Tampa is one of the most prolific sports cities in the nation. From being home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning to welcoming the New York Yankees every spring, sports bring our community together.
Fittingly, the NCAA chose Tampa, for the fourth time, this year as the site for the Women’s Final Four, which was held April 4 and 6, at Amalie Arena.
Each year, the NCAA honors the host city of the Women’s Final Four by presenting a Legends and Legacy Community Award to some of its most influential leaders and community members.
This year, the organization presented the 2025 Tampa Legends and Legacy Community Awards to Mayor Jane Castor, Derrick Brooks, Thaddeus Bullard (Titus O’Neil), Commissioner Gwen Myers and Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy.
These individuals have made a profound impact on the Tampa community, both professionally and personally. They work to make Tampa a better place, helping move the city forward for future generations.
Mayor Jane Castor
Jane Castor is Tampa’s 59th mayor, serving since 2019. Before taking office, she worked as a Tampa police officer and became the city’s first female chief of police. A graduate of the University of Tampa, she attended college on a basketball and volleyball scholarship.
“Just to be involved with NCAA women’s basketball—you know, that’s something that really impacted my life in such a positive way. Being able to receive an athletic scholarship to the University of Tampa to play basketball and volleyball was the key that opened every door for me and really the reason I stand here, as the mayor of the greatest city in the world. The recognition, I guess, is just an added bonus, but I’m very humbled,” Castor said.
Derrick Brooks
A former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Derrick Brooks helped lead the team to victory in Super Bowl XXXVII, in 2003. A Pro Football Hall of Fame member, Brooks is recognized as a leader on and off the field. In 2000, he founded Derrick Brooks Charities, with a mission to provide educational opportunities for young people in the Tampa Bay area.
Brooks is quick to recognize the team behind his organization’s work. “It’s not just me; it’s a team of people with giving hearts that want to see a change in our community for the better. They just come alongside me, and we just love doing the best we can and continue to serve,” he said. Receiving the NCAA Legends and Legacy Community Award, he added, reminds him there is still more work to be done and inspires him “to do more.”
Thaddeus Bullard (Titus O’Neil)
Known by his WWE alias Titus O’Neil, Thaddeus Bullard is not the typical wrestling superstar. As a global ambassador for WWE, he has been recognized nationally, and locally, for his charitable work in the Tampa community.
His story is inspirational. A Florida native, he was born under tragic circumstances—his mother was raped when she was a child but never gave up on her son. With the support of his mom and local community, Bullard excelled in high school football and went on to play for the University of Florida, where he won a national championship. After graduating, he played professional arena football before joining WWE.
Determined to give back, Bullard founded the Bullard Family Foundation to provide families and children with resources, programs and moments that help build character and improve outcomes in the community.
“I think that all five recipients of this award have done tremendous work for years, and it never was about an accolade or about money—it was always about doing the right thing because it’s the right thing to do,” Bullard said.
Commissioner Gwen Myers
Commissioner Gwen Myers prides herself on being a public servant—and her record proves it. Before being elected to the Hillsborough County Commission, in 2020, she worked for Hillsborough County government for more than 20 years.
As commissioner for District 3, Myers has focused on improving access to housing, transportation and health care across the Tampa area.
“To be recognized—it’s special. I’m honored; I’m humbled. As a county commissioner, to serve my community and be able to receive this award, it’s a dream come true. You never know in life what’s in store when you serve. And to be a part of this award with other legends, I say thank you,” she said.
Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy
Barbara Sparks-McGlinchy served as senior associate athletic director at the University of South Florida from 1998 to 2008. During her tenure, she oversaw several teams including baseball, volleyball, men’s soccer and softball, according to USF’s website. She also played a key role in introducing new sports including women’s soccer, women’s sailing and both men’s and women’s track and field.
Recognized as a champion for women’s sports, Sparks-McGlinchy helped establish one of the most competitive athletic departments in the state.
Speaking about receiving the NCAA Legends and Legacy Community Award, she said: “It was a total surprise and a great honor. I don’t even know who nominated me, but yes, it did just come out of the blue. It was very surprising and it’s a very nice thing.”
