Being one of three programs with multiple athletes selected to the Preseason All-Southeastern Conference team, Florida volleyball is positioned for success with the talents of Jordyn Byrd and Alec Rothe. The SEC Coaches Poll announced the Gators are projected to finish No. 4 in the conference.
Byrd earned the preseason All-SEC honor after being a key player this past season, leading Florida with 425 kills and 457.5 points. The outside hitter also led the Gators’ offense in 23 matches and averaged 3.97 kills per set last fall, giving her a 2025 All-SEC second team selection.
Rothe was one of two middle blockers named to the preseason All-SEC team after recording a Florida season-high 111 blocks. The junior middle blocker, who started all 28 matches in the 2025 season, averaged 1.03 blocks per set. Rothe was a consistent defensive power for Florida, recording 10 matches with five or more blocks.
This is Rothe’s first Preseason SEC honor, but she previously earned a Freshman of the Week recognition in 2024.
Earning 187 points in the poll, the Gators are predicted to finish fourth in the conference, just ahead of the Tennessee Lady Vols and behind defending national champion Texas A&M. Kentucky, who Florida faces in October, was favored as the conference winner.
The Gators open the regular season Aug. 30th at 1 p.m., hosting the Stony Brook Seawolves. Before that, Florida will compete in a Gators vs. Gator Greats match, welcoming back alumni on Aug. 16th at 2 p.m. The Gators also travel to Arlington, Texas, for the first Spikes Under the Lights exhibition event against Nebraska on Aug. 27th at 8 p.m.
Contact Sofia Alamo at salamo@alligator.org. Follow her on X @alamosofiaa.
Sofia Alamo is a Sports Journalism freshman at UF and the university’s Women’s Tennis beat reporter. Her favorite sports are soccer and tennis, and she aspires to be a sports broadcaster in the future.
