A team's success is dependent on the collective contributions of each and every one of its players.
There may only be nine on the field at any one time, but the Gators carry 20 players on their roster for a reason.
"I would definitely say it's better to have more (players) than less (players)," said junior Brooke Johnson, who has played in 37 of UF's 42 games this season without getting a single start. "You always want to have extra players. You always want to have a back up."
When the No. 3 Gators (40-2, 12-1 Southeastern Conference) travel to Mississippi State (30-11, 4-7 SEC) for a three game series this weekend, the impact of UF's role players will be felt.
Johnson, who started 107 games over her first two seasons in orange and blue, has made her presence felt coming off the bench in pivotal games as of late.
UF coach Tim Walton has moved the career .174 hitter into a role where she can contribute almost every game without swinging the bat.
Against LSU last weekend and for much of the last two years, Johnson has been coming in to play the outfield in late-game situations where the Gators are trying to protect a lead rather than increase one.
"I come in, usually about the fifth inning or so, more for defense," Johnson said. "And maybe (I) get an opportunity to hit depending on the circumstances, but mostly it's for defense."
Walton, who has also used Johnson as a pinch-runner this season, says his junior defensive specialist is one of the best outfielders on the team due to her exceptionally strong arm and speed.
Sophomore Francesca Enea has been adjusting to left field all season after a torn anterior cruciate ligament forced her to move out from behind the plate a season ago. It is in left field that Johnson sees most of her action, and occasionally, when Walton feels that he would rather not trade her strong defense for additional run support, she'll take an at-bat late in the game.
But the veteran knows that she can best contribute to a victory with her glove - something Walton says he is extremely proud of her for.
"I know that is what's keeping me playing - my defense - so I have to continue to work hard at that," she said.
Johnson isn't the only one who's contributing in a non-starting role.
Junior transfers Le-Net Franklin and Danyell Hines, and freshman Ami Austin - along with Johnson - have combined to steal 15 bases on 18 attempts in primarily pinch-running duty.
Freshmen Kristen Adkins and Kelsey Bruder have proven to be dual-threat components to the Gators attack, as both players have helped the team win inside the box and circle.
And perhaps the biggest bench contribution of all has come from sophomore third baseman Corrie Brooks.
Brooks has started all but three games this year but only became the starter after freshman Shaunice Harris went down for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Since taking over, Brooks has hit .261 and played a solid hot corner, arguably the most important defensive position on the field.
"It's definitely great to have that many players and have that much talent on one team," Johnson said.
