sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Florida tennis player Henry Jefferson finishes a swing during a doubles match against North Florida on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.

Sports

Florida men’s tennis defeats Arkansas in SEC Tournament second round

By Curan Ahern | Apr. 17, 2025

Florida’s men’s tennis team entered Thursday’s match against Arkansas well-rested and seeking a much-needed victory after losing its final two regular-season matches against Tennessee and South Carolina. The Gators (14-10, 9-6 SEC) braved the second round of the SEC Tournament with confidence, prepared for a repeat performance of its dominant 4-1 win over the Razorbacks on March 15.

Florida Gators outfielder Taylor Shumaker (21) hits her seventh home run over nine games in a softball game against Boston College in Gainesville, Fla., on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.

Sports

Florida loses opening game of series with Alabama

By Noah White | Apr. 17, 2025

Florida softball allows seven runs in the first inning in a surprising series-opening loss to Alabama.

Florida Gators gymnast Victoria Nguyen preforms on the floor in a gymnastics meet against the Kentucky Wildcats in Gainesville, Fla., on Friday, March 14, 2025.

Sports

No. 3 Florida concludes season with stunning national championship semifinals loss

By Liana Handler | Apr. 17, 2025

No. 3 Florida concludes its whirlwind season with a national championship semifinal loss.

Reagan Parker catches the ball in her racket at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex on Friday, March 28, 2025. Jimena Gomez Alonso of University of Arkansas defeated Parker 6-3 and 6-0.

Sports

Florida women’s tennis exits in the second round of the SEC Tournament following

By Jeffrey Serber | Apr. 17, 2025

After defeating Alabama in walk-off fashion, Florida’s 2025 SEC Tournament run came to an end on Thursday following a second-round collapse to No. 13 Vanderbilt.

Senior guard Bennett Andersen smiles on the court in the Gators’ 96-57 win against the Grambling State Tigers on Dec. 22, 2023.

Sports

Bennett Andersen: From three-time intramural champion to Florida walk-on

By Hailey Hurst | Apr. 17, 2025

In the chaos of Florida’s historic postseason run, walk-on graduate student guard Bennett Andersen made his way under the bright arena lights, as his two minutes of play would later resonate beyond the court.

Reagan Parker strikes the ball at her opponent at Alfred A. Ring Tennis Complex on Friday, March 28, 2025. Jimena Gomez Alonso of University of Arkansas defeated Parker 6-3 and 6-0.

Sports

Alicia Dudeney secures walk-off victory in SEC tournament opener

By Jeffrey Serber | Apr. 16, 2025

As day turned into night, the lights brightened with an opportunity to advance in the 2025 SEC Tournament in the hands of Florida senior Alicia Dudeney.

Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) shoots a layup during a basketball game against the Houston Cougars in the National Championship round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.

Sports

From zeros to heroes: How a group of overlooked recruits took Florida basketball to a national title

By Hugh Green | Apr. 16, 2025

Florida became the first program in the modern era to win a national championship without a top-100 recruit.

Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) and center Rueben Chinyelu (9) talk after winning the National Championship against the Houston Cougars in the NCAA Tournament on Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.

Sports

How Florida’s transfers helped it win a national championship

By Liana Handler | Apr. 16, 2025

On a team of transfers, even for the ones who have stuck around in Florida their entire career, there’s still a story.

Florida infielder/outfielder Bobby Boser (6) makes contact as the Florida Gators face the Dayton Flyers on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Condron Family Ballpark in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Bobby Boser blasts three homers, Gators win fifth straight

By Hugh Green | Apr. 15, 2025

Bobby Boser hit three home runs on Tuesday as the Gators mercy-ruled Stetson to win their fifth straight game.

Florida Gators midfielder Kaitlyn Davies (5) runs with the ball in a lacrosse game against Loyola Maryland in Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

Sports

Explosive second quarter propels Florida to 10th consecutive win

By Max Bernstein | Apr. 15, 2025

Behind 10 goals in the second quarter, No. 4 Florida lacrosse ran away with its 10th consecutive victory, defeating Stetson 20-4 in what was a dominant all-around performance.

Florida Ice Hockey Club celebrates its first National Championship win on Wednesday, March, 13, 2024.

Sports

Standout freshman Liam Lecauchois making his mark on UF hockey

By Daniela Ortiz | Apr. 15, 2025

Liam Lecauchois is a standout freshman for the Florida Gators club hockey team. He led the team in points in his first year with the program, as he now aims to continue improving his game during his time in college — all while making his mark on UF hockey.

Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) drives with the ball during a basketball game against the Houston Cougars in the National Championship round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday, April 7, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.

Sports

The final stop: How the Gators clinched the national title

By Max Bernstein | Apr. 14, 2025

Florida is in the lead, leading by two with less than 20 seconds on the clock. One possession for the title of national champion.

Florida Gators linebacker Derek Wingo celebrates after Florida's Senior Day victory against Ole Miss on Nov. 23, 2024.

Sports

Five-year Florida linebacker Derek Wingo prepares for life beyond Gainesville

By Jack Meyer | Apr. 14, 2025

While loyalty seems to be disappearing in today’s college football landscape, five-year Florida linebacker Derek Wingo has already planted his legacy as he prepares for the world beyond Gainesville.

Florida Gators outfielder Taylor Shumaker (21) stands in the on deck circle during a softball game against Boston College in Gainesville, Fla., on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.

Sports

No. 8 Florida drops series finale to No. 19 Ole Miss

By Jackson Colding | Apr. 13, 2025

No. 8 Florida looked to be in position to sweep the series against No. 19 Ole Miss. With the Gators’ offense unable to get any runs on the board during the first four innings, the contest was tied heading into the bottom of the fourth.

Florida Gators infielder Landon Stripling (13) during an at bat in a baseball game against the Missouri Tigers on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.

Sports

Florida sweeps doubleheader and series against Missouri

By Hugh Green | Apr. 12, 2025

The Gators swept the doubleheader and series against Missouri as Florida notched its first SEC series victory of the season.

UF football spring game on Saturday, April 12th, 2025.

Sports

Career days from Ja’Kobi Jackson and Dallas Wilson give Gators hope for fall season

By Curan Ahern | Apr. 12, 2025

This year’s Orange & Blue game was marked by a slew of record breaking performances from stars like Ja’Kobi Jackson, Dallas Wilson and Harrison Bailey.

Florida Gators catcher Jocelyn Erickson (8) swings in a softball game against UCF in Gainesville, Fla., on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

Sports

No. 8 Florida shows control in dominating win against No. 19 Ole Miss

By Brooke Bastedo | Apr. 12, 2025

The glaring sun didn’t affect the Gators hailing from the Sunshine State as the team soared past the Rebels to pick up their second win in Oxford, Mississippi. No. 8 Florida faced No. 19 Ole Miss for game two of a three-game series.

Clark Hamilton (21) plays against Navy on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025.

Sports

Trio of hat tricks fuel Florida comeback for ninth straight victory

By Max Bernstein | Apr. 12, 2025

Despite trailing for the entire first half, No. 4 Florida lacrosse outscored Colorado 9–3 in the second to claim a 15–10 victory — its ninth straight win.

Florida Gators football team practicing for the spring game on Thursday, March 13th, 2025.

Sports

Orange and Blue Game live updates

By Liana Handler | Apr. 12, 2025

Florida ends their spring practices with the annual Orange and Blue game. Follow here for live updates.

Florida junior left fielder Korbe Otis at bat during the Gators' 6-0 win over Florida Gulf Coast on Friday, May 17, 2024.

Sports

No. 8 Florida defeats No. 19 Ole Miss in slugfest

By Jackson Colding | Apr. 11, 2025

For the No. 8 Florida Gators, pitching has been a struggle in their recent SEC and midweek contests. Friday remained no different, as Florida sophomore starting pitcher Keagan Rothrock gave up seven runs in four innings against the No. 19 Ole Miss Rebels.