“The most intriguing coaching figure in Boulder might not even hold an official title beyond Graduate Assistant.” Often, we find ourselves thinking about what Warren Sapp has achieved at CU. A man who didn’t want anything to do with coaching eventually changed his mind and became the 2nd biggest father figure at Boulder. Let’s be real—plenty of men hold the ‘dad’ title, but only a few truly earn it. Warren Sapp? He’s one of the rare ones who stepped up, and if you need proof, just ask his daughter, Mercedes Sapp. She didn’t hesitate to crown the CU ‘Unc’ with the ultimate badge of honor: ‘THE BEST DAD EVER!” But perhaps the coolest part about the Sapp family? The apple didn’t just fall close to the tree—it’s out here growing its roots.

Mercedes has pretty much taken it upon herself to continue her father’s role, but at USF. “And this right here will make a girl cry,” Mercedes shared on her IG story. The picture showcases a heartfelt note Laila Ivey wrote to Mercedes for all she has done for the USF program. “Thank you for everything you have done for athletics and our program. You are a bright light and always make people’s day better with your positivity and love,” Ivey had mentioned on her note.

Young Miss Sapp took on the Student-Athlete Enhancement Coordinator at USF way back in 2022. Since then, she has devoted all of her time and effort to aid in the personal development and well-being of any South Florida Bulls athletes. If you want us to be honest, we think she was born for this role.

With that MSc degree in communication management and her time as a D1 athlete in Women’s Soccer, along with multiple awards such as 2020 First Team All-ASUN, United Soccer Coaches All-South Region, 2 team, and 2x ASUN Defensive Player of the Week—she makes the perfect candidate to lead the student-athlete enhancement

This little heartfelt thing was something Mercedes deserved because just a few weeks back, she did something that would even make Warren go, “Yeah, that’s MY daughter.” 

Mercedes Sapp steering the NIL wave

“Peace, love, Go Bulls.” Mercedes took her time to share an interesting update on her IG, pointing her student athletes to one of the biggest collective ventures out here. Ever heard of Embarc? The 32,000-square-foot hub in downtown Tampa that has turned into the beating heart for over 120 tech startups?

Yeah, during the “Leveling the Playing Field: The Future of Women’s NIL,” Mercedes got her chance at endorsing Embarc, and this move has some massive ripple effects for USF players. This not only gives promising athletes a way to delve into NIL, but it also points them toward an established collective.

Here you all thought that Unc Sapp was the only one guiding the boys at CU towards a bright future, huh? Well, our point stands: the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and Warren Sapp must feel so proud to call Mercedes his daughter!!