(SB) Ongoing UF Softball Commentary

Kylie Shaw will join the Gators as an early enrollee for the 2025 season.

 

She will be on the short list of all-time great Gators before she is done. Book it.

 

Not a knock on Shaw but I don't understand another outfielder as an early entry. If anyone, you would think it would be Bellaire, since she is a catcher and we have problems there with Ariel leaving. But Bellaire doesn't have the rep of Shaw. Still, a head scratcher for me. Perhaps something going on behind the scene that would add some sense to it.

 

I hope there’s nothing behind the scenes. In my mind that would be an issue with Falby, Otis, or Schumaker. I’m hoping maybe she’s just has catching ability.

 

Maybe she enrolled early and committed to volunteer for bullpen catcher and take a redshirt.. totally speculation on my part.

 

I doubt there is an issue with the starting three of Korbe, Kendra and Taylor but even if there is you've still got Townsen, Cassidy and Layla. Still a head scratcher for me.

 

Unlike major sports where you have all kind of media asking questions, sniffing around and developing sources, softball has, is and will limit news to a very limited amount of puff and fluff. If anyone has a contact in thr Journalism school, plaese recruit a journalism student interested in an untapped journalistic opportunity. If he or she cannot find an outlet for their stories, they could join this forum where they would be much appreciated. Or, maybe one of you guys who live in the area would like the assignment?

 

She probably just graduated early and wants to get started. A Redshirt would seem logical unless she really shows out in a hurry

 

I’m thinking maybe so. The outfield is definitely crowded

 

I think that's Rick's job.

 

Unless UAA gives credentials no one has access.

 

34 Days to First Pitch!

 

Didn't Brynn Thomas enroll early and pretty much play that role?

 

33 Days to First Pitch!
Korbe Otis - 2024-25 LF

 

So glad that 33 became a Gator. As great as her softball career has been, and hopefully will be this year, I'd bet her best years are yet to come. By all accounts, she is the epitome of a true student athlete. With an emphasize on student. It's really easy to pull for her.

 

I had a one on one conversation with her at “First Pitch” last year. She really wants to go to med school and become a physician. She is also dedicated to sport of softball and to the Gators. She loves being at UF. She truly is a student/athlete. I am hoping she can be the “SEC Player of the Year”. She has a talent to accomplish that recognition. She definitely is one of my favorite Gators.

 

How difficult a process is it to get a bullpen catcher ready, especially when it doesn't look like we have any experience at catcher outside of Jocey? I would think you need someone used to that position so the pitchers have good target placement when warming up or am I over thinking that role? I'm slightly worried about that aspect of a backup catcher more than Jocey needing a break, after all if we do ever give her a break from catching she still plays first so it's not real reat.

 

Players like her don't like to sit but it's good to give the catching legs some rest. Playing at 1st accomplishes that. But having a bullpen and/or backup is for sure a big deal.

 

I am so excited to watch Taylor compete for our Gators. Rick's showcasing of Taylor (very well-deserved, I might add), has got me well-positioned on the Taylor bandwagon. Also, due to Rick, I have seen more of Taylor before she arrived in Gainesville than of any other Gator. She surely seems to deserve the hype and I can't wait to see her play. Thanks Rick for all the updates on her pre-Gator career!

Let's get the season rolling!

 

I’m on the Taylor Bandwagon as well. It’s all due to the hype that Rick gave us. He did a good job!