(SB) Ongoing UF Softball Commentary

Kaitlin Lee. She was my daughters pitching coach a year ago

 

….thinking again and that is dangerous!
I was surprised back when CTW mentioned CFE being groomed as his successor in the preseason podcast. (I keep hoping either we misheard or he misstated.) After all, she had been on board only 1 season. By naming his successor, normally the AD’s responsibility, one could assume they have agreed to either a fixed transition date in the near future or she becomes the dreaded “coach in waiting” which a la Muschamp/Texas and Fisher/FSU doesn’t always work out well.

When do you expect him to retire?


If and when CTW retires, it probably won’t be for long. A HOF Coach with an outstanding record would probably get offers he couldn’t refuse like 3-4 times his current salary plus complete control of the program.
BTW, I retired at 51 and stayed retired. Of course, no one made me any offers I couldn’t refuse!

 

CTW has been a great coach. Is it because of his ability to recruit great players, his ability to develop players, his on field game decisions or a combination thereof. I think it is mostly his ability to recruit great players for I question many of his on field decisions. That being said, remember I know nothing.

 

Interesting stats. The Gators were first in the SEC in all games played with 97 home runs and second in stolen bases with 94. Power and speed.

 

Congratulations to Kendra, Reagan and to Taylor being named to All-SEC First Team!

 

Congratulations to Mia for being named to All-SEC Second Team!

 

Congratulations to Kendra for being named to All-SEC Defensive Team!

 

Unexpected news: The SEC Freshman of the Year for the 2025 softball season is Tori Edwards of LSU. She also earned a spot on the 2025 All-SEC First Team.

 

I thought Taylor was a shoe in for FOY.

 

While I am disappointed, of course, there is only one thing that bugs me. She is a redshirt freshman and not a true freshman. I don't know if that really matters. Her numbers though throughout every category are equal to or even better than Taylor's numbers. I looked at them a couple days ago and felt she had to be in the conversation. Hard to really argue with the choice. Will be interesting to see if she also gets national freshman of the year. She is in the top 10 with Taylor and others.

 

She only played three games last year before going down with a season ending injury. Agree it will be interesting to see who gets national freshman of the year.

 

I am not happy and I am disappointed in the SEC FOY award. However, I do congratulate Tori Edwards for being named SEC Freshman of the Year. She did have a great year. I just think our true Freshman deserved it more, but they didn’t ask me.

 

CFE is in no way ready to take over this program.
She will, but needs more years.

 

Watching Texas A&M and South Carolina what a difference when their batters are at the plate…. first pitch swings if it’s a good pitch ……so different from how we approach when we’re at the plate.

 

I agree, possibly many years to compare with some some of the quality coaches who might be available.

 

Not shocked at all that Edwards was the FoY. She did have a slightly better SEC season than did Shumaker.

Stats - Softball - Southeastern Conference

 

I wonder if Patty Gasso has any more sons that could be hired as a hitting coach

 

Google says no unless we poached one of the 2

 

I was not impressed with Jack Turner Stadium. It has tin can aluminum bleachers along the baseline behind the dugouts and aluminum stadium seats behind home plate where the fans going for refreshments walk in front of the patrons watching the game. This is because the general walkway is at dugout roof level. So a crowd is continually moving in front of you. I’ll take KSP anytime.