UF VB | Gators Tabbed Second in SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll

Four Florida players named to preseason All-SEC team

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida volleyball team earned the No. 2 ranking in the SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, as the league announced Wednesday morning.

Florida, who finished last season’s campaign with a 21-4 record and finished second in the SEC, garnered six first place votes and totaled 138 points, just one point behind the reigning national champion Kentucky Wildcats for first place.

The Gators also boast four Preseason All-SEC selections in T’ara Ceasar (OH), Lauren Forte (MB), Thayer Hall (OH) and Marlie Monserez (S). The four selections are the most in the conference, followed by three from Kentucky and two from LSU.

UF returns nine players from last season’s Regional Final team, including five starters and Florida’s starting libero: T’ara Ceasar, Lauren Dooley, Lauren Forte, Thayer Hall, Elli McKissock and Marlie Monserez.

The Gators welcome four freshmen to the 2021 squad that looks to win its 25th SEC Championship this season – the most of any team in the league.

Florida’s 2021 campaign will kick off in California, with the Gators competing in the Hornet Invitational Aug. 27-28, hosted by Sacramento State.

UF then returns to the Sunshine State for the home opener against Minnesota on Sept. 5.

Preseason Coaches’ Poll (first-place votes in parentheses)
Place                School                          Points
1.                     Kentucky (7)                 139
2.                     Florida (6)                     138
3.                     LSU                              118
4.                     Tennessee                   100
5.                     Arkansas                      98
6.                     South Carolina              93
7.                     Texas A&M                   77
8.                     Georgia                        67
                        Missouri                        67
10.                   Alabama                       43
11.                   Ole Miss                       32
12.                   Mississippi State           30
13.                   Auburn                         12

Volleyball Preseason All-SEC Team
Name, School

Pos.

Yr.

Ht.

Hometown

T’ara Ceasar, Florida

OH

R-Sr.

6-1

Panama City, Fla.

Lauren Forte, Florida

MB

R-Sr.

6-3

Tempe, Ariz.

Thayer Hall, Florida

OH

Sr.

6-3

Spartanburg, S.C.

Marlie Monserez, Florida

S

Sr.

6-0

Windermere, Fla.

Madi Skinner, Kentucky

OH

So.

6-2

Katy, Texas

Alli Stumler, Kentucky

OH

Sr.

6-1

Floyds Knobs, Ind.

Azhani Tealer, Kentucky

MB

Jr.

5-10

Grand Prairie, Texas

Taylor Bannister, LSU

RS

Sr.

6-5

Missouri City, Texas

Kylie Deberg, LSU

OH

Gr.

6-4

Hudson, Iowa

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