New College of Florida − undergoing a makeover orchestrated by Gov. Ron DeSantis − hired Mariano Jimenez as its athletic director and head baseball coach, the college announced Friday afternoon.
The hiring marks a milestone for the college, introducing intercollegiate athletics outside of existing intramural sports at the public honors school with a reputation for its academics. Jimenez was the president of baseball operations and athletic director at Inspiration Academy, a faith-based school in Bradenton founded by DeSantis-appointed trustee Eddie Speir. Jimenez also coached for IMG Academy and Palm Beach Atlantic University.
As well as men’s baseball, they are considering adding women’s softball, soccer and basketball.
The BOT wants to “elevate” student life and make the school more appealing to students (increase enrollment and selectivity). There is a reason why lots of schools, from small liberal arts schools to large public universities have athletic programs.
As an example, Eckerd College, a private 4 year college in Saint Petersburg, Florida, with 2,000 undergrads, has the following sports teams:
| VARSITY MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TEAMS | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 43 | – |
| Basketball | 12 | 10 |
| Beach Volleyball | – | 19 |
| Golf | 12 | 7 |
| Sailing | – | 4 |
| Soccer | 23 | 30 |
| Softball | – | 18 |
| Tennis | 8 | 7 |
| Volleyball | – | 13 |
| VARSITY COED TEAMS | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Sailing | 14 | 4 |
That’s about 10% of undergrads that anticipate in a varsity sport.
Importantly, it adds sporting events to campus, giving kids something to do on campus (which is one common complaint about NCF).