Inside SoFlo Rodeo: The student section fueling USF men’s basketball’s American Conference championship season

By Savannah Ruiz, University Communications and Marketing intern

For just the second time in program history, the USF men's basketball team has clinched the American Conference regular season championship and a sea of green and gold in the student section is helping power the run.

SoFlo Rodeo, the official student section for all USF home basketball games, serves as the engine of energy inside the Yuengling Center.

"Getting involved in showing up to games as a passionate fan creates a deep culture. You never know who you could meet and who you could talk to at a basketball game, no matter if you're a huge basketball fan or know nothing about it. We're all there because we want to see our school succeed," USF junior Ariana Thibeault said.

This is Thibeault's third year as a SoFlo Rodeo leader, and her involvement has introduced her to some of her closest friends -- connections she may not have made otherwise. A major in integrated public relations and advertising, Thibeault's role includes interacting with students in the stands, handing out chant sheets and interviewing fans for the group's social media.

The louder the section, the more players can feel the excitement and support. Beyond the game, SoFlo Rodeo fosters community and connection, strengthening school spirit across USF's campus. Bradan Hart, a sophomore majoring in sport management and business analytics, is part of SoFlo Rodeo's leadership team. After joining last year, Hart has witnessed the value of audience engagement.

"The fans are the most important part of the game day experience. If there are no fans, there is no game. The fans make a world of a difference, and it means a lot to the players and coaching staff to have a fan presence at their games," he said. "Having a loud and unified student section creates an invigorating atmosphere and adds an element of fun for both leaders and fans. Just being a part of making others' experience more memorable means a lot to me."

"Anytime I look up at the student section during a basketball game, I absolutely love to see a full student section where everyone is standing up and cheering," said sophomore Lauren Wallace, a criminology major.

Game days also bring memorable fan moments, including the popular "tarps off" tradition, when student sections remove their shirts and wave them in the air regardless of weather or score.

"It adds so much extra excitement to the game, and you could tell how much fun everyone is having," Thibeault said.

The Bulls' final home game is Sunday, March 8, against the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Following the game, the team will cut down nets and be presented the American Conference regular season championship trophy by conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti.

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