In 2025, Florida Tech Athletics introduced an inspiring new initiative: the All-Abilities Buddy Program. In partnership with All Ability Sports, a Brevard Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, the program creates meaningful, long-term connections between Panther scholar-athletes and young adults in the community.

Inspired by his personal community service experiences, former Panther men's lacrosse player Brian Barlotta '25 started the initiative. "I was introduced to them through Space Coast Field of Dreams. They asked me to organize something with some of our athletes here to help out with their 'family fun day,'" Barlotta says. "We heard from the athletes afterward that they really liked the experience. They got along really well with the kids and their families. So, we realized that there was something more that could be there." When Barlotta brought his idea to athletic director Jamie Joss, he was immediately on board, recognizing the potential benefits for everyone involved.

"It just warms my heart to see these younger athletes have the opportunity to get engaged with our teams," Joss says. Through the program, each Florida Tech athletic team is paired with a buddy between ages 18 and 22 with a disability. To kick off the experience, buddies participate in a Signing Day ceremony—modeled after the traditional college athletics signing experience— that welcomes them into the Panther family and symbolizes the beginning of a potentially life-changing bond.

From there, buddies become "honorary members" of their teams, coming to games, practices and team events that allow them to experience the connection and camaraderie that come with being on a college sports team.

"I often say that I think the impact is far greater for our teams than what we're giving back to the athlete," Joss says. "Seeing what they can do to impact an individual is really at the core of what we mean when we say we're scholars, champions, leaders."

Barlotta echoes Joss' sentiment and is grateful for the connections the program has established.

"I also think it helps with the mentality of, when you're on your last rep at practice, and you look to the side, and you see a kid that's your age that wants to be on that field so badly and would give anything to be in your shoes," Barlotta says. "You look over there, and you understand that you're not just playing for yourself and your team, but you're playing for something so much greater."
Panther coaches were also eager to participate in the All-Abilities Buddy Program—not just for the opportunity to reach out to the community, but also for the lessons it would instill in their scholar-athletes.

"I think it's given all the girls on the team a great perspective as to what's more important in life than sports," says women's soccer head coach Katy Freels. "It's been a really, I think, fulfilling experience for everybody. It's great for our girls to get to live out what we say. It's not just words and values; it's a tangible way that we're living."

"They were all for it," says men's cross country-track head coach Pete Mazzone. "Sometimes, they're so involved in their own academics and schoolwork, they may not be looking for the opportunity. But that's our job as coaches: You present them with that opportunity, and they gravitate to it."

With the initiative's first couple of semesters complete, the teams have fully embraced the new members of the program and have shown their new teammates that they truly do belong.
"I think for us, one of our core values is family, and so, getting to see them live that value out in a tangible way is really cool," Freels says. "They're investing in somebody else."

The All-Abilities Buddy Program represents more than just an athletics initiative—it's a reflection of Florida Tech's mission to build stronger communities, create opportunities for connection and inspire its athletes to lead with purpose.

And it's an effort that involves all of Florida Tech Athletics. "I would be very remiss if I didn't mention [associate athletic director for external operations] Christina Hardman and her staff, who have done a different level of work to ensure that we stewarded this the right way, moving forward with the great Signing Days," Joss says. "They helped make it such a big deal for these kids. You look around at those events, and most of the people there are teary-eyed seeing how much it means to them to be in this. It's what's so great about serving."

Joss hopes that it builds a legacy within Panther athletics for years to come. "Hopefully, 10 years down the road when we're doing this, we can have an alumni base of 100-plus people that have gone through this process—that's pretty special," he says.