This tread has been my “go to” thread on general information and enthusiasm from “like minded” Gator SB fans about the Florida SB program. I always look forward to seeing and meeting some of the fans on this forum when I attend SB Social events and games in Gainesville. It is my favorite Gator forum. I like the idea of this general ongoing thread (easy to locate) that seeds more specifics thread like those on the “Portal” and game threads.
Let’s keep this thread going. I enjoy it so much. At times, I go back and read the earliest of comments. It gives me a sense of where we’ve been as a SB program.
Hey, I love the thread and am very appreciative you had the foresight to create it years ago. My bad!
I hope this never changes. The "ongoing discussion" thread idea was copied in the volleyball forum, but someone started a new thread this year, giving up years of continuity. I like that this softball thread has 630+ page and a single search covers the entire thread.
I was going to ask if everyone wanted this thread to stay as it is and open....I see many do. as do I..
I asked for anA I search for this question: has Florida Gator athletic director asked for a 5% across the board cost reduction? Here is the answer; Yes, Scott Stricklin, the Florida Gator Athletic Director, has asked all sports and departments within UF athletics to cut 5% from their respective budgets. This budget reduction is in response to the new financial obligations stemming from the NCAA settlement and the need to share revenue with student-athletes, which is expected to cost UF athletics $20.5 million annually starting July 1st. Stricklin emphasized that the specific areas for cuts were left to the discretion of each department and program, allowing them to prioritize their own needs. He also mentioned that UF athletics is exploring other ways to reduce costs, such as reassessing services they pay the university for, like utilities and parking, to see if they can get some relief. My feeling: softball’s ability to bid for players is impacted by this. In fact, it is possible the cost reduction could equal or exceed their share of the settlement funds. Supposedly they will share in the 5% allocated to “other teams” which is $1.025 million. Because of Softball’s outstanding record and national exposure, I think should be given more credit for the revenue they bring in from tv and NCAA and SEC revenue. Why throttle the year after year premier team sport?
Why would an across the board 5% departmental reduction impact ability to bid for players? Those are entirely different financial sources
And I don't think we are missing out on portal players because our offer is 5% less than Texas A&M or Oklahoma or anyone else getting decent players from of the portal. Apparently, with the money we have to offer, it's a total swing and miss.
I'm more confused every minute but I think you are correct. A 5% reduction in the overall athletic budget would cover around half of what is now required to be paid to the athletes. I think. It wouldn't effect the amount paid to each program. Now, for the $64,000 question....where in the world does the UAA fit into all of this? It is a separate entity...isn't it? I'm sooooo confused.
The five percent cut is presumably so we can afford to pay the players their allotment from UAA funds, which was part of the settlement? I just wanna know who’s going to Golden and saying “thanks for the title, you’re getting less next year”.
17 total players as of now - 6 pitchers one of whom has played 1b, 3 true outfielders, 2 catchers 1 who has played outfield and 1 who can play 1b, 5 true infielders, plus a utility player who was primarily a catcher, but supposedly can play a few other positions. 2026 Softball Roster - Florida Gators
Interesting that Erin is still shown. She is tearing up Athletes Unlimited. Just a great season so far. I have not heard one single word about she was doing with the team last season and going forward. Does anyone have some inside scoop?
