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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025

VOLUME 120 - ISSUE 7 Not officially associated with the University of Florida

Published by Campus Communications, Inc. of Gainesville, Florida

Retired professor cut off for Charlie Kirk post says UF is ‘silencing dissent’ UNIVERSITY SAYS IT HAS “ZERO TOLERANCE” FOR VIOLENT SPEECH

By Swasthi Maharaj & Leona Masangkay Alligator Staff Writers

UF’s decision to take action on a retired law professor’s social media post has sparked conversations about free speech, political pressure and the boundaries of dissent on college campuses. UF revoked retired law professor Jeffrey Harrison’s emeritus status for a post he made on his Facebook about the Sept. 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. While some students, alumni and Harrison himself now say the post followed university guidelines, UF continues to emphasize its “zero tolerance” policy toward violence-inciting speech a week later. In an email response to The Alligator, Harrison wrote he didn’t expect his words to draw so much backlash. “Given the nature of what appears on social media, I thought my post, though sharply worded, was well within acceptable bounds,” he wrote. Kirk was fatally shot at a Utah college campus while visiting universities nationwide to debate students on various issues for his “American Comeback Tour.” He visited UF in

SPORTS/SPECIAL/CUTOUT

Health Story description finish with comma, COVID-19 vaccines hard to find. pg# Read more on pg. 5.

February to debate students at the Plaza of The Americas. “I did not want for him [Kirk] to die,” Harrison wrote in his post. “I reserve that wish for Trump.” On Sept. 19, UF confirmed a retired professor’s emeritus privileges were rescinded “in accordance with the university’s policies and regulations.” Emeritus status is a mark of recognition for praiseworthy service, given to some professors after retirement. It brings benefits like on-campus parking, use of recreational facilities and admission to athletic events. Harrison said he was “pretty shocked” to learn UF had stripped him of his emeritus status. Upon reflection, Harrison said, he and UF shared “little in common” when it came to their beliefs. He described UF’s decision as a warning sign for faculty statewide. “It could and will likely mean silencing dissent, which I think is the goal,” he wrote. Harrison said he regrets getting “caught in the turmoil.” Until recently, Harrison worked as a part-time contracts professor at the California Western School of Law, a private school in San Diego. He said he was hired to teach for the Fall semester only, and he notified the school when UF took action. “As a result of an amicable

SEE HARRISON, PAGE 4

Libby Clifton // Alligator Staff

Payton Logan hands a coworker an iced latte for a customer on opening day of Foxtail Coffee Co.'s new location on Northwest 13th Street, on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. Read more in The Avenue on pg. 7.

State claims Alachua County mounted almost $85 million in wasteful spending Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced findings of the county’s audit Sept. 25 By Maria Avlonitis Alligator Staff Writer

Blaise Ingoglia, Florida’s recently appointed chief financial officer, announced Alachua County wasted almost $85 million in taxpayer money after a state Department of Government Efficiency audit. “This amount of spending is an eye-popping number for a local government,” he said.

Student life

The CFO held a press conference at Wolf Health & Performance Group in the city of Alachua Sept. 25 in front of a crowd of about 50 people. The DOGE audit found Alachua County wasted taxpayer money to expand its bureaucracy, he said, though he did not specify what programs or positions it wasted the money on. State auditors visited the county’s office Aug. 13 and Aug. 14. “It is not our job to highlight line by line exactly what the

administration, the city manager, the administrators should cut,” he said. “It's not our job to micromanage.” Alachua County spokesperson Mark Sexton said in a statement Alachua County has been transparent and cooperative with the state’s DOGE staff. “We had no advanced knowledge of information shared at

SEE BLAISE, PAGE 3

Chronically Outside club brings nature to all, pg. 2

El Caimán: Immigration

See September ICE arrests, pg. 6

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2 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025

Today’s Weather One club’s mission to make ‘touching grass’ more accessible CHRONICALLY OUTSIDE CREATED A COMMUNITY ROOTED IN INCLUSIVITY AND EMPOWERMENT

By Maria Arruda Alligator Staff Writer

Anelise Bullard recalls the isolating feeling two years ago of walking into classrooms as the only student using a mobility aid. Now, she leads a club for students to reconnect with nature — regardless of their abilities or chronic illnesses. Chronically Outside UF, a student organization dedicated to outdoorsy students of all abilities, emerged earlier this year. Bullard said the club provides a great opportunity for students to go outside and meet people enduring similar difficulties who want to build a safe space together. Bullard felt a sense of elitism tied to outdoor recreation, she said, and wanted to show people with disabilities belong in public spaces. “The outdoors is for everyone,” she said. It was during her freshman year that Bullard, now a 21-yearold UF forest resources and conservation junior, began dealing with her own chronic pain. Eventually, walking up the stairs of her Springs Complex dorm became challenging, and Bullard had to visit doctors who diagnosed her with weakness in the knees and hips. While her dorm had an elevator, Bullard said, she often relied on the stairs as they were closer to her room. She continued trying the stairs for a while out of denial she was losing mobility but now relies on elevators, she said. Bullard said her primary care physician believes her pain symptoms indicate Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos, or EDS, a condition characterized by hypermobile joints. She is on a waitlist for an EDS specialist to finalize the diagnosis, but the wait could take a year. Physical therapy was no help, and soon Bullard developed

symptoms like fatigue and headaches. Even after buying a walking cane, she experienced pain so severe she had to miss class some days, and she felt emotionally taxed because of all the doctors appointments. “The thought of knowing that I would always be sick was upsetting and discouraging,” she said. Bullard said Chronically Outside introduced her to like-minded students and a support system to help navigate her chronic illness. She hopes other members will grow to lean on one another as well, she said, and anyone — with or without a condition — should consider joining. At one of the club’s events, she said, a student spoke to her about his father’s experience with long COVID-19, or ongoing COVID-19 symptoms after the initial infection fades. The student, Bullard said, joined Chronically Outside to learn to help people living with a chronic condition. “Seeing the lived experiences of other people and getting outdoors and just hanging out and accepting an open minded environment, I think is pretty valuable,” she said. Bullard said Chronically Outside is now mainly focusing on hosting community-building social events. On Sept. 20, the club partnered with the Natural Resources and Diversity Initiative to host a decompressing nature walk, and it will have a rock painting social at Lake Alice on Sept. 26. Fostering new relationships is not where Chronically Outside’s job ends, though. The club is also creating a database describing Gainesville trails. The goal, Bullard said, is to provide a resource for members to understand trail conditions and intensity levels, so hikers can easily measure their accessibility. Chronically Outside’s treasurer, Bailey Berenson, a 20-year-old UF natural resource conservation junior, said the club’s mission is “rooted in activism,” and it provides an outlet for students with chronic illness to form a network. “We should be advocating for

comfortable spaces where people are able to enjoy nature in a way that's peaceful, whether that's with other people or in a solitude environment,” she said. Berenson added membership might improve students’ mental health by connecting students who appreciate the outdoors and giving them opportunities to get in touch with nature. The club is for everyone, not just people with chronic illnesses, she said. Vice President Wesley McCoy, a 20-year-old UF wildlife ecology and conservation junior, was intrigued by Chronically Outside’s uniqueness after encountering the club on social media. McCoy, who uses they/them pronouns, lives with visual snow syndrome, a condition causing constant snow or static-like dots disrupting a person’s vision. Chronically Outside makes them feel more seen, they said. All people are part of nature, McCoy said, and people with a chronic illness should not be denied “that part of themselves.” “Keeping those who are differently abled indoors because we don't make that part of this world accessible … makes it easier to take that part away from them,” they said. McCoy said the most important message they’ve taken from Chronically Outside is to be more aware of accessibility issues. Advocating for accessibility is important, as one individual alone may not be heard, but coming together as a club facilitates the mission. True to McCoy’s words, Chronically Outside has already joined other climate activist groups to jump into environmental advocacy. The group co-signed a letter drafted by Sunrise Movement Gainesville condemning UF for shutting down the Office of Sustainability. It also co-sponsored a Student Government resolution to restore RTS funding. “People have power, and their voices, and the more voices, the louder what you’re trying to say is said,” McCoy said.

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CFO claims wasteful spending

BLAISE, from pg. 1

the press conference and are reviewing it,” he wrote in a text to The Alligator. “We look forward to reading the full report.” The state-reported $85 million includes property tax funds and “a lot of other fees and services” the county charges for, Ingoglia said, though he didn’t specify the fees. The wasted dollars include “COVID dollars” the county is still spending, he added. The DOGE report, he said, will specify what line items are “not a good use of taxpayer dollars.” Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office will release the report relatively soon, Ingoglia added. The state can’t force local governments to cut their budgets, but Ingoglia said it can pressure them to do so. The DOGE task force has spent the last two months auditing local governments, and it plans to put an amendment on the 2026 ballot that would allow residents to vote for property tax relief. Ingoglia previously ordered a sweeping audit of Gainesville in July, just a day after DeSantis appointed him to the Chief Financial Officer position. He accused the city of ranking among the “worst offenders” of unnecessary spending in the state. The results of that audit are not yet public. In Alachua, about 20% of the current fiscal year’s budget comes from property taxes, according to a county press release. The figure is about average compared to other Florida counties, based on a 2023 report from Florida TaxWatch that estimated about one-fifth of city and county revenue across the state comes from property taxes. Alachua County has lowered its millage rate, or the dollars taxpayers give for every $1,000 of property value, every year for the last nine years. In 2024, an average Alachua County property owner paid $714, while the state average was $942. Alachua County is the fourth local government Florida has announced audit results for. DOGE earlier this month announced the findings of Orange County, Jacksonville and Hillsborough County. As the state’s CFO, Ingoglia said he would not stand by idly while local governments “lie to the taxpayers” to keep their “large bloated budgets.” The audience clapped in response. Since the 2019-2020 fiscal year, Alachua County has grown by over 15,000 people and added 136 positions to its

government, Ingoglia said, although he did not cite sources or specify a time frame of reference. Census Bureau figures indicate the county grew by nearly 23,000 people from 2019 to 2024, the year of the most recently available one-year American Community Survey. The local government budget, when adjusted for inflation using 2019-2020 as a baseline, has increased disproportionately to its population — growing by almost $9,000 per person who moves into Alachua County, and almost $36,000 for every

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family of four, Ingoglia said. “That math is not mathing,” he said. The all-funds budget for 2020, based on county records, totalled about $541 million after accounting for a mid-year budget amendment. That figure grew to $947 million by the current fiscal year — a total six-year increase of about 40% after adjusting for inflation. Ingoglia said he’ll be back in Gainesville within the next few weeks to announce the city’s audit results. @MariaAvlonitis mavlonitis@alligator.org

Maria Avlonitis // Alligator Staff

Blaise Ingoglia, Florida's chief financial officer, speaks at a press conference in Alachua, Fla., on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 ALLIGATOR 3

4 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025

Professor says free speech stifled HARRISON, from pg. 1

settlement, I no longer teach there [at California Western School of Law],” Harrison wrote. California Western School of Law did not respond to several phone calls in time for publication. UF doesn’t typically comment on personal matters, spokesperson Cynthia Roldán said in an email statement. However, she wrote, UF is committed to promoting a climate of tolerance and acceptance. “The university has zero tolerance for those who incite violence or violate university policies and will hold those who do so accountable in accordance with the university's policies and regulations,” she wrote. Roldán did not respond to questions concerning whether any other professors or staff were on UF’s radar for comments about Kirk’s death. Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas posted a letter on social media Sept. 11 reminding education staff and faculty of the standard they’re held to as public servants. Kamoutsas wrote they could lose their jobs or credentials if they said or posted statements which “undermine the trust of the students and families that they serve.” “We will hold teachers who choose to make disgusting comments about the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk accountable,” Kamoutsas posted on X. “Govern yourselves accordingly.” The letter was sent to school district superintendents across Florida. Ray Rodrigues, chancellor

of the State University System of Florida, also directed public universities to closely monitor speech that celebrates violence on campus and online following Kirk’s death. Rodrigues called Kirk a model of “free expression, civil discourse and debate,” noting he drew large crowds at several Florida universities earlier this year. Rodrigues pointed to state laws passed since 2018 that guarantee student free speech rights and require campuses to measure whether competing viewpoints are welcomed. “While the right to free expression is paramount, it is not absolute,” he wrote, “Celebrating or excusing campus violence — and in this case, the murder of Charlie Kirk — by members of our university system will not be tolerated.” He said such behavior undermines civil discourse and fosters hostility on campus. Rodrigues instructed university officials to review their policies and codes of conduct and to monitor social media and other online activity of both faculty and students. He said leaders must ensure “such measures are deliberately enforced.” Public feedback While some people have agreed with UF’s decision, others said it was an infringement on the First Amendment right to free speech. Amaya Garcia, a 19-year-old UF biology sophomore, criticized state officials’ response to the controversy, particularly Rodrigues’ directive to monitor student and faculty speech online.

Garcia said she could understand the letter to some extent, as maintaining student safety should be a top priority for anyone overseeing schools. But the measures seemed to only come after Kirk’s death, she added. She said she feels as though if her safety was a priority, these measures would have been in place before the Charlie Kirk incident. “It’s always focused on power instead of the people,” she said. “It’s very unmotivating to be a

student while you see your government do things like this.” Former colleagues of Harrison’s at the UF Levin College of Law have also spoken out. Law professor Jonathan Cohen said the university’s decision to revoke Harrison’s status is a serious matter, and it would be helpful for UF to explain why it made that choice. “That act can have a chilling effect on discourse at the university,” Cohen said. “Without a clear explanation of why it was done, others may fear similarly being chilled if they make comments.” David Hoch, a UF alumnus

who said he’s remained close friends with Harrison for 60 years, posted his thoughts on the consequences of Harrison’s post on Facebook Sept. 21. He described Harrison as brilliant and someone who lived up to the promise of his youth. “May this post count as one UF alum speaking out against our slide to authoritarianism,” Hoch wrote, “and I hope many fellow alums do so as well.” @s_maharaj1611 smaharaj@thealligator.org @leo_amasangkay lmasangkay@alligator.org

Jea Nace // Alligator Staff

Retired UF law professor’s post sparks backlash, with university responses and community voices continuing to unfold.

Florida now allows open carry. Alachua County says it’ll fully comply. THE ORDER TOOK EFFECT SEPT. 25

By Grace Larson Alligator Staff Writer

A recent Florida court decision allows gun owners to openly carry their firearms inside businesses and restaurants, effective Sept. 25. Law-abiding citizens now have the right to open carry under the Second Amendment, the 1st District Court of Appeal decided Sept. 10. While the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office has promised to fully comply with the change — which still allows businesses to prohibit open carry on their premises — some Gainesville leaders and gun safety activists worry public spaces will feel less welcoming as a result. The decision stems from the Stanley Victor McDaniels v. State of Florida court case. In 2022, the defendant, McDaniels, was celebrating the Fourth of July at an intersection in downtown Pensacola. He held a copy of the U.S. Constitution in one hand and waved at passing vehicles with the other. McDaniels’ handgun was visible in his waistband, which drew police to the scene several hours later. He provided his concealed car-

ry permit and officers ran a background check, which came back negative. Officers later obtained a warrant for McDaniels’ arrest, leading him to turn himself in just six days after the initial exchange. McDaniels argued Florida’s “Open Carry Ban,” which required firearms be carried in a concealed or non-visable manner, violated his Second Amendment right. He ultimately prevailed, and openly carrying firearms is now legal in Florida. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier declared “the McDaniels decision is now the law of the State” in a memo published on X Sept. 15. State Attorney Brian S. Kramer expressed similar sentiment in his own memo published Sept. 11. He said he found it unlikely that Uthmeier would appeal the decision and advised Florida police departments to adjust to the new law, effective immediately. “Because of the McDaniels decision, open carry alone cannot be the basis for reasonable suspicion for a stop or probable cause for a search or an arrest,” Kramer said. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the change in a Facebook press release Sept. 11.

The post, attributed to Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott, called Florida’s firearm laws complex and encouraged gun owners to stay informed on evolving legal requirements. Scott said his office would “promptly update our policies and practices to remain in full compliance with the law and provide clear guidance to the public” after the court opinion goes into effect. Other local leaders have expressed concern over the confusion that might arise from the new policy. Gainesville Commissioner James Ingle worries the vagueness of the law makes it hard to follow. “If we've made the decision that open carry is just the way things are going to be, then I think we need to have a pretty clear line of what that means,” he said. While many open carry states have legislation that clearly defines the parameters of the law, Florida’s policy was rushed and lacks necessary regulations, Ingle said. Raised by a gunsmith, Ingle said the legislation’s ambiguity might cause gun owners to handle firearms irresponsibly. “People kind of think that open carry means that you don't have those responsibilities,”

Ingle said. “And I think that type of mentality can be very dangerous, and not only physically dangerous, but the type of thing that makes public places unwelcoming.” The Florida chapter of anti-gun violence group Moms Demand Action expressed similar concerns in an article posted to its website. “This is a complete dereliction of duty and at the end of the day, our kids, communities and law enforcement will pay the price while we strip a decades-old law from the books meant to help keep us all safe,” Jennifer Massey, a volunteer for the Florida chapter, said in a press release. Moms Demand Action said extremist groups could use the law to intimidate people at protests and public gatherings. Law enforcement officers, the group said, may also now struggle to distinguish between legal weapon-carriers and people preparing to commit violence. It’s still unclear whether these fears will come to fruition as Florida’s nearly four decadelong legacy as a concealed-carry state changes. @graceellarson glarson@alligator.org

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 ALLIGATOR 5

Gainesville residents struggle to get COVID-19 vaccine amid new CDC guidelines Limited supply and lack of accessibility leave locals searching for vaccination options By Sofia Bravo Alligator Staff Writer

Over the past four years, Eileen Branham said, she has received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and two boosters with no problems. This year was different. Branham, a 51-year-old physical therapist in Gainesville, said she went to five pharmacies in September to get the vaccine. She was turned away by all and was told they either did not have the vaccine or could not give it to her. Finally, she was able to get one at a sixth pharmacy, CVS Health, with a doctor’s prescription. “It was incredibly frustrating,” Branham said. “It’s a vaccine that we’ve all been receiving for the past four years, and I don’t understand why there’s been this sudden change in accessibility.” She’s one of several Gainesville residents concerned about the accessibility of COVID-19 vaccinations this season. CVS Health and Walgreens limited access to the vaccines in Florida because of a lack of guidelines from the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. CVS, for example, requires patients to have an authorized prescription in certain states, according to a guideline published. The Alligator has received two tips from residents expressing vaccine difficulties with other pharmacies, including Publix and UF Health. Branham said one of her friends considered making the nearly two-hour drive to a CVS in Valdosta, Georgia, after hearing it had the vaccine. “It was ridiculous that we were basically having to shop around pharmacies,” she said. She went to a Publix pharmacy, UF Health Pharmacy and two different CVS pharmacies in Gainesville before she was able to get the vaccine at a third CVS. Branham said she got different answers about why she couldn’t get the vaccine

at each pharmacy. Either the vaccines in stock were expired, the new vaccine hadn’t arrived or patients needed a doctor’s prescription to receive one. On Sept. 19, the ACIP set new guidelines for administering the COVID-19 vaccine. They decided to withdraw the universal recommendation and leave the decision up to patients. This past June, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed the 17 sitting members of the ACIP and replaced them with eight handselected picks. According to AP News, several of the new members were critical of vaccines, especially the COVID-19 vaccine and mRNA vaccines.

The ACIP, a federal advisory committee that makes recommendations on the use of vaccines on U.S. citizens, also decided people will make individual decisions on whether they need a vaccine. Patients who want a vaccine must talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits before receiving one. Retsef Levi, an MIT professor and head of the ACIP’s coronavirus subcommittee, said in a public meeting vaccine inaccessibility won’t be affected by a prescription. “If you think about who is supposed to take those vaccines,” he said, “they are, by design, engaged with their physicians with respect to different prescriptions. We don’t feel that for those patients it would

Alexandros Theodosis // Alligator Staff

be something unreasonable to expect.” This comes at a time when COVID-19 viral activity is high. According to the Center for Disease Control’s National Wastewater Surveillance System, Florida’s wastewater viral activity level was “very high” for SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the first two weeks of September. This is taken from people’s homes and shows the virus before they get tested, meaning Florida is experiencing a wave in the virus. Alachua County totaled 163 COVID-19 cases in June and 292 in July. The most recent count, in August, reached 413 cases for the county. Lori Gross, a 60-year-old physical therapist assistant in Gainesville, said she’s seeing a growing trend in COVID-19 patients. She said she wanted to get the vaccine to protect herself, her family and her patients. Gross has three autoimmune diseases, including liver disease. She made an appointment to get her vaccine Sept. 26, after having to get a prescription from her primary doctor. She went straight to her doctor after hearing stories from her friends who were unable to get the vaccine. One of her coworkers wasn’t so lucky. After answering a list of medical questions including her weight, time spent exercising each day and history of cancer, she didn’t meet the criteria for the vaccine. She had to pay $300 out-of-pocket for a vaccination because her insurance wouldn’t cover it without a prescription. As a healthcare worker, Gross said she needs the vaccine because she can’t afford to take time off work. She said this experience has changed the way she views the healthcare system. “It’s just very disappointing and sad,” she said. “Real science is being quieted for skepticism that has no research-based origins.”

A sign reads “free flu shots” outside of a Walgreens in Gainesville, Fla., on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025.

@sofiab026 sbravo@alligator.org

Amy Trask to run again for Florida House District 22 after falling short last year THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE PLANS TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION AIDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS

By Teia Williams Alligator Staff Writer

Editor’s note: This story contains sensitive topics of domestic violence and abuse and may be sensitive to some readers. Amy Trask has experience with overcoming hardship. The 32-yearold hasn’t given up yet and continues to rebuild. Trask publicly announced at Gainesville’s Metro Diner on Thursday evening she will run for the Florida House District 22 seat for the second consecutive year. The seat encompasses Gilchrist County, Levy County and parts of Alachua County. In the 2024 election, Trask won

both Gilchrist and Levy but came up short on Alachua votes and lost the Democratic primary to David Arreola. Chad Johnson, a Republican, currently holds the seat and is expected to run for re-election. Trask said she has learned through experience that she can get back up again. She is a survivor of domestic violence, and she said she didn’t receive justice for the abuse she faced. She said it was “soul shattering” when she found herself in a system that wasn’t listening to her voice. Trask said in her speech at the diner that a state attorney wouldn’t charge her abuser because she wasn’t conscious when it happened. Her abuser took their child and disappeared for two and a half years. She later clarified that she maintained consciousness until the police came. “How do you recover from that?” she asked. “I realized that I could choose. I could lay on the floor and I can give up and say, ‘this is my life,’

or I can fight back.” Drawing from her experience with domestic violence and family court, Trask hopes to introduce six bills during this year’s legislative session to help people in similar situations to her own. Last year, she attempted to create The HAVEN Act (Helping Abuse Victims Escape Now). The act would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to create a website that would allow victims to discreetly notify police before the abuser knows law enforcement has been contacted. The bill died in June 2025, but she will try to push it through legislation again this year. She is also introducing a bill called the Survivor Safety Act, which would require trauma-informed training for people within the criminal justice system and require a panel within the Florida Commission on Offender Review to learn about survivor self-defense. Three of Trask’s additional proposed acts aim to protect children. One would guarantee a child’s ac-

cess, if requested, to court-appointed guardians and attorneys to ensure the child’s voice in court is safe and could maintain long-term wellbeing when their case involves abuse. Another would make domestic violence shelters serve as a temporary residency for children escaping abuse from a guardian. The third targets foster children specifically. The Fostering with Dignity Act would require every child entering the foster care system in Florida be provided with a reusable suitcase or duffle bag. Trask is also proposing the Court Transcript Accessibility Act, which would ensure all Floridians could obtain court transcripts for appeals, post-conviction relief, legal defense and procedural fairness, regardless of income. Gainesville City Commissioner James Ingle announced his endorsement for Trask at the event. Ingle said Florida residents deserve to have more understanding voices to represent them than those currently working in Tallahassee.

“The people who sit up there are so far removed from the consequences of their decisions. They don’t even understand what those consequences are,” Ingle said. Ingle said he believes Trask is the person people need. She has an understanding of the system and won’t have to take time to “learn the ropes,” he said. Lead pastor of Shift Church Joe Smith spoke at the announcement party and said the community needs someone that would roll up their sleeves and mix it up. “There are still leaders rising up with courage, compassion and a vision for something greater,” Smith said. “Leaders who believe our state can be a place where every family has a fair shot, where communities are cared for, and where dignity is never up for debate.” Smith said Trask can be that leader for District 22. @teia_williams twilliams@alligator.org

El Caimán

LUNES, 29 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2025 www.alligator.org/section/spanish

Arrestos de ICE en Alachua no se detienen: 20 arrestados en menos de un mes JÓVENES Y HOMBRES DOMINAN LA LISTA DE DETENIDOS Por Sofia Alamo y Vera Lucia Pappaterra Escritoras de El Caimán

Se han registrado veinte arrestos de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas en el condado de Alachua desde el 31 de agosto, cuando El Caimán último reportó sobre el

tema. La cifra está en marcha, desde el 27 de septiembre, para ser menor que la del mes pasado, cuando 28 personas fueron ingresadas a la cárcel del condado y posteriormente entregadas a ICE en el mismo lapso de tiempo. De esos arrestos de agosto, la mayoría ocurrieron en las últimas dos semanas del mes, correspondiendo a una operación estatal llevando a cabo arrestos en toda la Florida Las detenciones se originaron en distintas

agencias, entre ellas el Servicio de Alguaciles Federales de los Estados Unidos, la Patrulla de Carreteras de Florida y la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Alachua. Los informes de arresto para cinco de los individuos indicaron que agencias estatales o federales realizaron los arrestos iniciales antes de transferir a los detenidos a ICE para continuar con sus procesos de inmigración. Para un individuo, los registros de ingreso del condado indicaron que inicialmente fue detenido por infracciones de tránsito. Otro

fue arrestado bajo cargos de resistirse a un oficial. Informes de arrestos posteriores muestran que luego fueron transferidos a la custodia de ICE, en ocasiones separadas. Lea el resto en línea en alligator.org/ section/spanish. @alamosofiaa salamo@alligator.org @veralupap vpappaterra@alligator.org

Update on ICE activity in Alachua County: 20 arrests so far this month YOUNG MEN DOMINATE THE LIST OF DETAINEES By Sofia Alamo and Vera Lucia Pappaterra Alligator Staff Writers

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained 20 people in Alachua County since Aug. 31, when The Alligator last reported on the issue.

Arrest counts for September, as of Sept. 27, are on track to be slightly lower than those from last month, when 28 people were booked into the Alachua County Jail and transferred to ICE custody. Of those August arrests, a majority took place in the last two weeks of the month, corresponding to a statewide operation leading to thousands of arrests across Florida. The agencies responsible for this month’s Alachua arrests varied and included the U.S. Marshals, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

Mantente al día con El Caimán en Twitter. Envíanos un tweet @ElCaimanGNV.

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and the Florida Highway Patrol. Arrest reports found for five of the individuals indicated state or federal agencies carried out the initial arrests before transferring the detainees to ICE to continue their immigration proceedings. For one individual, county booking logs indicated they were initially detained for traffic violations. Another was arrested on charges of resisting an officer. Subsequent arrest reports show they were then transferred to ICE custody on separate

occasions. The FHP led the group with 15 arrests, or three-fourths of total cases. The sheriff’s office followed with four cases, while U.S. Marshals carried out just one. Read the rest online at alligator.org. @alamosofiaa salamo@alligator.org @veralupap vpappaterra@alligator.org

Síganos para actualizaciones

Music — Dylan Cotrone goes from TikTok to touring. Read more on page 7.

Para obtener actualizaciones de El Caimán, síganos en línea en www.alligator.org/section/spanish.

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FOOD & DRINK

Orlando ice cream staple opens Gainesville branch IT’S THE FIRST GAINESVILLE SHOP FOR KELLY’S AND SECOND FOR FOXTAIL, BOTH FOUNDED NEAR ORLANDO By Summer Johnston Avenue Staff Writer

Coffee lovers and ice cream fanatics waited to get their caffeine and sugar fixes at the new Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream and Foxtail Coffee Co. shared space after the sweet treat stop opened just off UF’s campus on Sept. 24. Rustic wood paneling, a bold mural and brown armchairs welcomed customers into the cozy atmosphere. Students chatted on the high seats at the coffee bar and by the window at tables with drinks and sweets in hand. Founded in the Orlando area in May 2014, Kelly’s has since grown to include 41 scoop counters, all located inside Foxtail stores, and six stand-alone shops. This is its first Gainesville location. Foxtail, another rapidly expanding Central Florida-based chain, joined forces with Kelly’s about four years ago when Kelly’s was looking to grow. This is the second Foxtail to open in Gainesville, joining a stand-alone location in Butler Plaza.

“I met up with Alex and just kind of sparked an idea,” Kelly Seidl, the founder of Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, said of Foxtail founder Alex Tchekmeian. “The space complements each other really well.” The new Gainesville space, located at 309 NW 13th St., Suite 90 adjacent to the Hub on Third apartment complex, offers a full menu of coffees, pastries and sandwiches from Foxtail and an ice cream counter featuring about a dozen Kelly’s flavors. Seidl, 39, grew up spending time on her uncle’s dairy farm in upstate New York and recalled getting ice cream after church and local ball games. She worked as an ice cream scooper throughout high school and nursing school. She started her own brand while she was in nursing and went from doing farmers markets in 2014 to operating her first ice cream truck in 2015. She opened her first brick-and-mortar store in the Orlando area in July 2015. Kelly’s is known for its fun flavors, including staples like Cookie Monster, which features Oreos and blue velvet cake batter, as well as seasonal favorites like Pumpkin Spice Latte and Hot Cocoa. The culinary team comes up with flavor combinations and even concocts new recipes based on customer suggestions. “We make a lot of flavors that you just can’t

find in the grocery store,” Seidl said. Seidl said she’s excited to bring a taste of home from Orlando to college students. Several UF students work at Kelly’s while home over the summer, she said. For 21-year-old UF political science senior Felicia Wilks, the new Kelly’s location is a onestop shop for ice cream and coffee and a combination of two of her favorite places. In her hometown, Oviedo, her go-to Kelly’s order is Cake Batter n’ Sprinkles. She stopped in for a strawberry rose matcha from Foxtail on Sept. 24. Compared to other coffee shops, Wilks said, Foxtail has its own aesthetic and charm. Foxtail continues to expand from its birthplace in Winter Park, just north of Orlando, to locations across six states, with more on the way. The company will be opening its 100th store next month. Kenneth Nunez, a 31-year-old Foxtail operating partner, said he’s looking forward to the new audience a location closer to UF’s campus will bring. He first opened a Foxtail franchise in 2021. Nunez said he’s excited to be an integral part of the UF community, whether that means hosting book clubs or having Girl Scouts sell cookies outside of the shop. “This location is going to do a great job of

just bringing so many different individuals,” he said, “but in a spot that is centralized.” Every Foxtail location has a unique mural specifically designed for that area. The new location features a design with geometric shapes, palm trees and bright colors, reflecting the vibrancy of Gator country. Christina Morin, a 38-year-old Foxtail franchisee, said the cafes try to connect with the communities they serve, whether it’s through their murals or their customer service. “We want to know your name, what you do, where you come from, your dog, your kid, your family,” she said. Kevin Concha, a 23-year-old UF computer science junior, stopped in for a taste of fall with an iced cold brew with pumpkin spice cold foam. Concha said Foxtail’s welcoming customer service, good music and quality coffee with personalized options sets it apart. “I low-key love the vibes here,” he said. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” The location will be open every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. for people to stop in, grab a treat, enjoy time with friends and get work done. @summerajohnston sjohnston@alligator.org

MUSIC

Dylan Cotrone went viral on TikTok. Now he’s touring his home state. THE FLORIDA ARTIST PLAYED AT SIGNAL IN GAINESVILLE SEPT. 25 By Christopher Rodriguez Avenue Staff Writer

After hearing “Burn, Burn, Burn” by Zach Bryan on his way home from work, Dylan Cotrone posted his cover on TikTok, not expecting much out of it. The 23-year-old singer had wanted a career in music for his whole life, but was unsure of how far he could go. Today, the video sits at 15 mil-

lion views. “It took off out of nowhere,” Cotrone said. “Record labels started to reach out to me, and now I just do music full time.” Launching off this viral success and the recent release of his new EP, the Bradenton, Florida, native has begun his “The Weekend Religion Tour.” He stopped in Gainesville Sept. 25 to play at Signal Lounge. Cotrone posted his cover in December 2023, and he wasted no time after his unexpected success, releasing his debut single, “Lazy,” in April 2024. Today, Cotrone has amassed a following of over 762,000

Keep up with the Avenue on Twitter. Tweet us @TheFloridaAve.

followers on TikTok, and his most popular song, “Dog House,” has over one million streams on Spotify. While his TikTok might seem like a lucky break, Cotrone has faced challenges throughout his career. Entering college at Florida Atlantic University from a sheltered private school environment, he was introduced to hundreds of things at once — including drugs and alcohol. “I tried everything, and I lost myself,” Cotrone said. “And it’s so easy to get lost in that, because I didn’t grow up in it. I didn’t have anyone around me doing that until I figured

it out for myself.” Lacking direction, Cotrone dropped out of college in his senior year and went home to the Gulf Coast to bus tables. Through it all, music was an escape. Even today, Cotrone’s relationship with substances remains rocky. His newest EP, “Weekend Religion,” is focused on the push and pull between his religious values and partying with friends. “I still go back to those drugs, or the problem that I once had in college, because it brings me peace,” he said. “And as bad as that sounds, I think it’s relatable to a ton of peo-

ple.” Relatability is a key component of Cotrone’s work. Even when the production quality of a TikTok might be lower, he said, the videos where he’s singing live consistently outperform the lip-synced ones. Singing live is more personal, he said, and viewers prefer the authenticity. Read the rest online at alligator.org/section/the-avenue @ChrisRodri29386 crodriguez@alligator.org

Opinions

Advice — Roommate relationship turns south. Read more on page 8.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 www.alligator.org/section/opinions

Advice column

College Friend: I hate my roommate’s girlfriend. Should I tell her? I cannot stand my roommate’s girlfriend. I can barely tolerate her, and she is always joining our friend group uninvited. None of our mutual friends like her either, and we don’t know how to break the news to my roommate. The girlfriend thinks we all like her, and my roommate thinks we all like her, too. But this is far from the truth. How do we break the news to my roommate without jeopardizing our friendship? Signed, Frustrated Roommate

he most defining relationships we have in college are with our roommates. These are the people who see us through our worst days when the world weighs too heavily on our shoulders. They also hold us up and cheer for us on our best days, when the sun shines into our shared home just right. So, I understand your situation. I’ve lived through it. When we decide to live with someone, we do not anticipate their partner will also take emotional residence in the home. The gap between the expectation and the reality of cohabitation creates a cyclone of disappointment that grows the more we stew in silence. You don’t have to like your roommate’s girlfriend, but you do have to respect their relationship. You also have to respect yourself and your own feelings. To be blunt, any conversation about a friend’s significant other’s flaws will cause awkwardness, misunderstandings and maybe even resentment.

We tend to think that people’s opinions of our partners also reflect on us, making it hard for us to see others’ perspectives on the person we love. You need to take some actions to alleviate the pressure of performing. First, you must set a boundary with your roommate. You say she joins in on plans uninvited, which I know must throw off the dynamics already established within the friend group. Sit your roommate down, and make it clear that some plans are for friends only. We can miss the people we see every day. You cannot cut their girlfriend out of your life, as you share a living space, but you can increase your roommate’s individual participation. For example, create a standing date for a drink once every week with just the roommates. That will allow you to spend some time together, while also lessening the girlfriend’s impact on your relationship. My second piece of advice is adopting a stance of neutrality. Oftentimes, I tried to compensate for my dislike of someone by being overly nice. But my behavior came off as artificial and made my kindness seem malicious. Instead of keeping up the charade of friendship, be kind without giving her any expectations for more. Take a mental Alka-Seltzer to neutralize your opinions towards her. It becomes easier when you do not have to monitor and edit yourself for someone else. Lastly, one thing that has helped me with roommates’ partners is changing the way I categorize them in relation to myself. This might seem weird, but rather than seeing them as a peer, I see them as a family member I only talk to on

the holidays. In doing this, I distance myself from them while maintaining a level of respect for their role in my life. If I see my roommate’s partner as a distant uncle, I shed any expectations for bonding; it is not important that I like them, but rather that my roommate is happy. Alejandra Agustin Obviously, I write all of this withopinions@alligator.org out knowing the nuances of your situation. If your roommate’s girlfriend poses a threat to your roommate’s well-being, the situation changes, and you have to try to say something with caution and empathy. All of my advice here stems from having to cope with this exact scenario, but it is my experience. Ultimately, take what resonates and leave what doesn’t. Roommates are our families away from home. These relationships last when nurtured with love and care. The girlfriend might not be that for you, but she might be that for your roommate. It helps to remember that. Send questions to opinions@alligator.org. Please include your name, age — and if you are a student — your major and year, even if you wish to remain anonymous. We can keep identifying information private. Questions may be edited for clarity in publication. Alejandra Agustin is a 21-year-old UF English and anthropology senior.

Column

UF shut down its last satire magazine in the ‘60s. We need another one.

university that can’t take a joke has a bigger problem than the joke itself. From the 1940s through the early 1960s, UF was home to The Orange Peel, a satirical magazine that skewered campus life with raunchy and biting material. According to the Smathers Libraries exhibition “Alternative UF: Counterculture Through the Decades,” The Orange Peel, inspired in part by Playboy Magazine, ran cartoons, essays, short stories and even an “Orange Peel Girl” (clothed) in the centerfold. At its peak, it was one of the most popular college magazines in the nation, with subscriptions pouring in from beyond Gainesville. For a campus magazine, that’s about as good as it gets. Of course, the very things that made it beloved by students made it impossible for the administration to stomach. The Peel didn’t start out as a joke. In the 1930s, UF put out The Florida Review, a literary magazine of student work judged by none other than writer Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. By the decade’s end, the campus was crowded with earnest literary journals, but the chance

to tell a joke was still wide open. In 1941, The Review staff reinvented itself as The Orange Peel. It was an instant hit with students, and by the 1950s, The Peel had fully hit its stride. Don Addis, a student cartoonist who later became a celebrated editorial artist, filled the covers with work that gave the magazine a distinct edge. That rebel streak became The Peel’s signature. The bawdy jokes and cutting satire tapped straight into student angst. It was smart, it was shameless, and it gave UF a reputation for producing something funnier – and more risqué – than the administration was ever comfortable with. By 1962, UF had seen enough. The administration seized control of The Peel and replaced it with the New Orange Peel, a sanitized knockoff with none of the original bite. Attempts at humor now came in safe and forgettable flavors. Outraged students and former staff of The Peel tried to fight back by releasing the Old Orange Peel. The first issue’s cover even depicted a satirical cartoon of then-UF President J. Wayne Reitz. It was an admirable

attempt to preserve the spirit of the original, but without the same reach, it sputtered out. By the mid ’60s, both Peels were gone. UF’s administration had managed to snuff out a beloved magazine in the name of keeping things clean. The loss of The Peel mattered. Satire gave students a way to laugh at the absurdities of campus life, to mock authority and to hold up a mirror to a university that often took itself too seriously. A magazine full of gags can be the student voice that says what others won’t. For over two decades, The Peel gave UF national recognition as a campus with a sense of humor. When the administration pulled the plug on The Peel, it set a tone: UF was above satire, and comedy was expendable. That absence still lingers. Today, UF has several student publications, and each plays an important role. But they often lean serious, literary or political — not satirical. The closest thing to The Peel now lives online in the form of memes and studentrun social media. Those get laughs but vanish with the next swipe. What UF lacks is a

permanent space for humor, something students can hold in their hands and remember. UF could use a magazine that makes fun of itself. Dylan Santana Every university opinions@alligator.org has its share of nonsense, scandals and bureaucracy. Humor is a way for students to process them. When satire disappears, so does a piece of the culture. A new Peel could put modern absurdity into something longer lasting than a meme. But it would have to be independent. The moment the university tries to manage the jokes, the jokes stop mattering. UF killed The Peel 60 years ago. It doesn’t have to keep going without one. Dylan Santana is a 21-year old UF media production, management and technology junior.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Alligator. The Alligator encourages comments from readers. Letters to the editor should not exceed 600 words (about one letter-sized page). They must be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s name, classification and phone number. Names will be withheld if the writer shows just cause. We reserve the right to edit for length, grammar, style and libel. Send letters to opinions@alligator.org, bring them to 2700 SW 13th St., or send them to P.O. Box 14257, Gainesville, FL 32604-2257.Columns of about 450 words about original topics and editorial cartoons are also welcome. Questions? Call 352-376-4458.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 www.alligator.org/section/sports

WOMEN'S SOCCER

FOOTBALL

Top NFL agent finds Tatum O’Coyne celebrates tiny victories on journey back from ACL tear his niche in signing former Gators JONATHAN PERZLEY HAS 10 FORMER FLORIDA ATHLETES AS CLIENTS

THE REDSHIRT JUNIOR SCORED HER FIRST EVER COLLEGIATE GOAL AFTER TEARING HER ACL LAST YEAR By Adrian Carmona Sports Writer

By Luke Adragna Sports Writer

It was the third play of the game. Alex Anzalone, a former Gators linebacker and third-round selection by the New Orleans Saints, crouched low at Wembley Stadium in London, his body coiled, knees bent, waiting for his cue. The ball was snapped. The Saints rookie burst from the left hash toward Miami Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills, wrapped him up and drove him into the grass. It was a textbook tackle. But as he clutched Stills’ leg, Anzalone tore his shoulder, ending his rookie season just four games in. In most cases, that’s when a player’s story shifts to rehabilitation. For Anzalone, it also meant seeing Jonathan Perzley, his agent, pushing him out of a Colorado hospital in a wheelchair, family in tow. “A lot of agents, they send you off to the doctor,” Anzalone said. “I got surgery in Vail — a good specialist — and [Perzley]’s pushing me out in a wheelchair post-op with my family. A lot of agents just don’t care like that. It’s more transactional and less relational.” That moment captures what elevated Perzley from a UF graduate with no clear plan to one of the NFL’s top agents. He has signed hundreds of athletes during his career, far more former Gators than anyone in the business, and he currently represents 56 players in the league. That’s over 3% of all NFL players. “There's definitely smarter people than me that exist on planet Earth,” Perzley said. “The way I was raised was, ‘Doesn't matter how smart someone is; as long as you outwork them, you'll be okay.’” Perzley, 41, laid the foundation for his journey on his first day of college, when he sat in a UF classroom with little clue of what he wanted to do with his life. He was majoring in architecture. His father knew an architect — who happened to drive a nice car — and he figured it would be worthwhile to look into the field. “I was like, ‘Yeah, that seems like it’ll work,’” Perzley said. “That only lasted for a day.” Perzley grew up as a nationally ranked tennis player, and he decided to draw from his athletic background by changing his major to sports management. His career bloomed when he landed his first internship at CarrSports Consulting. Founder Bill Carr, a legendary Florida graduate, played on the Gators football team and became the youngest athletic director in program history. The internship helped Perzley land his job at Sportstars, where he has remained an NFL players agent for nearly two decades. There, he’s built a reputation for being present in all facets of his clients’ lives. “A lot of agencies, you get hired, you have a salary — that doesn't work for me,” Perzley said. “You have no upside. A lot of guys get bored, and they don't have a real motivation to really crush it for their guys. So for me, it's like every day my whole life is on the line.” When Perzley was in college, he worked at the Bank Bar and Lounge, a popular now-closed Gainesville bar from the early 2000s. It was one of the few places in Gainesville with a 21-plus admission policy, he said. Florida athletes flocked there for its exclusivity. Read the rest online atalligator.org/section/sports. @lukeadrag ladragna@alligator.org

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Tatum O’Coyne stood just a few yards away from the goal, searching for a chance to get the ball in the net. Junior forward Amelia Malkin found her in front of the box, and O’Coyne fired. It was her first collegiate goal — and followed a grueling battle she overcame to get there. The redshirt junior forward scored her first Gator goal Aug. 24, contributing to the team’s 5-0 victory against the North Florida Ospreys after enduring a two-hour weather delay. “It was an amazing feeling,” she said. “It felt like all of the hard work that I've put in, I get to finally reap the benefits of it, because I have not been able to for three years.” However, O’Coyne’s road to her first goal was anything but easy. On Aug. 3, 2024, Tatum’s soccer career took a sharp detour during an exhibition match against the South Florida Bulls. During the second half, O’Coyne played the ball and turned upfield before being fouled from behind and falling. She landed on her left knee and tore her ACL while trying to stand. She laid on the pitch in tears, as her first career start ended in the blink of an eye. “I immediately knew I tore my ACL,” O’Coyne said. “I wasn’t crying because it hurt so bad, but … because I knew what just happened.” Joining the team in 2022, the California native didn’t see much action in her first two seasons. But heading into her junior year, her role on the team grew. O’Coyne had an impressive spring training, leading the team in goals. “She was playing her best soccer,” said head coach Samantha Bohon. “She was going to have a really good opportunity to play an elevated role that she had worked and been so patient for.” However, the opportunity vanished in just one play. “I felt like my junior year, I was finally going to get that moment,” said O’Coyne. “I feel like I worked so hard to finally get my moment, and it was over in the first game.”

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This wasn’t the first time O’Coyne suffered an ACL tear. She tore it for the first time during her senior year of high school at San Diego’s Torrey Pines and didn’t return to playing soccer until she joined the Gators. “I’ve been through it before, and it’s a really long grueling process,” she said. “It's more mental than physical, if anything, and I was definitely really upset.” Instead of starting on the pitch her junior year, O’Coyne began physical therapy and embraced her new role on the sidelines, supporting her teammates and taking on a leadership role. She was even named to her program’s leadership council. “It's easy to get disconnected from the team when you have an injury … because you're not out there playing with everybody,” O’Coyne said. “So it was really important that I tried to stay connected.” Right after her surgery, O’Coyne

attended the team’s film sessions on crutches. She coached her teammates one-on-one during practices and in the locker room, according to Bohon. Bohon said O’Coyne’s vocalness on the sideline helped encourage fellow players. “I will be a fan for life with Tatum, just because of her resiliency and who she is as a person,” Bohon said. “She's affected and impacted our program in a positive way in so many different facets.” Meanwhile, O’Coyne had a heavy recovery, both physically and mentally. She had to balance the struggles of not being on the field while attending physical therapy three times a week to build muscle in her quad. Read the rest online atalligator. org/section/sports. @abcarmona04 9/29/25 acarmona@alligator.org

By Rohit Paranjape - Published on http

the alligator 9/29/25 1

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By Rohit Paranjape - Published on https:// 7 1

9/29/25 5

8 4 9

By Rohit Paranjape - Published on https://crosshare.org 1

5 7

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5 Wolverine's main feature

7 "That's ___!" (director's cry)

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8 Do over 9 "____ All That" (90s romcom)

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DOWN 1 Mufasa's 8 killer Do Follow us over for updates 2 "The For Princess Bride" updates on UF athletics, 9 "____ All That" (90s actorfollow Cary us on Twitter at @alligatorSports or online at romcom) 3 Country singer Brooks www.alligator.org/section/sports. 4 In the loop 6 Agents

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12 ALLIGATOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2025

VOLLEYBALL

Jordyn Byrd breaks free from the sidelines to take Florida volleyball by storm THE REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE OUTSIDE ACHIEVED 23 KILLS IN HER SECOND COLLEGIATE MATCH By Ava DiCecca Sports Writer

The sidelines. That’s where Jordyn Byrd found herself for two seasons with the Texas Longhorns. A powerhouse pin hitter, caged by injury and coaching decisions. “Last year, there were some bumps in the road for me mentally,” Byrd said. “I took last year as a learning experience for me. Learning how strong I can be, learning hard times don't last forever and just when those mental blocks come, how to overcome them.” An opportunity to return to her home state and play at Florida held the key for the redshirt sophomore. Healthy and freed from the sidelines, Byrd assumed a dominant role for the Gators, establishing herself as the team’s go-to pin hitter on the outside. Now in a better headspace and a fitting environment, Byrd has thrived. Her own mental progress and growth have been bolstered by her support system at Florida and her family being not too far away, in Sarasota. The program has emphasized it has strong faith in the outside hitter. “She just physically can do things that most can’t,” Florida head coach Ryan Theis told ESPN. “It’s a load to stop, and when she is feeling it, anything you throw up there, she’s going to have a shot to kill.”

In only her second-ever collegiate match, she logged 23 kills against No. 3 Pittsburgh and secured AVCA Match MVP. Byrd immediately turned heads with her abilities and confidence. She came close to her career-high yet again with 21 kills in Florida’s match against Baylor Sept. 14. “I kind of just went out there with a clear mind, positive thoughts and just telling myself to go out there and be aggressive,” Byrd said. “I wasn't really worried about anything but playing.” Enjoying her time on the court has been a priority for Byrd since she started playing in seventh grade. Her mom has coached volleyball for over 20 years and influenced Byrd’s trajectory, bringing her to the gym and watching volleyball with her for as long as Byrd can remember. However, Byrd initially refused to play, until she decided to give it a try in middle school. Byrd started the way many volleyball players do, struggling to use her height and control her swing. She progressed over the years and, following a transition to the outside position her junior year of high school, she was a popular recruit. The two-time Gatorade Florida Volleyball Player of the year in 2021-22 was ranked No. 16 in the nation for the Class of 2023 by PrepDig and tallied 1,640 kills in her career at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School. “Jordyn is better than any hitter I’ve seen in the state,” high school coach Kim Whitney said. “She’s able to put a ball away wherever she is on the court.” Her accomplishments did not stop off the court. She became the first person to graduate

early from her high school. After graduation, she brought her talents to Texas, choosing the Longhorns over Florida and Wisconsin, her other two schools of interest, she said. Her first collegiate obstacle came early on, when a stress fracture sidelined her for almost the entire 2023 season while her team went on to win the national championship. While Byrd still regards that season as a great experience, she was disappointed she couldn’t contribute to the team’s success. She aimed to change that in 2024 with the injury behind her, only to find herself on the sidelines again, this time due to coaching decisions. That, combined with her year of injury, brought mental struggles for Byrd. Far away from her family and questioning her decisions and what her future held, she had no choice but to push through. “I look at life a different way now,” she said. “Being a young woman that plays collegiate sports is already hard enough, and then you go through all of these trials and tribulations during these times. I think, coming out of everything, I became a stronger person.” Byrd decided to enter the transfer portal in December 2024. Her parents and close friends supported her decision, encouraging her despite how difficult the process was for her mentally. Byrd said even small distractions, like her friends and teammates taking her out, helped. “The little things that my village did for me to help me get out of that headspace is something that I will forever cherish,” she said. Byrd spoke with several teams but said she knew in the back of her mind she would end

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up at Florida, where she would be close to home and part of a program known for supporting its athletes. Her connection to former Florida head coach Mary Wise also contributed to her interest. She’s known Wise since she was 12 and always felt she had a lot of faith in her. In late December 2024, shortly after entering the portal, she committed to UF. Her support system has only expanded since arriving at Florida, and the environment is contributing to her confidence and positive mindset. Knowing teammates like redshirt junior setter Alexis Stucky, redshirt freshman outside hitter Kira Hurston and freshman libero and defensive specialist Lily Hayes have confidence in her abilities on the court gives Byrd the feeling she can “swing at any ball,” she said. “Knowing that they have my back and I have theirs is something that is really special to me,” Byrd said. Her teammates are just as happy to have her on their side of the net. “It gives me a ton of confidence when Jordyn looks me in the eyes and says ‘set me,’” Stucky said. “We have put a lot of work into our connection this past spring. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but it's been really gratifying seeing it improve.” Byrd has already accomplished a lot at Florida. But unsatisfied with being on the sidelines for the national title at Texas, she has her eyes on being on the court to help her team win another. @avadicecca24 adicecca@alligator.org

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