A trend nationally for more women being involved in weightlifting competitions as well as female celebrities who showcase their strength training routines on social media has helped boost the sport to women.

Southwest Florida joined the United Soccer League on Saturday with the formation of a professional soccer club — USL Naples.The USL announced on Jan. 17 that Naples would be awarded one of four expansion franchises for USL’s League One in 2025 creating a gateway for soccer development to southwest Florida.

The Association of Pickleball Players will host a five-day tournament at the PicklePlex in Punta Gorda Jan. 17-21 with more than 1,000 players expected to participate.Amateurs of all ages and skill levels can register until January 8 to compete alongside the sport’s elite professionals, including the first event of the 2024 Humana Cup pro team competition.

With FGCU Director of Athletics Ken Kavanagh leaving earlier than previously announced, the university has formed a search panel to fill the position.Kavanagh had announced earlier that he would be retiring at the end of his contract in June, 2024. Instead, his immediate leaving was announced late Friday in a university-wide email from President Aysegul Timur.

Florida A&M University prevailed over Bethune Cookman University in Saturday's annual Florida Classic with the Rattlers notching their third straight Classic victory.

Starting in June 2021, college athletes in Florida were allowed to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness. A team at FGCU is getting some help with that.