the second round. Newsome defeated No. 5 Sumner, 34-27, in the first round. 

 

6A Playoffs 

  • No. 1 Armwood defeated No. 4 Plant, 21-17, in the second round. Armwood will play No. 2 Osceola in the third round. The winner plays either No. 2 Buchholz or No. 5 Oakleaf in the state semifinals. Armwood previously defeated No. 8 Melbourne, 49-0, in the first round. 
  • No. 3 Durant lost to No. 2 Osceola, 35-6, in the second round. Durant defeated No. 6 South Lake, 35-17, in the first round. 
  • No. 4 Plant lost to No. 1 Armwood, 21-17, in the second round. Plant defeated No. 5 Barlow, 45-7, in the first round. 
  • No. 3 Wiregrass Ranch defeated No. 7 Largo, 38-7, in the second round. Wiregrass Ranch will play No. 1 West Boca Raton in the third round. The winner plays either No. 1 Southridge or No. 3 West Broward in the state semifinals. Wiregrass Ranch defeated No. 6 Royal Palm Beach, 42-7, in the first round.  
  • No. 4 Mitchell lost to No. 1 West Boca Raton, 38-7, in the second round. Mitchell defeated No. 5 Parrish Community, 29-7, in the first round. 

 

5A Playoffs 

  • No. 3 Tampa Bay Technical defeated No. 2 Edgewater, 28-17, in the second round. Tampa Bay Tech will play No. 1 Lakeland in the third round. The winner plays either No. 1 Niceville or No. 2 Lincoln in the state semifinals. Tampa Bay Tech previously defeated No. 6 Sebring, 35-14, in the first round. 
  • No. 5 Gaither lost to No. 1 Lakeland, 41-13, in the second round. Gaither defeated No. 4 Springstead, 42-0, in the first round.  

 

4A Playoffs 

  • No. 4 Zephyrhills lost to No. 1 Jones, 41-18, in the second round. Zephyrhills defeated No. 5 Rockledge, 35-15, in the first round.

 

3A Playoffs

  • No. 1 Jefferson lost to No. 5 Boca Ciega, 42-0, in the second round. Jefferson defeated No. 8 Hudson, 21-16, in the first round. 

 

First round qualifiers

  • 7A Playoffs: No. 5 Sumner lost to No. 4 Newsome, 34-27, in the first round. 
  • 7A Playoffs: No. 7 Riverview lost to No. 2 Plant City, 47-28, in the first round.
  • 6A Playoffs: No. 8 Steinbrenner lost to No. 1 West Boca Raton, 42-7, in the first round.
  • 5A Playoffs: No. 8 Spoto lost to No. 1 Lakeland, 51-6, in the first round. 
  • 5A Playoffs: No. 7 East Bay lost to No. 2 Edgewater, 35-7, in the first round.
  • 4A Playoffs: No. 7 River Ridge lost to No. 2 Naples, 44-0, in the first round. 
  • 3A Playoffs: No. 4 Chamberlain lost to No. 5 Boca Ciega, 52-13, in the first round. 
  • 3A Playoffs: No. 8 Hudson lost to No. 1 Jefferson, 21-16, in the first round. 

 

11 football teams advance to second round

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Several high school football teams in Pasco and Hillsborough counties qualified for the state playoffs.

Below is a breakdown of how each team performed during the first round on Nov. 15. Second round games were scheduled for Nov. 22, which occurred after the Laker-Lutz’s deadline for this edition. 

 

7A Playoffs 

  • No. 2 Plant City defeated No. 7 Riverview, 47-28, in the first round. Plant City was scheduled to play No. 3 West Orange in the second round. The winner plays either No. 1 Venice or No. 4 Newsome. 
  • No. 4 Newsome defeated No. 5 Sumner, 34-27, in the first round. Newsome was scheduled to play No. 1 Venice in the second round. The winner plays either No. 2 Plant City or Nov. 3 West Orange. 
  • No. 5 Sumner lost to No. 4 Newsome, 34-27, in the first round. 
  • No. 7 Riverview lost to No. 2 Plant City, 47-28, in the first round.

 

6A Playoffs 

  • No. 1 Armwood defeated No. 8 Melbourne, 49-0, in the first round. Armwood was scheduled to play No. 4 Plant in the second round. The winner plays either No. 2 Osceola or No. 3 Durant. 
  • No. 3 Durant defeated No. 6 South Lake, 35-17, in the first round. Durant was scheduled to play No. 2 Osceola in the second round. The winner plays either No. 1 Armwood or No. 4 Plant 
  • No. 4 Plant defeated No. 5 Barlow, 45-7, in the first round. Plant was scheduled to play No. 1 Armwood in the second round. The winner plays either No. 2 Osceola or No. 3 Durant. 
  • No. 3 Wiregrass Ranch defeated No. 6 Royal Palm Beach, 42-7, in the first round. Wiregrass Ranch was scheduled to play No. 7 Largo in the second round. The winner plays either No. 1 West Boca Raton or No. 4 Mitchell.
  • No. 4 Mitchell defeated No. 5 Parrish Community, 29-7, in the first round. Mitchell was scheduled to play No. 1 West Boca Raton in the second round. The winner plays either No. 3 Wiregrass Ranch or No. 7 Largo.
  • No. 8 Steinbrenner lost to No. 1 West Boca Raton, 42-7, in the first round.

 

5A Playoffs 

  • No. 3 Tampa Bay Technical defeated No. 6 Sebring, 35-14, in the first round. Tampa Bay Tech was scheduled to play No. 2 Edgewater in the second round. The winner plays either No. 1 Lakeland or No. 5 Gaither.
  • No. 5 Gaither defeated No. 4 Springstead, 42-0, in the first round.  Gaither was scheduled to play No. 1 Lakeland in the second round. The winner plays either No. 2 Edgewater or No. 3 Tampa Bay Tech. 
  • No. 8 Spoto lost to No. 1 Lakeland, 51-6, in the first round. 
  • No. 7 East Bay lost to No. 2 Edgewater, 35-7, in the first round.

 

4A Playoffs 

  • No. 4 Zephyrhills defeated No. 5 Rockledge, 35-15, in the first round. Zephyrhills was scheduled to play No. 1 Jones in the second round. The winner plays either No. 2 Vanguard or No. 3 Lake Wales.
  • No. 7 River Ridge lost to No. 2 Naples, 44-0, in the first round. 

 

3A Playoffs

  • No. 1 Jefferson defeated No. 8 Hudson, 21-16, in the first round. Jefferson was scheduled to play No. 5 Boca Ciega in the second round. The winner plays either No. 2 Booker or No. 6 Nature Coast Tech.
  • No. 4 Chamberlain lost to No. 5 Boca Ciega, 52-13, in the first round. 
  • No. 8 Hudson lost to No. 1 Jefferson, 21-16, in the first round.