Tenn Coach should have walked the OU girl at the end cause she had done already sent one bomb off the Vols pitcher over the fence.
UF Softball 2025
- Thread starter ocalaman
- Start date
it was the perfect situation for them to have to pitch to her, because walking her would have put the tying run in scoring position and most coaches just won't do that unless they are facing Barry bonds. She wanted to pitch to her too so they let her go at her, she just happened to barrel up one of those 75 mph she was throwing in there
The girl behind her was a Freshman, I take my chances with the Freshman and not one of the best hitters in the SEC that done lit you up once.
Walton started like the 5th option on the mound.. but like Sully, far be It from me to criticize anything they ever do.. They're both perfect
Disappointing end to the season, but still made it to the WCWS for the 13th time since 2008. Wish the seniors the best, reload and move on. Go Gators!!
floridagators.com
WCWS: Tennessee 11, Florida 3 (5 innings) - Florida Gators
A nuts and bolts breakdown of the Gators' loss and elimination Friday night at the Women's College World Series.
floridagators.com
I mean I understand that once you get to the WS it can be a game of fortune and luck combined, but at this point we are seeing repeating trends with our performances there.. Something has to change once we get there to have a shot at winning it, it's certainly not the overall talent on rosters.. It seems we don't have a legit ace like other teams, and when we do we don't have the lineup to back it. This lineup was way better than the ones I can remember watching in previous years and they still did absolutely nothing when it counted, course the game was over as soon as they decided who was pitching tonight, vols had 7 runs before we recorded an out and the season was over just like that...
Keagan Rothrock is a legit ace, but once she missed 5 weeks due to an undisclosed injury, she's not been the same pitcher. Katelyn Oxley was looking really good as a true freshman in Rothrock's absence, but she got rocked twice against LSU and seemed to have lost confidence and didn't pitch for a month. Maybe she had some type of injury as well, we just don't know. NIL has changed everything in all sports, but while we get a good sum from softball donors, other schools like Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Texas, and even FSU get more money to buy the best of the best. I would imagine a ton of money will be thrown at Taylor Shumaker to try to get her to leave Florida. It is what it is. But my opinion remains that Tim Walton is a great recruiter, players love playing for him and he consistently fields a quality team with high quality student athletes. I wasn't in the locker room to see why Kara Hammock started tonight, but she has pitched some quality innings for us during the year, including last weekend against Georgia. Maybe Rothrock couldn't go. None of us know the reasons, but I'm not going to second guess a HOF coach who has won 2 national titles and has gotten his team to Oklahoma City 13 times since 2008. That level of success is unmatched except for Patty Gasso & Oklahoma.
This was just one of those outcomes that forces change, somewhere to get back to the top.. Results like this one are how teams come back and get to the top of the mountain from what they learn.. We see it all the time in college sports, that is of course if you can retain a core of the group of young talent that went through it together which makes it tougher as you said with NIL now.. In our case I hope this is one of those lessons that finally triggers whatever it is that Walton needs to do to get us back on the very top, it's not like we're not close all the time or that it's some drastic rebuild. Watching these games is why I was talking about how hard it is to win a Championship throughout the basketball season and why you have to truly appreciate the greatness that teams and coaches pull together to get it. It is funny though because our softball and baseball programs have been and probably are our two best and most consistent sports and run programs at the University so it's crazy basketball broke through again first. I have my criticisms of Walton and Sully healthily because I'm only reacting to the results we end up seeing, but I certainly am always rooting for them after all. I do think one or both will bring another championship to UF though ultimately, it just seems a matter of time because they're always both hovering in the elite range of rosters but something has to give for them both to reach the pinnacle again it's up to them to figure out.
When you mention UF’s best programs the track and field teams of coach MH have to be included.
Unforgettable Seniors Bid Emotional Farewell at WCWS - Florida Gators
After Florida's softball season ended Friday night at the Women's College World Series, senior centerfielder Kendra Falby and a couple teammates, through tears,
floridagators.com
2 Gator softball players have entered the transfer portal. Sophomore Alyssa Hovermale, an infielder who was the #11 national recruit when signed out of high school, just could never find much playing time in her 2 years as a Gator. She was primarily a 3rd baseman, but was beaten out in 2024 for the position by fellow freshman Ariel Kowalewski. When AK transferred to Texas A&M before this season started, Alabama transfer Kenleigh Cahalan won the job at 3rd. Hovermale also dealt with injuries her freshman year, but rarely saw the field in 2025. Freshman Layla Lamar is also leaving. She was the #4 rated player in last year's recruiting class and committed to Florida in the 6th grade. She is a corner infielder and outfielder, who only contributed to the 2025 team as a rare pinch hitter. Her mother is the softball coach at Duke and her sister has recently signed with UCLA. Looking at the 2026 roster, it seems apparent that neither Hovermale nor Lamar were going to be able to win starting jobs and with Coach Walton probably conducting his exit interviews with players, both young ladies decided to go elsewhere to play. Good luck to both
3 more Gator softball players are transferring out. Freshmen, Catcher Makenna Bellaire and Outfielder Kaylie Shaw, who graduated high school this past December and enrolled at UF early in January, have entered the portal. Bellaire was the only other catcher besides Jocelyn Erickson on this year's roster and only played in a few pre-SEC games. Shaw was used primarily as a pinch runner and it's doubtful either was going to be a major contributor down the road. The big surprise is Mia Williams entering the portal. She was a 2-year starter at 2nd base and improved her hitting so much from freshman to sophomore year that she made a couple of All American teams this year. Mia is also a legacy Gator, her father being Jason "White Chocolate" Williams and her mother a former Gator track star. During the WCWS, her mother posted some very negative comments on social media about the Gator coaches and their recruiting and portal priorities. But Mia has always seemed to be all in as a Gator, so this move was unexpected. However, Tim Walton has never put up with dissension on his teams, so who knows what has happened behind the scenes and what was said during the exit interviews he conducted with each of his players after their season ended. With 5 players now transferring out, 5 more graduating and only 2 incoming freshmen, we can expect a bunch of players to join the team via the transfer portal. Next year's team will look very different than the one that ended the season.
For sure. I think all of us who follow UF softball closely knew that something wasn't quite right with this team. For all the talent and even making it to the WCWS, the "IT' was missing, whatever that is. But it seems now to be worse than anybody thought. As of right now we only have 10 players on our roster. We have 4 pitchers (Rothrock, Brown, Oxley & Miller), catcher Jocelyn Erickson, 3 outfielders (Shumaker, Cassidy McLellan (a back-up for her first 2 years) and Towson Thomas, who redshirted as a freshman this year) and 2 infielders (3rd baseman Kenleigh Cahalan and this year's back-up SS Gabi Comia). Ava Brown played a lot of first base in her freshman year when she wasn't pitching, but played almost none this year, as senior Reagan Walsh won that position. The only freshmen left to report over the summer are P Leah Stevens and INF Kalie Matsuno. Hopefully, there won't be anymore current Gators leaving, but Tim Walton has his work cut out getting some quality players from the portal.
I knew something was up with this team. They just had no fire especially when they got to OKC. Five hits total in two games?
Mia Williams, Florida star and daughter of former NBA standout, reportedly enters transfer portal
Mia Williams, who has become a star on the softball field for the Florida Gators, is reportedly exploring transfer options.
www.saturdaydownsouth.com
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That is true. And I thought parents trying to meddle in how coaches ran their teams ended in Little League, but I guess not.My daughter said her mom went on Instagram blasting Tim Walton for his pitching choices in the tournamentMia Williams, Florida star and daughter of former NBA standout, reportedly enters transfer portal
Mia Williams, who has become a star on the softball field for the Florida Gators, is reportedly exploring transfer options.www.saturdaydownsouth.com
She was also talking about these big schools that can pitch the same girl 2 days in a row and shut folks down like Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech. She got very specific in her wording.
This is a copy and paste of Denika Williams' (Mia's Mom) rant on social media (Instagram or Facebook) that I got from another message board:
In my opinion and I could be wrong someone was so busy in the portal they gave up and got out to start getting all the kids they need for next year! When you are at the world series you cant do visits and recruit like you need to you come in behind
the game! Waving the white flag on your team cause you feel like you dont have an ace is a slap in the face and was a gut punch to a team that has hit their way to this world series Deflating the team time and time again in first couple innings watching shit missles be launched into the stands then put your hitters against the wall..refusing to bunt or play small ball or manufacture runs is not coaching thats going through the motions. Every pitcher has a bad day and we have had a TON
this year but pull them and give the other 8 players on that field a chance because they deserve it...the team deserves it! You think it ill say it!! Here's an idea let's go in the portal get a shitload of new players (cause that's about to happen...actually
that already happened , he just makes them wait to announce till after portal closes) then ask "why we don't have team chemistry" or Why everyone is about themselves.. ..gee coach 1 don't know maybe cause THAT'S WHAT YOU HAVE CREATED
by recruiting straight over your kids on the bench and half the kids on your field. Here's to the whole new team Mia will have to play with from the portal next year! And here's some advice instead of the 18 short stops you keep getting and are getting
GO GRAB A PITCHER!!!!!
But then, the mother of Olivia Miller, who has not pitched much in her 2 years at UF, posted this:
The heart of a Gator.
My daughter was originally committed to Ole Miss, but was always a Gator at heart. When her opportunity to be a Gator was placed in front of her she was overjoyed. Ultimately, she made the choice to live out her childhood dream which was to play for the Florida Gators. Many of you will say she’s not great, she’s average, she’s just ok. In my book she’s amazing. She has an amazing heart, she has an amazing personality, she’s an amazing daughter and an amazing pitcher. I’m allowed to say that because I’m her mom. Does Coach Walton think she’s amazing? Maybe not yet- but one day he will. Does he believe in her? Yes. Do I always agree with him? No. Do I believe he has a plan and a process? Yes. He is a coach, a dad, husband, etc. He would not be where he is if he didn’t have knowledge, experience, heart and compassion. This is his job, to coach. Let him do his job. Let the girls play. The girls love this team, love eachother, love the sport, their coaches including Coach Walton. I know all of this to be facts. Do you guys always agree with your boss, co-workers, philosophy & politics of your job…probably not. Yet you still go to work, show up and are the best version of yourself everyday so you can be successful. That’s exactly what these girls do every.single.day. They don’t show up because they want to suck or because they want to lose. They show up to be amazing and WIN. If they don’t win, give them grace. If a hitter strikes out, give them grace. If a pitcher hits batters, give her grace. If a coach irritates you, give him grace. The Gators are not perfect. Are you? Let them play softball. Come and cheer for them. Let them learn- and be excited for them to grow and become better, whether it’s tomorrow or two years from now. Olivia is on her way to success, so is every single girl on that field. All because they have eachother, Gator nation and an army of coaches & staff there to lift them up in their positive accomplishments be it big or small. Yes, kids are going to leave, parents are going to be upset and voice their opinions-That’s ok, everyone is entitled to do what they think is best for them. Again, people may not agree with how others go about their delivery but that is life and sometimes it’s unfortunate. Wish them well and move on. Our world is crazy enough with terrible things happening daily. If talking negative about Gator softball, players, parents & coaches is what makes you happy than that’s really sad. My daughter always has a smile on her face, she barely plays and she cheers her teammates on as if she were the star player. IF she is not complaining after all the hard work she puts in then neither should you. Be excited about the girls we will get for next season. Everything works out the way it is suppose to. Enjoy the days you have off work to go watch a game. Enjoy sitting on your couch watching a group of amazing athletes and stop complaining, please. I challenge you to give grace, cheer and truly be a Gator fan. It’s amazing how contagious that can be…who knows you might be pleasantly surprised. We are here for the duration win or lose.
Our first signee from the transfer portal.
#81 ranked player by Extra Innings Softball coming out of high school in Williamsville, New York. 2 year career at Miss. St. she played in 92 games, hit .292 in 212 at-bats, 6 HR, 41 RBI, slugging .448, 15 BB, 17 K's, OBP .345. Catcher, OF and DP with the Bulldogs, fielding .987, very good defensive catcher. We needed a solid backup to Jocelyn Erickson, plus she adds OF depth.
#81 ranked player by Extra Innings Softball coming out of high school in Williamsville, New York. 2 year career at Miss. St. she played in 92 games, hit .292 in 212 at-bats, 6 HR, 41 RBI, slugging .448, 15 BB, 17 K's, OBP .345. Catcher, OF and DP with the Bulldogs, fielding .987, very good defensive catcher. We needed a solid backup to Jocelyn Erickson, plus she adds OF depth.
Texas Tech Softball Inks former Florida infielder Mia Williams
Former 2025 Florida All-American, Mia Williams has committed to Texas Tech, according to her Instagram post. In her sophomore year with the Gators, the startin
Texas Tech has, also, added an All-American catcher/slugger from Ohio State and an elite pitcher from UCLA.
You cant hide money and Mia can go play with the best pitcher in the country. If you cant beat em then join em.Texas Tech Softball Inks former Florida infielder Mia Williams
Former 2025 Florida All-American, Mia Williams has committed to Texas Tech, according to her Instagram post. In her sophomore year with the Gators, the startinwww.si.com
Texas Tech has, also, added an All-American catcher/slugger from Ohio State and an elite pitcher from UCLA.
Getting all this done BEFORE the new rules become into play @ocalaman ? Any news to report on our end, i.e. who we might be going after?Texas Tech Softball Inks former Florida infielder Mia Williams
Former 2025 Florida All-American, Mia Williams has committed to Texas Tech, according to her Instagram post. In her sophomore year with the Gators, the startin
Texas Tech has, also, added an All-American catcher/slugger from Ohio State and an elite pitcher from UCLA.
Have no idea about the timing of what Texas Tech is doing, but they have a lot of oil money funding their softball, as does Texas & Texas A&M, while Oklahoma has Love's Truck Stop owners giving them a blank check for softball NIL deals.
Coach Walton has always been very quiet about team player health issues as well as what he's doing in the portal. From Mia Williams' mother's tirade that I posted above, she claims he's already got portal commitments lined up, but isn't announcing them until the portal closes, which is 4-5 days from now. Most of the "elite" players who hit the portal have already committed, though, and if any of them are transferring for $$$, we simply can't compete with a bunch of other schools who have more huge dollar softball supporters than we do.
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Just as an added piece of information. The NCAA settlement with Congress and the courts is not going to balance out NIL spending like some think. It's very convoluted and is going to cause more lawsuits. https://www.ncsl.org/state-legislat...ent-means-for-colleges-and-state-legislatures
Here's where Texas Tech is as far as money for athletes. Incredible.
CBS Sports: $55 million payout could put Texas Tech on top of college athletics
There's no question that we have entered into a new era of college athletics with NIL and revenue sharing. While paying college athletes has been part of the la
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Thanks for the update I don't think anyone is more on top of softball than you are! Yeah that new settlement thing is way too complicated for me to understand. I guess I thought it meant caps for sports which would equal everything out. I do love our chances in softball with TW on a level playing field.Just as an added piece of information. The NCAA settlement with Congress and the courts is not going to balance out NIL spending like some think. It's very convoluted and is going to cause more lawsuits. https://www.ncsl.org/state-legislat...ent-means-for-colleges-and-state-legislatures
Here's where Texas Tech is as far as money for athletes. Incredible.
CBS Sports: $55 million payout could put Texas Tech on top of college athletics
There's no question that we have entered into a new era of college athletics with NIL and revenue sharing. While paying college athletes has been part of the lawww.si.com
Nice to have a booster and alumni like Patrick Mahomes on your sideHere's where Texas Tech is as far as money for athletes. Incredible.
CBS Sports: $55 million payout could put Texas Tech on top of college athletics
There's no question that we have entered into a new era of college athletics with NIL and revenue sharing. While paying college athletes has been part of the la
South Carolina softball earns transfer portal commitment from former Florida infielder
Former Florida infielder Alyssa Hovermale committed to South Carolina softball via the transfer portal Tuesday morning.
Also, former Gator freshman Kylie Shaw has committed to Auburn
Agreed, although he's not the primary source of all that money. It's big oil guys.
This is a copy and paste from another message board: "The Texas Tech money comes from the wife/husband (former owner) of Double Eagle Oil Company. They sold for a cool $4.1 Bil plus stock in Diamond Oil. Three days of interest covers the $2.2 Mil that they give to TT Softball."
They got one of the top pitchers in the portal, too. Kaitlyn Terry, a sophomore transferring in from UCLA. And they're not done. More than likely they're getting Tennessee's best positional player. Taylor Pannell, a sophomore 3rd baseman who just hit the portal today.
They have gotten several All Americans, including Mia.
Texas Tech Softball Bolsters Roster With 4 Major Transfer Portal Additions
Fresh off its first-ever WCWS appearance, Texas Tech isn't taking any time off. The Red Raiders have signed four huge additions ahead of next season and have s
Apparently, we just got our 2nd portal player. 2 years of eligibility left, played 3rd & 1st, hit .244, fielded .968.
www.on3.com
mutigers.com
Madison Walker - Missouri Tigers - Corner Infielder
Explore Madison Walker's athlete profile at On3.com. Get news and insights into his playing career, statistics, and achievements in sports.
Madison Walker - Softball - University of Missouri Athletics
Madison Walker (2) INF - Opendorse 2023-24 SEC First-Year Honor Roll SOPHOMORE (2025) Appeared and started in all of Mizzou’s 56 games. Played 36 games
mutigers.com
Read that today also and positional portal players hitting .244 arent gonna help like pitchers would. Hell I hit that in the backyard wiffleball league I play in
She did lead Missouri in HR. But yes, without the big bucks we're just not going to be able to get the mercenary elite players. Only the ones who want to be part of the Gator program. If Rothrock gets over whatever physical issues took her out of 5 SEC weeks and gets back to her freshman form, our pitching will be fine. Ava Brown is a steady bulldog ion the circle, Kaitlyn Oxley was doing great in Rothrock's absence until she had some type of physical problems, Olivia Miller is a rising junior who has had her moments (2 perfect games in 2024) and an incoming freshman who has the potential to be really good. And Coach Walton isn;t done in the portal. Let's see who else he can sign.
Madison Walker announces commitment to Florida
A big bat is headed to Former Missouri corner infielder Madison Walker has committed to Florida.
