North Florida Athletics Announces Updated Development Staff

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Nick Morrow announced the staff restructure of the North Florida Athletics Development department on Friday.

The update includes the promotions of Derek Marinatos to Senior Associate A.D. of Development, and Jaycie Wegner to Assistant A.D. of Development Operations and Special Events. Matheo Mateos was also hired as a Coordinator of Development.

"Derek and Jaycie have played a major role in North Florida Athletics' record-breaking fundraising success," Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Nick Morrow said. "Their promotions reflect the incredible work they have done and the leadership they continue to provide. This realignment positions our development team to be organized, focused, and aggressive in pursuing the resources required to compete in today's evolving collegiate landscape. We are also excited to welcome Matheo to our team and are confident he will make a significant impact on our sport-specific fundraising efforts, including the continued enhancement of our talent funds."

"North Florida Athletics is entering an important chapter of growth, and change is part of that progress. As we refine our Athletics Development structure, our commitment to providing a transformational experience for our student-athletes, while competing for championships, remains unwavering. We are grateful to those who have helped build our foundation, and we are confident this new approach will strengthen our connection with donors and accelerate our momentum."

The department will move forward with an extensive search for a new Associate A.D. of Development.

"I'm humbled that Nick has chosen me to help lead North Florida Athletic Development staff as we continue to strive to set more fundraising records. We have the foundation of an exceptional team with Jaycie and Matheo, and will continue to serve the department at the highest level to execute the holistic vision for North Florida Athletics."

North Florida Athletics generated more than $8 million in philanthropic support, including $8,071,921 from 2,893 donors, representing an 89 percent increase over the previous fundraising record. The total marked the third consecutive year with more than 2,800 donors, a first in department history. The department helped drive unprecedented donor engagement, major facility enhancements, and record-setting fundraising success across the department.

North Florida also delivered its most successful Giving Day on record in 2025, raising $856,276 from 1,810 donors. Athletics accounted for 40 percent of all donors and 36 percent of total dollars raised across the university-wide initiative, representing an increase of more than $250,000 from the previous year. Athletics also achieved 100 percent staff participation for the first time.

The development staff oversaw a record-setting Blue & Gray Bash and a sold-out Fores Scholarship Golf Tournament in 2025.

CALL TO ACTION
For more information on supporting North Florida Athletics, please contact the North Florida Athletics Development staff and Senior Associate A.D. of Development Derek Marinatos at derek.marinatos@unf.edu or visit UNFOspreys.com.

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