Courtesy of Edward Waters University
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (October 7, 2024) – Jacksonville, FL HBCU Edward Waters University is pleased to announce its selection as the host for two prestigious NCAA Division II Championships. The university will hold the 2027 NCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball Championship, as well as the 2028 NCAA Division II Men’s & Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Additionally, the University of North Florida will host the 2027 NCAA Division I Men’s & Women’s Outdoor Track & Field First Round Championships.
This marks a historic milestone for Jacksonville and its only HBCU, which will host these Division II collegiate tournaments for the first time. The city has never previously hosted three distinct championships within a two-year period. Edward Waters University’s recent transition to Division II status has enabled Jacksonville to bid for these national championships, in collaboration with the University of North Florida.
“We are thrilled that Jacksonville has been awarded these tournaments and eagerly anticipate welcoming fans, friends, and family to the events,” stated Michael Corrigan, President and CEO of Visit Jacksonville and President of the Jacksonville Sports Foundation. “The successful collaboration among Visit Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sports Foundation, the Jacksonville City Council, the City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment, Edward Waters University, Jacksonville University, and the University of North Florida has made this achievement possible. We look forward to further partnerships with the NCAA to bring additional events to Florida’s Championship City.”
Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., President and CEO of Edward Waters University, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this opportunity:
“This is a monumental moment for Edward Waters University and the city of Jacksonville. Being selected to host these NCAA Division II Championships reflects our institution’s growth and commitment to athletic excellence. As the first HBCU in Florida to transition to NCAA Division II, we are proud to showcase our capabilities on a national platform. These events will not only provide thrilling competition on our campus but will also significantly benefit our local community. We are excited to welcome student-athletes from across the nation and highlight the warm hospitality of Edward Waters University and Jacksonville.”
The collaborative efforts among these organizations have significantly influenced Jacksonville’s sports bidding strategies. These strong partnerships have shifted the city’s focus toward future sports events, leading to bids for 16 NCAA Division I and II championships for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years across men’s and women’s basketball, outdoor track, soccer, and women’s volleyball.
These esteemed NCAA Division II Championships represent a pivotal milestone in Edward Waters University’s journey toward enhanced prominence. Dr. Ivana Rich, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at EWU, elaborated on the importance of these events:
“We are thrilled to serve as hosts for the 2027 NCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball Championship and the 2028 NCAA Division II Men’s & Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships in collaboration with our partners at UNF,” Dr. Rich said.” This underscores our dedication to athletic excellence and positions Jacksonville as a dynamic sports hub. We look forward to welcoming athletes and fans nationwide to enjoy our outstanding facilities and warm hospitality. We truly value the collaboration with UNF and Visit Jacksonville to make this dream a reality. I take immense pride in representing the NCAA Division II membership on this stage and look forward to providing these student-athletes with a world-class experience.”
The championships are anticipated to yield numerous benefits for Edward Waters University, including:
- Increased national visibility for the institution
- Enhanced recruitment opportunities for both athletes and non-athletes
- Improved campus facilities to meet NCAA standards
- Strengthened partnerships with local businesses and organizations
- Economic benefits for the surrounding community
“These events will serve as a catalyst for our ongoing growth and development,” Dr. Faison added. “They exemplify our commitment to excellence in all aspects of university life and will inspire our students, faculty, and staff to achieve new heights. As we prepare to welcome the nation’s top Division II athletes, we are also ready to present Edward Waters University as a rising star in higher education.”
By successfully hosting these championships, Edward Waters University aims to solidify its position as a leader among HBCU and Division II institutions, further advancing its mission of emerging prominence in both academic and athletic spheres.