When UF travels to Virginia for its season opener this weekend, the Gators will have two experienced seniors leading the way.
On the women's side, senior Gemma Spofforth will head a strong squad into Virginia when competition gets underway Friday.
"We're probably returning one of the best women's teams in the country," coach Gregg Troy said. "We don't have any weaknesses that are obvious at the moment."
Last season, Spofforth broke UF records in the 100- and 200-yard backstrokes, and the 200 individual medley.
She also defended her NCAA and Southeastern Conference titles in both the 100 and 200 back, and she was named the SEC Swimmer of the Year.
"She's got a lot of leadership, a lot of background and certainly a lot of experience," Troy said.
She also represented Great Britain in the 2008 Olympics and finished fourth in the 100-meter backstroke.
Spofforth said the experience she gained in the Olympics will help push her to do better this season.
"Coming fourth in the Olympics, although a lot of people said it was really great, it's something that has made me hungry for more," she said. "Every disappointment I've had in the past year just gives me a little bit more hunger to swim faster every time I get in the pool."
Spofforth said she is accustomed to the expectations placed on her because of the success she has had, so she just focuses on her performance in the pool.
"I've had a while to get used to the pressure," Spofforth said. "I've already had pressure from world competitions and the NCAA, so I don't really think about it. I just use each match as a stepping stone for the next one."
On the men's side, UF is without two of last season's top three performers - Bradley Ally and Rex Tullius graduated last year. The third, Shaune Fraser, returns as the senior pace setter for UF this season.
Fraser will enter this weekend's meet at Virginia with a great deal of experience.
Last season, he had six All-America honors at the NCAA Championships, capturing the 200-yard freestyle and the 200 butterfly.
He also broke four individual UF records - the 50, 100 and 200 free and the 200 fly.
Troy said that after the summer Fraser had, he expects the senior to take on some of the leadership responsibilities.
Fraser said he would use his performance to lead the younger swimmers.
"I try to just lead by example and just do the best that I can," he said.
