Florida Polytechnic University has officially named Derek Lower as its first-ever athletic director, marking a major milestone as the school transitions from a purely academic STEM institution to a competitive collegiate program.
Lower, who has been with the university since 2017, previously served as the associate director of campus recreation. During his tenure, he helped build the university’s intramural and club sports foundations, making him a natural choice to lead the department’s leap into official intercollegiate play.
The Launch of Florida Poly Athletics
The program is scheduled to debut this Fall 2026 and will compete in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics).
Inaugural Sports Lineup
The university will field teams in eight different sports initially:
- Court Sports: Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- Field Sports: Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Baseball, and Softball
- Endurance Sports: Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country
Program Goals and Recruitment
The university’s strategy is to attract high-achieving student-athletes who don’t want to choose between a rigorous STEM degree and competitive sports.
- Academic Rigor: Lower and university leadership have emphasized that student-athletes will be expected to maintain the high academic standards Florida Poly is known for.
- Roster Expansion: The program expects to bring roughly 150 student-athletes to the Lakeland campus.
- Coaching Hires: Hiring for foundational roles, specifically for softball and cross-country coaches, began earlier this spring to prepare for the fall season.
Community Impact
The addition of collegiate sports is seen as a way to boost campus pride and deepen the “Poly Purple” identity. Local leaders also hope the program acts as a bridge between the university and the surrounding communities of Lakeland, Auburndale, and greater Polk County.
Florida Poly Athletics Announcement
This video provides a visual introduction to the launch of the new sports program at Florida Polytechnic University.