When looking at Florida sports, an average fan may think of the Gators’ 2025 national champion basketball team or the excitement surrounding the upcoming football season led by new head coach Jon Sumrall. But tucked in between Saturdays in The Swamp and camping in front of the Stephen C. O’Connell Center for basketball games are national championship contenders, Olympians, rising stars and some of the most exciting sporting events on campus.
Whether you’re looking for a fun new activity, an indoor escape from the Florida heat or your next favorite team, here’s what you need to know before every Gator season begins.
Women’s Basketball
A brand new era begins under first-year head coach Tammi Reiss. After nearly the entire roster turned over, Florida added a list of newcomers through the transfer portal and recruiting, creating one of the country’s most intriguing rebuilds. The Gators feature returner Jade Weathersby and exciting new scorers like Kiyomi McMiller and Moriah Murray.
The team will kick off its season in November in the O’Connell Center.
Volleyball
Florida volleyball enters the 2026 season with one of the SEC’s most promising rosters, which features two Preseason All-SEC selections in Jordan Byrd and Alec Rothe. The Gators were picked to finish fourth in the SEC, per the SEC’s 2026 Preseason Coaches Poll. The team finished its 2025 season 16-11 overall under head coach Ryan Theis after making its 35th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
Santa Fe College sophomore and microbiology major Isabelle Aoun has been a fan of volleyball since middle school. Attending games was a no-brainer as soon as she came to Gainesville, she said. From coordinated chants and student section cheers, she said the energy rivals other sports on campus.
“The atmosphere of the entire stadium is just so high,” Aoun said. “To be honest, I would say it would match football games at UF.”
Florida will open its upcoming season Aug. 30 in the O’Connell Center.
Men’s & Women’s Swimming and Diving
Both the men’s and women’s programs remain among the country's elite, with the men’s team coming off a national runner-up finish led by Olympians Josh Liendo and Ahmed Jaouadi.
Swimming is arguably one of the most underrated spectator sports on campus. With a front row seat to competition between Olympians and NCAA Champions, you’ll bear witness to a program that has trained sport legends like Caeleb Dressel, Katie Ledecky and Ryan Lochte.
The team will kick off competition in the O’Connell Center Natatorium early this Fall.
Gymnastics
The defending SEC Champions will return in the Spring after capturing their 13th conference title this past March. With stars like Selena Harris-Miranda, Skye Blakely and Kayla DiCello, Florida again enters the season a national championship contender.
Gymnastics competitions may serve as one of the most energetic atmospheres outside of football and basketball.
UF senior and communications sciences and disorders major Naomi Glover said she attends gymnastics meets for the energetic environment and the team’s traditions, like the Gators’ signature “chomp” during their floor routines. One of her favorite events to attend is their annual “Link to Pink” meet, the team’s campaign to raise money for breast cancer awareness.
Glover said every student should attend a competition at least once.
“You have no idea what you’re missing out on,” she said. “All Gator sports have the same atmosphere. So, if you like basketball, if you like baseball, if you like football, you’re going to like gymnastics … The atmosphere translates.”
Florida gymnastics opens its spring season in January at the O’Connell Center.
Women’s Soccer
After several years of inconsistency, Florida enters the 2026 season looking to bounce back into SEC competition under new head coach Nick Zimmerman. The Gators’ new roster blends fresh players with veterans, making way for an interesting season. With regular SEC competition, fast-paced play and an opportunity to keep the excitement of the World Cup alive, soccer offers an energetic atmosphere for students on campus.
The team kicked off its season Aug. 5 at home against Miami.
Men’s and Women’s Golf
Florida women’s golf is coming off one of its best seasons in program history after winning five tournaments and reaching the NCAA Championship. Sophomore Siuue Wu returns after tying the NCAA single-round scoring record during the national championship. The men’s team will return to the course after another NCAA Championship appearance and hopes to break through again with an experienced lineup.
While many students may play a round at the Mark Bostick Golf Course, few have probably seen a round of competitive golf played there. Fans can walk alongside players and watch elite collegiate play from just a handful of yards away.
Although the women’s schedule has yet to be announced, the men will kick off their Fall season in September at the Sahalee Players Championship.
Men’s and Women’s Tennis
Florida women’s tennis nearly doubled its win total from the previous year and returns one of the nation’s most promising lineups heading into this year. The men’s team follows a similar run, boasting a talented core returning for another winning season and welcoming a strong recruiting class. Both teams will look to make an NCAA Tournament run.
Tennis features up-close seating that allows fans to hear every serve, rally and celebration. The intimate setting creates plenty of interaction among players and fans, especially during close SEC matches. The sport also brings players from all corners of the world. Florida’s own roster features competitors hailing from Cyprus, California and Spain.
The regular season begins in January at the Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex.
Men’s and Women’s Track & Field
Fresh off an SEC Triple Crown and a runner-up finish in the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Program of the Year standings, Florida again enters the year as one of the nation’s premier programs under Mike Holloway. The program has also produced several Olympic competitors, including Grant Holloway, Anna Hall and Parker Valby. With anything from the 100-meter dash to the discus throw, track-and-field offers something for all fans.
Outdoor competition begins in January at Percy Beard Track.
Softball
After winning 51 games but falling one series short in the Women’s College World Series, Florida returns with All-American pitcher Keagan Rothrock, welcomes one of the nation’s top recruiting classes and adds key transfer talent. Few venues match the atmosphere at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. Big home runs, SEC rivalries and a passionate fan base make every weekend series a must-see event.
The season is set to begin in February at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.
Women’s Lacrosse
Florida returns several young stars after another conference championship season with hopes to bounce back from an earlier-than-expected NCAA Tournament exit. With constant scoring opportunities, transition offense and physical defensive play, lacrosse is fast-paced and captivating. The team is led by head coach Amanda O’Leary and high-scoring players Clark Hamilton and Gabbi Koury.
The season will kick off in February at Donald R. Disney Stadium.
Men's & Women’s Cross Country
Fresh off a women’s SEC Championship and one of the best overall seasons in program history, Florida enters the Fall looking to remain among the nation’s elite. Cross country offers an atmosphere different from most sports. The races are fast and allow fans to watch nationally ranked runners compete just feet away.
Florida’s season begins in late August.
Whether you’re a lifelong Gator fan or an incoming student looking for a new tradition, Florida’s 2026-27 athletic calendar offers no shortage of sports across campus.
Contact Lily Perkins at lperkins@alligator.org. Follow her on X @lily_perkins10.
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.
