​Not every successful season ends with a championship, but in Florida that remains the standard expectation for every sport. Still, several Gator programs blended steady performance with standout individual achievements to produce SEC champions and national award winners, creating moments that stood out across the year. This is Part 3 of The Gainesville Sun’s review of Florida’s athletic season. Grades are based on overall record, conference finish, and postseason accolades.
Grade: B- | Last five-year average: 42.4 wins, 22.8 losses
The Gators’ season resembled a roller coaster, complicated by offseason drama. Yet Florida managed a solid campaign, earning the No. 8 national seed, hosting a regional, and reaching the SEC tournament semifinals. The team was upset in the winner’s bracket by No. 3-seeded Troy. Aidan King earned SEC Pitcher of the Year honors, while King, Brendan Lawson, and Caden McDonald all earned All-American recognition. Notably, Florida’s offseason moves appear to have generated renewed energy for the program.
Grade: B+ | Last five-year average: 5.2 wins, 0.2 losses
Since its inception, head coach Amanda O’Leary has built one of the most consistent programs on campus in women’s sports. The Gators extended their NCAA tournament streak to 15 straight appearances and claimed their third consecutive regular-season conference title. However, after back-to-back Final Four runs, Florida faltered in the season’s final stretch. The team was upset by Colorado in the Big 12 title game in Gainesville and by Denver in the first round of the NCAA tournament, marking the first time Florida failed to win at least one NCAA tournament game. Four different Gators earned All-American honors and collected Big 12 honors, underscoring the depth of talent on the roster.
Grade: B+ | Last five SEC Meet Results: Semifinals (2026), Runner-up (2025), 13th (2024), Quarterfinals (2023), Runner-up (2022)
Last five NCAA Meet Results: 12th (2026), 17th (2025), DNQ (2024), DNQ (2023), DNQ (2022)
Gators golf posted a respectable season for the team, with Paula Francisco delivering what may be one of the season’s most memorable performances. On the final day of the SEC championships, she rallied from a three-stroke deficit to win the individual title. The program saw multiple Gators earn All-American recognition. Megan Propeck was named SEC Newcomer of the Year, and Siuue We delivered a historic NCAA championship performance, posting one of the lowest scores in program history.
Grade: B+ | Last five SEC Meet Results: Runner-up (2026), SEC title (2025), Quarterfinals (2024), SEC title (2023), Runner-up (2022)
Last five NCAA Meet Results: Quarterfinals (2026), Semifinals (2025), 11th (2024), National title (2023), 10th (2022)
The Gators came within reach of another SEC title but were edged by Ole Miss. UF advanced through the NCAA regional and reached match play, signaling a competitive season across the conference and the national stage. The overall performance demonstrated depth and resilience, with moments that underscored the program’s ongoing strength and potential for future championships.