The three newest head coaches for University of South Florida Athletics—Kristy Curry for women’s basketball, Brian Hartline for football, and Chris Mack for men’s basketball—shared their enthusiasm about joining the university during an interview session at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission’s 14th annual Sneaker Soiree at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on June 2.
Moderator Sara Walsh of NFL Network asked each coach what attracted them to USF. Hartline, previously Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, said, “All of us have been at other places and we’ve experienced many things, but the amount of momentum that is currently at South Florida is unlike anywhere you’ve ever seen. The opportunity to take where it’s at now and take it a step forward … really, it’s a place with no ceiling. That’s the most encouraging thing and what I’m most excited about.”
Curry, who was formerly Alabama’s head coach, said, “What excites me the most is the vision, the passion and the energy you see at this university. It starts with our leader (USF CEO of Athletics) Rob Higgins and the amazing executive team that he has surrounded himself with. He is a visionary leader and he is absolutely elite.” Mack added his perspective: “The more that I dug in and did my research in the short interview process, it was very apparent that Rob (Higgins) being a CEO of Athletics, he just had a different vision. Obviously, with him working for the (Tampa Bay) Sports Commission for as long as he did, he has a real understanding of where college athletics are trending. Who better to align yourself with than Rob with his experience?”
Mack explained his eagerness to begin workouts with new players: “We started this whole deal (at USF) with zero players … and now we have 15 of them. It starts with having good people and the right type of people in your program. I’m really excited about the staff we have and equally excited about the players that we’ll receive as they come into Tampa Bay for the very first time. They’re proud to wear the USF logo.” Curry described her approach: “We’ve always been a big believer that you can be the greatest in the classroom, the community and the hardest worker… We’re in a transactional time… We want to love each other… Then there’s gratitude… grit, love and gratitude … that’s how we’re going to be successful.”
Hartline discussed preparations ahead of his first season while observing construction on campus: “That stadium is changing daily… I get to sit there and watch it being built… these 20-hour days of putting in work; it’s pretty impressive.” He continued regarding player recruitment: “We brought in 50 new players … they believe in … what we’re capable of growing to … I’m really excited to see these guys maximize what they’ve got … they’re going to put on field in three or four months,” he said.
University of South Florida Athletics has produced Olympians representing multiple countries; earned conference championships; promotes community involvement; features updated venues across sports like baseball, softball, soccer & basketball; captured national championships; participates in American Athletic Conference—all according to the official website.
