The FSCJ Manta Rays are the athletic teams that represent Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), a public college in Jacksonville, Florida. The Manta Rays compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and are part of the Mid-Florida Conference. The college's athletic program offers a range of sports, including baseball, softball, volleyball, and men's and women's basketball.
Team History and Overview
The FSCJ Manta Rays have a rich history of competing at the junior college level, with teams dating back to the 1960s. The college’s athletic program has undergone significant changes over the years, with the addition of new sports and facilities. Today, the Manta Rays are a proud member of the NJCAA, competing against other top junior college teams from around the country. The team’s name, the Manta Rays, was chosen to reflect the college’s connection to the coastal city of Jacksonville and the marine life that inhabits the surrounding waters.
Teams and Sports
The FSCJ Manta Rays offer a variety of sports for both men and women, including:
- Baseball: The Manta Rays baseball team competes in the NJCAA and has a strong reputation for producing talented players who go on to play at the next level.
- Softball: The women’s softball team has a long history of success, with multiple conference championships and appearances in the NJCAA tournament.
- Volleyball: The Manta Rays volleyball team competes in the fall and has a growing reputation as one of the top teams in the Mid-Florida Conference.
- Mens’ Basketball: The men’s basketball team has a strong following and competes in the NJCAA, with a focus on developing players for the next level.
- Womens’ Basketball: The women’s basketball team has a growing reputation and competes in the NJCAA, with a focus on developing players and building a strong team culture.
| Sport | Conference | NJCAA Division |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | Mid-Florida Conference | NJCAA Division I |
| Softball | Mid-Florida Conference | NJCAA Division I |
| Volleyball | Mid-Florida Conference | NJCAA Division I |
| Mens' Basketball | Mid-Florida Conference | NJCAA Division I |
| Womens' Basketball | Mid-Florida Conference | NJCAA Division I |
Athletic Facilities and Resources
The FSCJ Manta Rays have access to state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including the FSCJ Baseball Complex, which features a lighted baseball field with seating for over 500 fans. The college also has a Softball Complex with a lighted field and seating for over 200 fans. The FSCJ Gymnasium is home to the men’s and women’s basketball teams and features a seating capacity of over 1,000 fans. The gymnasium also hosts volleyball matches and other college events.
Coaching Staff and Athletic Administration
The FSCJ Manta Rays have a experienced and dedicated coaching staff, with a focus on developing student-athletes and building strong team cultures. The athletic administration is led by the Athletic Director, who oversees all aspects of the athletic program, including scheduling, budgeting, and compliance. The college also has a Sports Information Director who is responsible for promoting the athletic program and providing information to fans and media outlets.
What conference do the FSCJ Manta Rays compete in?
+The FSCJ Manta Rays compete in the Mid-Florida Conference, which is part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
What sports do the FSCJ Manta Rays offer?
+The FSCJ Manta Rays offer a range of sports, including baseball, softball, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball.
What is the mission of the FSCJ Manta Rays athletic program?
+The mission of the FSCJ Manta Rays athletic program is to develop student-athletes who excel both on and off the field, while promoting academic excellence, sportsmanship, and community engagement.
