What about D2 Basketball Schools in Florida?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior who's really into playing basketball and I've been considering playing in college as well. Are there any good D2 basketball schools in Florida? What's the overall athletic and academic environment like there?

Absolutely, there's a range of excellent Division II basketball schools in Florida where you could continue your athletic career while getting a solid education.

Here are a few options:

- Barry University: Located in Miami, this university is known for its business and nursing programs. Barry's Buccaneers compete in the Sunshine State Conference and have a reputation for strong performance.

- Nova Southeastern University: This private university in Fort Lauderdale offers broad academic offerings ranging from business to biology. The NSU Sharks have had some competitive seasons and feature a state-of-the-art arena.

- University of Tampa: The Spartans compete in the Sunshine State Conference and call beautiful Tampa home. The university is known for its offerings in business, communications, and biological sciences.

- Palm Beach Atlantic University: In West Palm Beach, the PBAU Sailfish compete alongside their Florida counterparts in the Sunshine State Conference. The university's strong programs include nursing, biology, and psychology.

The environments at these universities are quite welcoming for athletes. Sports, including basketball, have a significant presence on campus. There are resources to support athletes not just in their sport but also acadically, with many schools offering special tutoring programs, academic support, and resources tailored for student athletes.

As for the academic environment, these universities offer a range of courses and majors, and are known for individual programs as well. Class sizes are generally more intimate than at larger universities, allowing for more individual attention and a community feel.

Keep in mind that being a student-athlete is a significant commitment, with regular practice, games, and travel on top of your academic responsibilities. Many student-athletes find this challenging, but also rewarding as it can lead to strong time management skills, a close-knit community, and numerous opportunities.

It's advisable to start watching their games if you can, to get a feel for their playing style. It also might be worth reaching out to the coaches of these programs to express your interest and understand what the recruitment process would look like. Good luck!