When news broke about USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim’s death, a wave of stillness washed over the community.

SoFlo Rodeo members said Abdur-Rahim, known for his commitment to both his players and the greater campus community, had a presence that stretched far beyond the basketball court.

More than just fans, SoFlo Rodeo, a student organization, worked alongside Abdur-Rahim and USF Athletics to boost attendance and create an electric atmosphere at games. 

Kyle Muffoletto, president of SoFlo, said Abdur-Rahim was more than just a coach.

“He made us proud to be a Bull,” Muffoletto said. 

Together, they helped revitalize the student section, gaining national attention with a No. 13 ranking from prominent college sports social media Big Game Boomer for best student section. 

Abdur-Rahim was instrumental in the partnership, Muffoletto said.

Muffoletto said Abdur-Rahim supported SoFlo Rodeo’s initiatives and encouraged students to show up and show pride, building a sense of community on campus.

Related: USF mourns Amir Abdur-Rahim, women’s basketball to face ranked foes and more

Arianna Thibeault, a sophomore and SoFlo Rodeo member, said Abdur-Rahim would often go out of his way to make everyone feel valued and involved. 

“Anyone who showed up and came to the games, he welcomed them with open arms, like we were all part of the team basically,” she said.

In addition to his contributions to the Bulls, Thibeault said Abdur-Rahim even impacted those who didn’t play for him.

As Thibeault recalled, Abdur-Rahim would speak to potential students during campus tours without focusing on basketball. Instead, he would share the values of the USF community.

“That was his way of connecting—beyond the court,” she said.

Even though Abdur-Rahim was only with the Bulls for one year, his impact was deep and lasting, Thibeault said.

“We’d never sold out the Yuengling Center in so long, but we did for a few games because of him,” Thibeault said.

USF and Kennesaw State, where Abdur-Rahim coached for four years coming to the Bulls, announced a home-and-home series between the two.

The series will be named the “Love Wins Classic” after Abdur-Rahim’s mantra.

Related: USF celebrates the life of Amir Abdur-Rahim, announces new tributes in his honor

“His impact will be passed down through the staff and players, making everyone feel welcome and part of something bigger,” Muffoletto said reflecting on the tributes. 

Abdur-Rahim saw the student section as the heart of the Bulls and was constantly finding ways to connect with them, Muffoletto said.

“We were lucky enough to talk with him,” Muffoletto said. “He always asked what he could do for the student section, to help get the word out.”

These lasting impressions have inspired the SoFlo Rodeo team to carry his memory forward. 

As they work to keep the Bulls’ spirit strong, they also feel a renewed sense of purpose.

“We don’t know exactly what that will look like yet, but we’re committed to doing anything we can,” Muffoletto said.

USF’s student section in the Yuengling Center will also be renamed as the “Amir Abdur-Rahim Student Section”.

In the announcement of his successor Ben Fletcher, who had worked closely with him, the community found comfort.

Thibeault said she watched the press conference and described a moment that brought reassurance.

“He opened with ‘To God be the glory,’ something Amir would say before every game,” she said. “That showed me he’s carrying on Amir’s legacy.”

Reflecting on the memorial outside the Yuengling Center just hours after Abdur-Rahim’s passing, Muffoletto was moved by the support.

The fans covered the bull statue outside the arena with balloons, flowers, USF gear and posters and held a vigil for Abdur-Rahim. 

“I thought it was very unique because it wasn’t a planned thing,” he said. “It was really beautiful.”