FSCJ Manta Rays Make Big Impact Through Community Service in 2024–25
The Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) Manta Rays proudly wrapped up an impactful 2024–2025 academic year filled with service, leadership, and giving back. From holiday drives to environmental cleanups and youth mentorship, every member of FSCJ Athletics contributed meaningfully to the local community.
Baseball led the way with a full calendar of outreach efforts. The team participated in a tree-planting event for Arbor Day in Nassau County, hosted a Thanksgiving Food Drive for the H.O.P.E. Pantry, and collected toys for kids through the ELF Holiday Drive. They promoted health and fitness at Let's Move Jax, and inspired the next generation of athletes through their Diamond in the Rough Youth Baseball Camp. The team also partnered with Walk Off Charities for six youth baseball events throughout the year and brought Halloween spirit to FSCJ Wildwood at the 1st Annual Spooky Hollow trick-or-treating event.
Men's Basketball players supported families through the Salvation Army Thanksgiving Turkey Delivery and Christmas Toy Stocking programs. They also made a long-term commitment to the Take Stock in Children Mentorship Program, with each student-athlete and coach mentoring local students twice a month.
Women's Basketball focused on education, youth, and animal welfare, volunteering at Sanctuary on 8th Street, Catty Shack Ranch, and Fort Caroline Career Day to support learning, enrichment, and community connection.
Both the Men's and Women's Cross Country teams took on trail improvement projects at Aterro Park in both August and January, helping expand outdoor access and promote fitness in the Jacksonville community.
Softball players served in a variety of meaningful ways, including a Jacksonville beach cleanup, supporting the Humane Society, and volunteering with the Field of Dreams baseball program for children with special needs. They also worked with the H.O.P.E. Mobile Food Pantry and spread encouragement on campus through their Post-It Love Notes campaign.
Indoor Volleyball made their presence felt through both hands-on service and thoughtful gestures. Their work included the Salvation Army Angel Trees, multiple service visits to the Jax Humane Society, participation in a beach cleanup, and uplifting students with Post-It Love notes. Beach Volleyball continued that tradition, focusing their energy on community cleanups and animal welfare. They supported the Jax Humane Society across four visits in early 2025 and closed the season with a Jacksonville beach cleanup in April.
FSCJ Athletics continues to instill the values of service, leadership, and community engagement in its student-athletes. Through these initiatives, student-athletes are not only excelling in competition but also making a positive, lasting impact in the communities they represent.
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