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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