A Lasting Legacy

By Joey Johnston

Former USF men’s basketball player Cedric Smith, a team supervisor for the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department, remembers his early love for the game.

He removed the spokes from a BMX bicycle rim, then attached it to plywood. Voila — his first basketball hoop.

“But as time went on, if it wasn’t for Parks and Rec, I never would’ve played basketball at USF and I never would’ve gotten to see the things I have seen in my life,’’ Smith said.

Lynn Holzman, NCAA vice president for women's basketball, grew up on a farm. She played on a dirt court and smooth dribbling was a challenge because of the tree roots. She developed a nice arc on her shot — probably because her basket was “way too high, much higher than 10 feet.’’

“Many of us … are literally prime examples of the impact that sport and education has had on our lives,’’ Holzman said. “As a first-generation college student, it was because of women’s basketball that I had a means to get a college education.’’

While reflecting on their humble beginnings, Smith and Holzman quickly grasped the impact and importance of Wednesday morning’s ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Riverfront Recreation Center at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.

As part of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four, set for this weekend at downtown Tampa’s Amalie Arena, the facility’s indoor basketball court was restored, while other enhancements, such as a Legacy Literacy Lounge and a computer lab, were added.

The project was made possible by Dove, an NCAA corporate partner, in concert with the NCAA, the City of Tampa and Tampa Bay’s Local Organizing Committee. The Final Four generally completes a legacy project in the host city, a contribution that adds value long after the event leaves town.

This one was especially meaningful because of the history. For decades, Riverfront Park’s outdoor courts represented the city’s top basketball action — Tampa’s version of New York’s Rucker Park, if you will — but the indoor facility needed some updates.

It actually received a turbo-boost, transforming the RRC into a glistening, gleaming, highly desirable venue that will serve Tampa’s youth with great distinction.

“No matter what happens (Sunday) at 3 o’clock (in the NCAA championship game), we have won,’’ Smith said. “And we will continue to win. Our Final Four lasts forever.’’

Claire Lessinger, vice president of events for the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, said she was amazed at the facility’s transformation after inspecting the project from start to finish.

“What this will do for our community, the (impact) that this facility will create for youth, it’s just unbelievable,’’ Lessinger said. “We say this over and over, but this Final Four is truly a driving force. This is way more than three games. The games will be remarkable and we’re so excited about this weekend.

“But once that confetti falls on Sunday, we have facilities and initiatives that will live on forever. We are so grateful and honored to be (the Final Four’s first) four-time host. We don’t take that lightly and we never rest on our laurels. The growth of this championship is unbelievable. The growth of this community has been unbelievable. A moment like this brings it all together and shows you what is truly important. We get to help grow this game and help grow this community.’’

A plaque will commemorate the “Women’s Final Four Legacy Project’’ — dedicated on April 2, 2025 — so future generations will know the facility’s significance.

Growing up in Mexico, Sofia Garcia was the only girl playing basketball on a high-school boys team. Back then, she was called “tomboy’’ or “shorty.’’ But now she knows the confidence and fulfillment that sports provided. She played for the Mexican National Team, earning a silver medal in the Pan American Games.

Garcia, now the brand manager for engagement and social impact for the Dove/Unilever corporation, said the Riverfront renovation project was well worth the investment.

“Dove is on a mission to make sports a place where all girls can thrive and feel like they belong,’’ Garcia said. “Our research shows that 48-percent of girls who dropped out of sports were told that they don’t have the right bodies. … What kept me going in sports was the joy, and I never dropped out.

“As a new mom, I’m more committed than ever to ensure that my daughter can enjoy the same confidence and joy in sports without worrying how she looks. It’s about helping girls build body confidence. Today, this (renovation) is a great example of that mission, providing a space where every young person can feel confidence and support.’’

The ribbon-cutting, executed by City of Tampa and NCAA officials, along with student-athletes from Stewart Middle School, featured the revelry of cheerleaders and dance teams from USF, the host institution, in addition to the Final Four teams (UCLA, UConn, South Carolina and Texas).

Outside of the facility, there’s a large mural by noted sports artist Courtney Wall Crawford, who set the proper mood.

“The mural is curved to represent the (Hillsborough) river and the riverfront here in Tampa,’’ said LaKendria Robinson, director of social impact and legacy initiative for the Tampa Bay LOC. “It shows the male and female basketball players flowing through the air to inspire the children to reach for their (highest goals). Lastly, the Dove logo is incorporated as our project sponsor and highlights staying active in the facility. It’s a beautiful representation of this project and a very welcoming (visual) of what it stands for.’’

“This is a reminder of how sports prepares kids and adults for life,’’ said Ocea Wynn, the City of Tampa’s administrator of neighborhood and community affairs. “We learn how to win. Some of us learn how to lose nicely, but it’s a learning process. We learn the value of hard work, dedication and discipline. These are lessons we all need and now our youth can take advantage of that.’’

It’s called the “Legacy Court’’ for a reason. Once the Women’s Final Four has completed, a wonderful legacy will be left behind.