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- Paradise Brew 9/12: The Eight Wonders of FAU
Paradise Brew 9/12: The Eight Wonders of FAU
Florida Atlantic University will enshrine eight new members into the school's Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 10.
Good Morning, FAU Family. Florida Atlantic University will enshrine eight new members into the school's Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 10. Announced Thursday by Vice President and Director of Athletics Brian White, those slated for induction are Erica Brok (beach volleyball), Harrison Bryant (football), Greg Gantt (men's basketball), Karen Gray (women's golf), Capri Grotowski (coach), Trey Hendrickson (football), Mike McKenna (baseball) and D'Joun Smith (football).
🗣 "Honoring and celebrating our history is paramount, and these eight incredibly deserving individuals have been key contributors in building the winning legacy of FAU Athletics. I want to congratulate them on joining the 33 Owls currently in this elite club,” said White.

What else do we have mixed into today’s Brew? Check it out below!
🏈 Meet the Owl Football Player Studying to Be an MD
🌊 Swim & Dive Releases Schedule
🦉 And much, much more
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🏈 Miami or Bust. The Florida Atlantic football team heads to Miami to face FIU for Shula Bowl XXIII tomorrow, with a game scheduled for 6 p.m. ET and airing on ESPN+.
The Owls (1-1) will travel to the Panthers' (1-1) home field after retaining the trophy with a convincing 38-20 victory in Boca Raton in 2024. Head Coach Zach Kittley carries the mantle of the rivalry game initiated by Howard Schnellenberger and will look to add on to Florida Atlantic's 17-4 record. The last time these two programs met, with each boasting a first-year head coach, was in 2017. Since then, Florida Atlantic has won seven straight matchups.
Scarlee Jean is on his way to become a doctor while playing football for @FAUFootball. He has leaned on his parents so much for support and guidance, including his mantra he lives by to 'Find a Way'
Hear about his journey⬇️
#BuiltToRise
— The American (@American_Conf)
7:00 PM • Sep 9, 2025
🔼 Is There a Doctor in the House? Why, yes. Yes, there is. Check out the video above for more on this impressive journey.

🔼 When Owls Leave the Nest. The opening week of the 2025 NFL season is in the books, with five former Florida Atlantic Owls seeing action. Here's a rundown:
Active Owls (5)
#0 Azeez Al-Shaair | LB | Houston Texans
- Al-Shaair was the lone Houston linebacker to take the field on all 60 of the team's defensive snaps and was second on the team with seven tackles. His impact was felt throughout the game, but none more so than in the fourth quarter when he forced a red zone turnover. With the opposing Los Angeles Rams driving down the field with a five-point lead and just over four minutes to go, Al-Shaair laid out for a major hit, knocking the ball loose and allowing Houston to recover it. The Texans were unable to convert offensively, resulting in a final score of 14-9.
Texans' Record: 0-1
Next Game: vs. Tampa Bay – Monday, 7 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN)
🏈: FULL RUNDOWN

🔼 Going With the Flow 🌊. Florida Atlantic swimming & diving Head Coach Lara Preacco has released the team's schedule for the 2025-26 season. The Owls will have their annual intrasquad meet on Saturday, Sept. 13, before a full slate of competition begins on Friday, Sept. 19.
The Owls look to build upon their record-breaking 2024-25 season. In its second season in the ASUN, the men's team finished as runners-up, earning six gold medals, nine silver, and four bronze for a total of 19 medals. For the first time since joining the conference, FAU received the honors of ASUN Male Most Outstanding Diver and ASUN Diving Coach of the Year. The women's team participated in its third American Conference Championships, leaving with two medals and breaking multiple school records.
Final from Boca Raton.
— Florida Atlantic Women's Soccer (@FAUWSoccer)
1:19 AM • Sep 12, 2025
🔼 Onward and Upward. All is not lost, as the Owls are back at it this Sunday:
Sunday, Sept. 14
⚽️ Women’s Soccer vs. North Dakota State @ 6 p.m. | Live Stats

🔼 To the Max in Jax. Select runners from the Florida Atlantic men's and women's cross-country teams will travel to Alabama to compete in the 2025 Southern Showcase, hosted by Jacksonville State, this morning.
The race will take place at John Hunt Cross Country Running Park, with the men scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. EST and the women at 9:30 a.m. EST.
Florida Atlantic will have Paul Glick and Samuel Henery representing the Owls on the men's side, and Reese Anderson and Sophie Dethier representing the women's side.

🔼 Volleyball … Then Disney World? Florida Atlantic volleyball continues on the road this week as the Owls head to Orlando, Florida, to compete at the UCF Invitational today and tomorrow (Sept. 12-13) at the Venue.
FAU will kick off the weekend this morning, taking on Arkansas State at 11 a.m. ET and Brown at 4 p.m. The Owls will wrap up the weekend on Saturday with a 6 p.m. first serve against host UCF.
Welcome to Paradise, Coach Smith!
📰: tinyurl.com/27dsspe4
#WIP🏝️
— Florida Atlantic Men's Basketball (@FAUMBB)
10:13 PM • Sep 11, 2025
🔼 Hoop Scoop. Florida Atlantic men's basketball Head Coach John Jakus has announced the hiring of Aaron Smith as an assistant coach.
Smith arrives in Paradise after spending one year at Longwood University. He spent three years with Louisiana Tech in the same role, a team that recorded 20+ wins in back-to-back seasons.
While at Longwood, he was part of the staff that recruited the best class in program history. At Louisiana Tech, among the players Smith helped coach were Isaiah Crawford, who was voted CUSA Player of the Year and CUSA Defensive Player of the Year, as well as Daniel Batcho, who was selected as the CUSA Newcomer of the Year.
🤓 Categorically True. The Florida Atlantic volleyball team is currently No. 3 in the nation in which category?
Have a guess? Scroll to the bottom to find out!
We're leaving South Carolina with the hardware... a 9⃣-shot victory in a 16-team field at the Myrtle Beach Golf Trips Intercollegiate! #WIP🏝️
📰 : tinyurl.com/MyrtleBeachCha…
— Florida Atlantic Men's Golf (@FAUMGolf)
8:46 PM • Sep 9, 2025
A Little Birdie Told Us. ICYMI! FAU made its mark in Myrtle!
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*All Times Are in ET
Friday, Sept. 12
👟 Men’s X-Country @ Southern Showcase (Huntsville, Alabama) @ Time TBA
👟 Women’s X-Country/T&F @ Southern Showcase (Huntsville, Alabama) @ Time TBA
🏐 Volleyball vs. Arkansas State @ 11 a.m. (Orlando, Florida)
🏐 Volleyball vs. Brown @ 4 p.m. (Orlando, Florida)
Saturday, Sept. 13
🏈 Football @ FIU @ 6 p.m. TV: ESPN+ | Radio: Fox Sports 640 South Florida (Miami, Florida) | Tickets
🏐 Volleyball vs. UCF @ 6 p.m. (Orlando, Florida) | Live Stats
⚽️ Men’s Soccer @ No. 5 NC State (Raleigh, North Carolina) @ 6 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 14
⚽️ Women’s Soccer vs. North Dakota State @ 6 p.m. | Live Stats
🦉 Go here for the complete Florida Atlantic University Athletics Calendar
Paradise Trivia is brought to you by Choice Mortgage Group, the Official Mortgage Lender of Florida Atlantic Athletics.
The Answer: Assists per set (14.4)!
The Owls are also No. 5 in kills per set (15.05).

🦉 Have a great weekend, Owl Fam!