For the first time ever, the Florida Gators will have a Ms. Two Bits on Saturday. Also a first, it won’t be just one, but two of Florida’s best softball players in school history.
2014 National Champion pitcher Hannah Rogers will join arguably the Gators top pitcher of all-time Stacey Nelson at mid-field on Saturday to lead the crowd through the Mr. Two Bits cheer.
Nelson put the Florida Gators softball program on the map as she lead the Gators to their first ever Women’s College World Series appearance in 2008 and still holds program records in wins, ERA and strikeouts.
Gator Country had the honor of talking to Nelson on Wednesday about this opportunity and here’s our question and answer with the excited and honored superstar Stacey Nelson,
Are you excited for Saturday?
“I can’t contain myself I’m so excited for Saturday. I keep telling my mom that I’m going to get a Mr. Two Bits tattoo, I’m just so excited for the opportunity.”
While at Florida were you a fan of Mr. Two Bits?
“I’m an incredibly huge fan of Mr. Two Bits because of the story of how he started the cheer. He started the cheer because the Gators weren’t doing well and the people weren’t cheering positively for the Gators so he decided to start his own. I just think that’s what college sports are all about, camaraderie and positive attitude behind the athletes so that’s why I like Mr. Two Bits so much.”
What does it mean to be the first ever Ms. Two Bits?
“I’m just incredibly honored to have the opportunity. I’m seriously thinking about getting a little fighting gator dressed as Mr. Two Bits tattoo. Really though it’s just an incredible honor to make that history in Florida’s history.”
Attire for Saturday?
“I was speaking to someone and they asked what I was wearing and I thought it was a rhetorical question because yes I’m going to dress like Mr. Two Bits on Saturday. I have to dress like him in order to play the part and in fact I’m shopping for a yellow shirt now.”
Are you planning to practice?
“I bet Hannah (Rogers) and I will rehearse before hand. But my dorkiness is coming out because I already know his routine out there because I use to do it in the dugout a lot when I was playing.”
How did you find out?
“Coach [Tim Walton] called me yesterday [Tuesday]. He sent me a message saying ‘urgent’ and I was thinking he wanted me to pitch to the team because I’m going to be back in town in a couple of weeks too but I was floored by the news when he told me that. I think Hannah had something to do with it because we’ve gotten quite the relationship going because of what she has been able to do with the program. I’m honored to do it with Hannah though.”
Thoughts on how well the team has improved and how proud are you of them?
“The program has grown so rapidly. Coach Walton has only been a head coach 9 years and to see the progress of how when I was there that we were just knocking on the door of the top 25 and to see them now consistently number 1. It’s really everything you could ever want out of your program.”
You’ve been at several events cheering lately is that just you showing pride in your school?
“It’s something magical about you UF and the Gators colors run through my blood. It keeps me coming back to Florida every year and keeps me going to the Women’s College World Series every year as well. Florida is just a family.”
Expectations for Saturday?
“I’m worried about being too excited on Saturday. The super fan in me will come out for sure.”
Final message to Florida fans?
“A very heart felt GO GATORS.”