Through 27 sets of the season, junior Alec Rothe has emerged as the linchpin of Florida’s success.
The Ohio native has remained steady at the net and powerful in her kills. She currently stands at 36 total blocks and 63 kills this season.
Rothe has shined in all facets of the game. Sunday against the Troy Trojans, she recorded a school-high hitting percentage of .909. The previous record was held by former Gator Chloe Mann in 2011 (.900).
But this isn’t a new feeling for the Ohio native; Rothe has ignited the other renditions of the Gators to victory plenty of times before.
In the 2025 season, the 6-foot-3 middle blocker recorded 206 kills and maintained an impressive .314 hitting percentage. She also had 111 total blocks and posted 268 points. While her freshman campaign got off to a slower start, she still generated traction on the court. Rothe registered four double-digit kill outings and her 80 blocks were tied for first amongst the team.
That power and control have carried over into this season.
Remaining dependable, Rothe has averaged a .672 hitting clip over the Gators’ last three affairs when they faced Miami, Florida Atlantic and Troy. She also holds the team-high in blocks (36).
Despite her physical strengths, Rothe has fostered connections with her teammates, including senior outside hitter Kamryn Chaney and senior middle blocker Brooklyn Briscoe, deepening their chemistry on the court.
“We are the bestest of friends,” Rothe said. “I think we’re very intentional off the court about being good friends and good teammates to each other. So when we come on the court, it’s just like I’m playing volleyball with my best friends and I love them with all of my soul and being.”
Coupled with their skills, the relationship between the players generates the perfect storm.
Chaney leads the team in kills (96), efficiently delivering quick attacks through the middle. Against FAU, the Illinois native tallied 22 points – including 20 kills.
Rothe also works seamlessly with junior setter Taylor Parks, who is consistent with meeting Rothe where she is and positioning her for the kill.
“She’s in a rhythm creating good space between her and Taylor,” head coach Ryan Theis said Sunday after UF’s victory against Troy. “Again, Taylor puts some pretty good sets up there for her to take a rip at.”
Parks leads the team-high in assists (291) and service aces (14). In both instances, she excels at her ball placement, curating points with ease.
Florida eyes two non-conference matchups ahead of Southeastern Conference play. The Gators will take on Florida State on Friday and Jacksonville on Wednesday while they remain in pursuit of a higher spot in the AVCA-Taraflex poll rankings. With Rothe at the net, they will be in a good position to make that a reality.
Contact Nicole Scura at nscura@alligator.org. Follow her on X @NicoleScuraa.
Nicole Scura is a junior journalism student in her third semester at The Alligator. She is currently a volleyball beat reporter and previously served as hockey beat and enterprise reporters. In her free time she enjoys figure skating, traveling and watching football (Go Bucs!).
