When senior midfielder Kaitlyn Davies walked off the field for the final time in a Florida uniform, the reality of her college career ending had not fully set in.
Now back home in Wayne, New Jersey, Davies still finds herself reminiscing on her years with Florida’s lacrosse program.
“It feels like I’m gonna go back in the fall,” she said. “I don’t think it’s gonna hit me until August.”
After four seasons, 83 games and two Final Four appearances, Davies left Florida as one of the most accomplished midfielders in program history. But when she reflects on her time with the Gators, what stands out isn’t her many accolades, goals or broken records. It’s the team.
“We were seriously all best friends,” Davies said. “I honestly wouldn’t change this group for the world.”
The 39-woman roster was a force on the field, but still spent much of the year overcoming adversity. Finishing 15-4 and winning the Big 12 regular-season title, the team entered the NCAA Tournament with championship goals. However, a first-round loss to Denver took the Gators out and marked the first time in program history Florida failed to advance to the second round of the tournament.
Despite the disappointing finish, the team's bond remained a highlight for many.
Sophomore attacker Clark Hamilton said its support system was one of the squad’s defining characteristics.
“I feel like we always had each other’s backs,” Hamilton said. “Whether things were going well or they weren’t, we always had that positive energy and encouragement.”
That culture was built in part by Davies.
Arriving at Florida her freshman year, she was surrounded by older players who set an example. Emily Heller, Maggi Hall, Ashley Gonzalez and Danielle Pavinelli demonstrated leadership and hard work. Despite rarely seeing the field her freshman season, Davies understood she simply had to work harder. Over the next three seasons, she began to fill the missing gaps in the team.
She transitioned from midfield to defense during her sophomore year as Florida made a run to the Final Four. When the roster shifted again, she shifted with it, moving back to the midfield. Her priority remained with the team's success.
“Wherever my team needed me the most, I would be there for them,” she said.
Davies started all 19 games during her senior season, recording 31 goals, 10 assists, 48 draw controls, 23 ground balls and 17 caused turnovers. She took the No. 26 spot of all-time points scorers on the Gators Lacrosse leaderboard at 110 points and earned Big 12 Midfielder of the Year honors for the second consecutive season. Her formidable presence on the field also earned her an IWLCA All-South Region Second Team selection and a USA Lacrosse All-American recognition in both 2025 and 2026.
Looking back, Davies said she’s proud of what Florida accomplished in her four years. Her favorite memory is their 2024 Final Four run, which took place her sophomore year. It was her first Final Four experience and a moment that she defined as “unforgettable”.
“There’s no better feeling than that,” she said.
Florida head coach Amanda O’Learly said Davies’ greatest strength lies in what she brought as a teammate.
“She’s a Gator through and through,” O’Leary said. “What she’s given us as a teammate and as a leader, they’re not as easy to quantify.”
That leadership became especially evident with younger players on the team. Davies wanted to fill an “older sister” role, providing them with support and encouragement on and off the field.
One of the factors in this, Davies said, was helping them adjust to life away from home.
"Most of our team is from the tri-state area, and it's a hard move," she said. "I always wanted to make them feel like they had a family here too."
As she prepares for her next chapter, Davies said her biggest piece of advice for the girls remaining on the team next season is simple: enjoy every moment.
Davies’ accolades and victories will remain part of her legacy at UF. But the impact she hopes to leave behind is much more than that. As Florida fades into the rearview, one thing is certain: the freshman who once looked up to Florida’s leaders had become one herself.
Contact Lily Perkins at lperkins@alligator.org. Follow her on X @lily_perkins10.
Contact Coral Uzgiden at cuzgiden@alligator.org. Follow her on X @coraluzgiden.
Coral is a sophomore Sports Journalism student in her first semester with the Alligator covering Lacrosse. She also has experience writing for WRUF and covering beats such as high school football and Gators swim and dive. She is an intern for the Women of the Lowcountry and in her free time enjoys playing waterpolo, going to the gym and being outside.
Lily Perkins is a fourth-year journalism sports and media student in her first semester at The Alligator as a sports enterpise writer. In her free time she enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, and of course, watching sports.
