A word that is frequented by the Gators is “family,” and it has held a strong precedent this summer as the team reaches new levels of growth.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. GAINESVILLE, Fla. – As we approach the final days in July it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore what Coach Kelly Rae Finley and the women’s basketball staff have already built for the 2023-24 season. The team has been reunited for several weeks settling into a rigorous summer schedule with a shared mindset revolving around development, communication, and energy.
“This summer has been one of growth for our program,” Head Coach Kelly Rae Finley comments. “Our student-athletes are invested in doing hard things with focus and joy. Ultimately, the team has been filling their days in meaningful ways and it has shown in various ways. With the fall approaching, we are excited to show everyone what this group is capable of accomplishing.”
A key piece to the Gator’s summer success is found in their senior leadership. Among those leaders are power center Shay Kyle, and Redshirt Senior Zippy Broughton. Both have shown up this off-season emphasizing the importance of team bonding and communication. Kyle commented on the current Florida chemistry, “I feel like the team is a lot closer at this point in the summer than we could’ve imagined so that definitely has been translating on the court. We’re connecting in every way and flow really well together. The energy has been great and the coaches know what they’re going to get from us every day.”
Over the last few weeks, the Gators have been operating on a rotational schedule that consists of early morning lifts, team yoga, pick-up games, and small group workouts. Every aspect of the summer schedule has strategically pushed the Gators to build on their stamina and confidence in one another. “Our biggest focus this summer has been our on-court communication. We have been really consistent in the energy given in practice and a lot of it has been directed towards being solution-oriented in adverse situations,” adds Zippy Broughton.
Aside from the basketball court, the team has been provided several opportunities to connect with one another and the Gainesville community. Most recently the Gators joined forces with the Ronald McDonald House to cook breakfast for those in need, spent time learning different self-defense mechanisms from martial art professionals, and participated in a financial literacy program to increase their individual resources.
The women’s basketball team will continue their summer schedule leading up to the fall where they will transition into a heavier workload prior to the 2023-24 season launch.
The Gators schedule will be announced in the coming weeks but fans can now claim their 2023-24 tickets.
