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.
Both men’s and women’s programs return to competition Sept. 26. The men open their season against Florida Atlantic and Nova Southeastern in Boca Raton, Florida, while the women travel to Nashville, Tennessee, for a dual meet against Vanderbilt.
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.
As England advanced through the FIFA World Cup, crowds at The Queen’s Arms swelled to a size that left mere inches between patrons. Fans arrived hours before kickoff to claim tables, staff members were called in from out of town and every available television featured a bright green soccer pitch.
As Bell begins his tenure in Gainesville, attention turns to the role he could play in shaping the future of Florida athletics. Unlike many university presidents, Bell enters the role with extensive experience overseeing one of college athletics’ most notable programs. During his time at the University of Alabama from 2015 to 2025, the Crimson Tide won three national championships and six SEC championships under football coach Nick Saban, solidifying UA’s athletic department as one of the nation’s best.
The University of Florida released season student tickets earlier this year at a price about 50% higher than the previous year’s. Coming out to a $376.25 total, including fees, the elevated price has raised concerns among students about whether the season ticket package is worth the cost.
Reiss’ recruiting strategy details several key components: retention, utilizing the transfer portal effectively, identifying high school talent and finding personalities that fit the program's culture outside of just on-court skill. The roster, recently ranked No.15 nationally by USA Today, is filled with reliable scorers, veteran guards, front and backcourt depth and pure excitement.
After four seasons, 83 games and two Final Four appearances, Davies left Florida as one of the most accomplished midfielders in program history. But when she reflects on her time with the Gators, what stands out isn’t her many accolades, goals or broken records. It’s the team.
When Nadi’ya was as young as 10 years old, she began seeking out extra training on her own, running with her brothers and finding ways to improve her athleticism.
Solutions by The State News
