FAST: Football Academic Success Team
FAST facilitates an academic support program for football student-athletes who are transitioning from high school to college. Collegiate student-athletes’ academic requirements are higher than those of regular students, and for students who already struggle academically the transition to college can be very challenging.
De Anza's FAST program (originally funded by the college's Office of Equity) has evolved from a traditional study hall model that shadowed freshmen for their first full year of college -- to a comprehensive wrap-around support program for all football students.
Each academic year, student-athletes are required to attend a FAST orientation. The FAST program provides a place to meet with the program coordinator, a place to work with tutors, a place to use a laptop to study, and a place to build camaraderie.
FAST is supported by several campus partners, including stakeholders from Financial Aid, UMOJA, Student Development, and Mental Health and Wellness Center, among others.
FALL 2025 MEETINGS
M-Th, 11am-2pm (Tutoring Drop-Ins) - PE 12U
FAST Lessons, Tuesdays, 1pm-2pm - PE 12U and Zoom
Thoughtful Tuesdays (with Dr. Wil), 3:45pm-4:30pm - Forum 3
Writing Wednesdays, 7:30pm-9:30pm - PE 12U
Fridays, 10am-2pm, Study Hall - PE 12U
| FAST Coordinator | Joe D'Agostino |
| FAST Support Team | Louise Madrigal, Athletics Counselor |
| Bailey Weiss, Athletics Advisor | |
| Ron Hannon, Athletic Director | |
| Eric Mendoza, Division Dean | |
| Lisa Mandy, Financial Aid Director | |
| Gary Valentine, Financial Aid Supervisor | |
| Sabrina Stewart, OTI | |
| Dr. Wil Firmender, Mental Health & Wellness Center Director | |
| Maurice Canyon, UMOJA Coordinator | |
| FAST Tutors | Dr. Boo Fuqua |
| Victor Martinez | |
| Ray Souza |
Links
- Apply and Register
– Steps for getting started at De Anza - Campus Map
– Interactive map with links for guided tours, video tour, parking information and directions - Financial Aid
– How to get help paying for college - NCAA Eligibility Center– NCAA eligibility requirements and resources
- NCAA (Flyer) Best Practices for Community College Transfers
- Orientation for New Students
– Required for priority enrollment, which moves you ahead in the line to register for classes - Student Information
– Academic programs, computers you can borrow, campus wifi and more - Student Resources
– Food assistance, health services and other programs to help you succeed - Student Success Center
– Tutoring services available on an individual and group basis- Math and Science tutoring
- Writing and Reading tutoring