Miami Shores, FL — September 9, 2025: Barry University and Miami Country Day School formally announced a long-term strategic partnership and use agreement to share access to each other’s athletic facilities, enhancing opportunities for student-athletes at both institutions.
As part of the agreement, Miami Country Day School students will utilize Barry University’s fields and training centers, including soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, and other turf sports. In turn, Barry University student-athletes will gain access to Miami Country Day’s swimming facilities, strengthening training opportunities for Barry’s nationally recognized Division II athletics programs.
A common practice among educational institutions is sharing resources and facilities as part of strategic partnerships, which enables schools to expand opportunities and offerings while maximizing the use of campus spaces. This collaboration represents an innovative model of cooperation between higher education and K–12 education.
Details of the collaboration, including parking studies and plans for future and renovated facilities, have been submitted to Miami Shores Village as part of Barry University’s Campus Master Plan. Planned upgrades include a north field, jointly used and lined for baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, and flag football, and a south field, designated exclusively for Barry and lined for soccer, lacrosse, and flag football with an adjacent sprint track. Both fields will feature turf made of 100 percent cradle-to-cradle sustainable materials, incorporating approximately 800,000 recycled plastic bottles per field. The enhancements also include elevated press boxes, scoreboards, and broadcast-capable LED lighting, along with batting cages, a lacrosse practice wall, and upgraded player areas. To complement the facilities, the project will add significant landscaping improvements, including the planting of approximately 100 new trees to strengthen the campus canopy.
“This partnership reflects Barry University’s commitment to enriching opportunities for our students while serving as a strong community partner,” said Dr. Mike Allen, President of Barry University. “By joining with Miami Country Day, we’re modeling how higher education and K–12 can collaborate in ways that benefit all students.”
“At Miami Country Day, our mission is to prepare student-athletes for excellence in both academics and athletics,” said Mariandl Hufford, President and Head of Miami Country Day School. “This agreement provides our students with access to Barry’s championship-level facilities, while also supporting Barry’s athletes through use of our swimming complex. It’s a true win-win partnership for our institutions and the Miami Shores community.”
The announcement was marked by a signing ceremony at Barry University, featuring remarks by Dr. Allen and Ms. Hufford, joined by student-athletes from both institutions. Local elected officials, trustees, and community leaders also attended the event.
About Barry University
As South Florida’s largest private Catholic institution of higher learning and as one of the leading universities in the nation for promoting social mobility, Barry University is preparing students for the future workforce by offering them more than 100-degree programs in a variety of disciplines and giving them the tools and real-world experience that transform concepts into impact. Barry's programs center on experiential and service learning, responding to market conditions and addressing critical societal needs. Barry graduates are socially conscious leaders in many industries and in their communities. Learn more at barry.edu or visit their Instagram at @barryuniversity.
About Miami Country Day School
Miami Country Day School is an independent, coeducational, nonprofit learning community with approximately 1,380 students in Pre-Kindergarten 3 through Grade 12, designed to meet the needs of every student, every day, everywhere. We are rooted in our commitment to educating the whole child – both inside and outside the classroom – a mission that has defined our growth over the past 86 years and continues to advance both our program and community today. Every student who sets foot on our campus has something to offer – potential to be unlocked. It is our responsibility to give students the freedom to design an education as unique as they are.
Media Contact Barry University
Olya Goldenberg
VP of PR, INGAGE on behalf of Barry University
olya@ingage.biz
Media Contact Miami Country Day School
Paula Montoya
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Miami Country Day School
montoyap@miamicountryday.org