I somewhat agree, but the recruiting/portal thing takes time. CTW and staff have been working to determine if the player or players being discussed fits the culture and team goals of Florida Softball. While player may be very good they, but if they don’t fit the “Gator Way” culture and CTW’s family team concept, then I don’t want them messing with this “team”. CTW and staff don’t let things out of the bag until the vetting job is complete and it is a done deal. I am okay with that. Trusting the process. That said I am hoping they sign at least two quality arms, a least one mature hitter/fielder that eases the vacuum created by Skylar’s and Katie’s graduations and a reliable backup catcher. The volunteer assistant coach position is an important teaching, moral and support role. The speculation, as to who it is, has been a fun distraction while we wait for the portal announcements. Especially because of the fuel ignited by those who tease the rest of us because they say they are in the know.
2 quality arms? Can't imagine there are two quality arms willing to come when Rothrock, Brown, Miller, and Oxley are here.....one seems much more likely
We are “In the know”, you can be too, it just takes a commitment of 10k a year for the next 2 years. For that commitment, you get more info than you can imagine like private zoom meetings with the coaching staff, meet and greets up in the staff offices and tickets to away games. Even World Series tickets! If you would like to be “In the know”, message me and I can put you in touch with the right person.
Grein, who seemed to be between UF & Oregon has committed to Oregon. Hope we can get another arm soon.
CTW has shown that the "Gator Way" is even more important than winning, proven by the Black Friday Massacre, dismissing three starters on the eve of the NCAA Tournament in 2012. Ranked #5 in the nation, we tanked in the tournament without those starters and didn't even make it to Super Regionals. But, to me, that is one of the greatest moments in Gator softball history. Honor and developing these players into respectable adults is more important than winning. It's one of the things that makes it easy to be proud of Gator softball, no matter what happens on the field.
Well said and I am strong supporter of the honor and character building elements seeded in CTW’s “Gator Way”. The immediate rebound from the Black Friday Massacre by CTW’s 2013 team demonstrated its power. Two Natties followed. The character of this 2024 team and staff has demonstrated that the CTW’s “Gator Way” is still alive.
I know some wanted Grein and I think she could be good but I watched some of her time at VT and she never seemed to handle pressure situations great.
As shocking as it was on the dawn of the 2012 NCAA Regionals, it turned out to be one of the best moves that CTW ever made for the program. The Fagan's were trouble. There is no evidence to the my next statement; it's just an opinion. I think the Fagan's drug Cheyenne along. Losing Cheyenne, who had been the Gator's shortstop in 2011 and 2012, opened the door for Katie Madina to play SS. Katie has to be one of the best fielding shortstops to play the position for the Gators. She anchored the infield for three years and was the starting shortstop for both National Champions. So Tim did the best thing he could have done. It set team up for an unprecedented run.
Looks like we just got UNC-Wilmington pitcher Kara Hammock. Kara Hammock - Softball - UNC Wilmington Athletics
I can't believe it has been that long since that incident. What a great ride we have been on with Gators Softball! Go Gators!!
All-conference, co-ace of the staff, and a rising senior. I especially liked the photo with her parents, player and parents look happy. She's a big and strong player at 6'2" so UF can get the most out of her for one season. Good pickup, no Canady but no one else is either. Welcome aboard Kara and family.