Amanda Roman

Assistant Sports Editor

Amanda is The Alligator's Assistant Sports Editor and a senior sports journalism student. She previously worked as the soccer and women's basketball reporter. She also interned at Fort Lauderdale United FC. In her free time, she enjoys weight lifting, shopping and reading.

Sydney Johnson

SPORTS

Gator Esports Center grand opening gives UF’s gaming community a home base

By Amanda Roman | Sep. 5

With the launch of the Gator Esports Center, the club has shown it’s here to stay.

Florida Gators plays against Texas Tech for the WBIT on Thursday, March 27th, 2025.

Morgan Waters

SPORTS | BASKETBALL

Laila Reynolds looks to usher in a new era of Florida women’s basketball

By Amanda Roman | Mar. 31

As Florida women’s basketball’s only sophomore, Laila Reynolds plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the program, inspiring and leading the next batch of players.

Jea Nace

METRO | POLITICS

Florida’s fetal personhood bill raises concerns over criminalizing pregnancy

By Amanda Roman | Mar. 29

Anything a woman does that could potentially injure a fetus, whether that be accidental or intentional, could be deemed as child abuse and neglect according to the proposed fetal personhood bill (Senate Bill 1284).

Kenza Salgues (6) passes the ball during the first half against the Chicago State Cougars at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.

Matthew Lewis

SPORTS | BASKETBALL

Kenza Salgues’ last-second three-pointer advances Florida to WBIT quarterfinals

By Amanda Roman | Mar. 23

Senior guard Kenza Salgues hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to defeat UNLV 86-84 in the second round of the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament.

Head women's basketball coach Kelly Rae Finley watches her team from the side of the court Feb. 27.

Samantha Harrison

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida scores season-low 46 points as No. 1 Texas takes SEC co-champion title

By Amanda Roman | Mar. 2

For most teams, facing a top-ranked opponent in their final game of the regular season would be as daunting of a task as they come – especially if their last ranked win came in 2022. However, UF head coach Kelly Rae Finley and her Gator squad viewed this challenge as a “cool opportunity.”

University of Florida Gators Women’s Basketball plays against the Oklahoma Sooners for their senior night on Thursday, Feb. 27th, 2025.

Morgan Waters

SPORTS | BASKETBALL

Florida suffers 24-point loss to No. 13 Oklahoma on senior night

By Amanda Roman | Feb. 27

Florida women’s basketball suffered a 24-point loss to No. 13 Oklahoma on its senior night and final home game of the season.

Morgan Waters

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Lady Vols’ second-half comeback shatters Florida’s hopes of first ranked win

By Amanda Roman | Feb. 23

Tennessee squandered Florida’s nine-point halftime lead, scoring 37 points in the third quarter to secure a comeback victory 86-78 at the O’Dome.

CASA de Maryland, an immigration advocacy and assistance organization, holds a rally in Lafayette Park, across from the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in reaction to the announcement regarding Temporary Protective Status for people from El Salvador. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

NEWS | CAMPUS STUDENT LIFE

UF Venezuelan students face an uncertain future amid TPS changes

By Amanda Roman | Feb. 21

For Venezuelan students at the University of Florida, the uncertainty surrounding Temporary Protected Status is a heavy burden, bringing deep emotional challenges as they grapple with what lies ahead.

University of Florida Women’s Basketball team play against the University of Alabama on Thursday, February 6th, 2025.

Morgan Waters

SPORTS | BASKETBALL

Gators build on recent momentum with a blowout victory over Texas A&M

By Amanda Roman | Feb. 20

Florida women’s basketball capitalized on its momentum from Sunday’s thrilling victory, dominating Texas A&M 74-52.

Morgan Waters

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida women’s basketball suffers season-worst defeat to No. 4 South Carolina

By Amanda Roman | Feb. 13

The Gators were unable to snap the Gamecocks’ 70-game winning streak at home, marking UF’s eighth loss in conference play