Gainesville, FL

Santa Fe Athletics hosted their first ever "Friendraiser" on Monday, June 8th 2026. In partnership with the Santa Fe College Foundation, Santa Fe Athletics shared their vision for the future of Santa Fe Athletics with friends, supporters, and community members. 

The event provided the opportunity for those in attendance to connect with past, present, and future Saints as Santa Fe Athletics' vision was unveiled for the coming years. Some key improvements are coming to SF Athletics. Through the generousity of Alan Hitchcock and Family, the Hitchcock Family Clubhouse will break ground on June 25th with the ceremony beginning at 10:00am. The public is invited to celebrate with the college.  In addition to buiding the first ever locker rooms for baseball and softball in the 40+ years of NJCAA sports at Santa Fe, there will also be more changes to the gym. Between the two venues, Santa Fe Athletics is looking to build on the successes of the programs, ensure a safe and accessible environment for all, and provide student-athletes with spaces that foster their development as people, students, and athletes.

Santa Fe College President Dr. Paul Broadie II shared his excitement for the Athletic Department and congratulated Saints Softball on their recent NJCAA College World Series appearance in which they finished in the top six.  "Our student-athletes succeed in the classroom and in their sport.  We are proud to offer them a great academic environment and look forward to elevating their athletic experience," Broadie shared with the audience of over one hundred people.

Saints Athletics boasts nearly a 100% success rate which is measured by students either graduating or matriculating to four year schools.  Additionally, the Saints finished the year with a department grade point average (GPA) over a 3.0 and for the first time in the history of the department, all five teams finished with a team GPA over a 3.0 for the 2025/26 year.

Athletic Director Chanda Stebbins reiterated on Dr. Broadie's remarks, "Thank you so much to Catherine and Jason West for graciously hosting us in their home." She went on to share, "Our goals are simple for this Friendraiser.  We want people to know us, be aware of all that our amazing coaches and students are doing, and ultimately engage with us."  Santa Fe Athletics engaged with multiple community organization this past year from elementary schools to corporate groups, all in an effort to share with others what Santa Fe College is all about.  "We have a unique situation at the two year level academically, athletically and in the community.  We help our students get to where they want to go.  Our students love playing their sport, their goal is to develop both academically and athletically so that they are marketable to the four year school of their choice, and they love engaging with community," stated Athletic Director Chanda Stebbins.

The Saints have a rich history of placing student-athletes at four year schools and Stebbins highlighted a few throughout the night. From names like Tyler Shelnut and Steffi Sorensen who played at the University of Florida to others continuing their cereers at schools like Virginia Commonwealth University, Jacksonville University, and the University of Tampa. Recently, multiple former Saints just won the Division II National Championship in baseball at the University of Tampa. Highlights and features on alumni can be found here: Alumni News - Santa Fe College Athletics

Stebbins then invited current student-athletes Gavin Jones and McKenna O'Sullivan, who both serve on the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), to talk about the incredible opportunities and experiences that Santa Fe has been able to provide for them. Both looked forward to the time when they will have space to change in a locker room before or after practice versus in their cars at the field. They also spoke highly of how engaging the Santa Fe College experience is from professors to coaches and everyone in between. 

Vice President of Advancement and Chief Philanthropy Officer, Sherry Houston, then shared the microphone with Alan Hitchcock. Hitchcock shared his reasoning for why his family donated to help make the student-athlete experience better. Hitchcock is a past president of the Santa Fe College Foundation Board and is a current foundation board member. Houston then shared how community members can engage with the Saints on this campaign via a pledge card or QR Code. "We can be dazzling together, enjoy your evening, pick up your amazing gift on the table and thank you for coming," stated Houston.

For a link to pictures of the event, they can be found here: Friendraiser 6/8 Pictures (PC Daniela Espinosa)

For ways to support Santa Fe Athletics, you can find that link here: Support Santa Fe Athletics!