SAINT LEO, Fla. – The future of Saint Leo University flag football took center stage Saturday as the Lions hosted their inaugural prospect camp on campus, welcoming 80 aspiring student-athletes representing 35 schools from across Florida and Georgia.
 
The camp marked another significant milestone for Saint Leo as the University continues to build its NCAA flag football program. Saint Leo is among the first NCAA flag football programs in the state of Florida and made history once again by becoming the first to host a prospect camp.
 
Girls ranging from eighth through 12th grade participated in the camp, receiving an opportunity to experience the Saint Leo campus, compete alongside other talented athletes, and learn more about the newest addition to the Lions' athletics family.
 
Head Coach Steven Searles along with his staff and current student-athletes led the camp, working with prospective athletes throughout the day and providing instruction and insight into what it takes to compete at the collegiate level.
 
"This was about more than evaluating talent," Searles said. "It was an opportunity to introduce young women to Saint Leo, show them what college flag football can look like and begin building relationships with the athletes who will shape the future of this program. To have 80 athletes from 35 schools here for our first camp says a lot about where this sport is headed and the excitement surrounding Saint Leo flag football."
 
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also helped make the inaugural event a memorable experience. The Buccaneers' Marketing Street Team was on hand, giving campers some Buccaneers' themed giveaways as well as the opportunity to try on a Buccaneers' uniform, including full football pads.
 
The experience provided the prospective student-athletes with a unique look at the excitement surrounding football in Tampa Bay while adding an unforgettable element to Saint Leo's first prospect camp.
 
With 80 participants taking part in the inaugural event, Saturday's camp served as an important first step in establishing Saint Leo flag football's recruiting presence and introducing the Lions' program to the next generation of collegiate flag football players.
 
As Saint Leo prepares for its inaugural season of NCAA competition, the University continues to lay the foundation for a program built around competition, community and opportunity.
 
The future of Saint Leo flag football is already taking shape.