'We’re on a mission': Billy Napier emphasizes championship culture through defense
FLORIDA’S DEFENSE HAS SLOWLY IMPROVED THROUGHOUT NAPIER’S TENURE
By Luke Adragna & Max Bernstein Sports Writers
The Florida Gators football team has periodically shined throughout Billy Napier’s tenure.
In his first-ever game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Napier led Florida to an upset win against then-No. 7 Utah on Sept. 3, 2022. UF senior linebacker Amari Burney’s game-saving interception along the goal line secured the win, setting lofty expectations for Napier’s first year.
The next season, the Gators toppled then-No. 11 Tennessee to improve Florida’s home win streak against the Volunteers to 10 games. Gators defensive back Devin Moore recorded his first career interception, leading to a touchdown on the fol-
lowing drive.
In Florida’s most recent season, the Gators defeated then-No. 9 Ole Miss 24-17, forcing three turnovers and securing a game-clinching interception off Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter.
The one commonality between the three games was Florida’s prowess on the defensive end. However, Napier’s tenure has been largely defined by the opposite.
Over his three seasons, Florida has periodically struggled with tackling, failed to record sacks and shown an inability to force turnovers.
But Napier has made it a goal throughout training camp to become one of the best defenses in the country — something he says has been missing since the beginning of his tenure.
“We are on a mission here to play championship-caliber defense,” Napier said Aug. 18 at a press conference. “It's one of the things that we have failed to establish here since I've been
SEE FOOTBALL, PAGE 14
Social media influencer Alix Earle walks into Gator Beverage
margaritas on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Read more in TheAvenueon
Otoño 2025: ¿Cuál es el estatus de las aplicaciones para visas estudiantiles en UF?
Crece la confusión por las solicitudes de visa entre los estudiantes a nivel nacional
Por Sofia Alamo
Escritora de El Caimán
Después de que la administración de Trump revocó más de 6,000 visas estudiantiles, los estudiantes internacionales entran al año escolar con un futuro turbio respecto a su estatus.
En el semestre de primavera pasado, los cambios en las aplicaciones para visas de estudiante fueron poco claros y ordenados. A finales de mayo, el Departamento de
Estado suspendió las citas para obtener las visas F , M Y J . El 18 de junio, menos de un mes después, se reanudaron, según Forbes. Estas son las visas de estudiante (F), vocacionales o de formación profesional (M) y de visitante de intercambio (J).
Este cambio drástico fue impactante para una comunidad significativa en UF, ya que la universidad acoge a más de 6,000 estudiantes con estas visas.
En una conversación con Axel Nguyen, un estudiante internacional de primer año
de Sistemas de Información y Gestión de Operaciones en UF, el compartió que este cambio le resultó especialmente duro. Estaba lleno de emoción por iniciar clases, pero pronto descubrió que su visa corría peligro.
“Mi familia y la de [mis amigos] se asustaron, porque no sabíamos cuándo [la visa] se iba a reanudar otra vez”, expresó Nguyen.
Siendo su primer año universitario, empezar las clases lo más pronto posible
era muy importante para Nguyen. Con respecto a la suspensión en mayo, el estudiante vietnamita dijo que: “Todos pensamos que podrían realmente retrasarlo por mucho tiempo, lo cual podría significar que tuviéramos que posponer un semestre o, peor aún, un año entero”.
La incertidumbre de un estudiante representa el sentimiento compartido por miles que están pasando por la misma situación.
LEE DEVOLVER, PAGINA 11
Ryan Friedenberg // Alligator Staff
to promote her SIP MARGS
pg. 9.
Today’s Weather
UF continues search for interim presidential candidate
Interim President Kent Fuchs’ contract ends Sept. 1 with no replacement lined up
By Leona Masangkay Alligator Staff Writer
UF is still searching for an interim president just two weeks before Interim President Kent Fuchs’ contract runs out, the university’s Board of Trustees said Monday.
“I’m continuing to work on identifying the candidate for interim president,” board chair Morteza “Mori” Hosseini said. “This has been a focus over the past few months, and I have taken a deliberate and thoughtful approach to this responsibility.”
An in-person board meeting will be scheduled as soon as there is a candidate for interim president, he added.
Kent Fuchs filled in as interim president following former president Ben Sasse’s unexpected resignation in July of last year.
The Board of Trustees identified Santa Ono, the former president of the University of Michigan, as the search’s sole finalist May 4. The Board of Trustees unanimously confirmed Ono to be UF’s
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14th president in late May. The Florida Board of Governors then rejected him in a 10-6 vote June 3, marking the first time since the board’s creation that it rejected a presidential candidate.
Fuchs has been serving as interim president since Aug. 1, 2024, and his contract was set to end July 31. But right before it expired, the contract was extended to Sept. 1.
Fuchs has been “extremely gracious in extending his appointment,” Hosseini said.
Fuchs was present at the board meeting on Monday and expressed appreciation to the board.
“I know that you all are not settling for just anyone that wants the position,” Fuchs said. “You want the very best for the institution.”
UF expects to launch a new presidential search in the first quarter of 2026.
@leo_amasangkay
lmasangkay@alligator.org
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President Kent Fuchs and Mori Husseini, UF Board of Trustees chairman, address the crowd about UF's top five status at Emerson Alumni Hall on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021.
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5FOR MAKING NEW FRIEND S T ips
Attend Lexington Crossing Events
From pool parties to anime nights, LC has an event for you Big-energy events are your chance to make an entrance! Or choose smaller, more relaxed gatherings where you can connect one-on-one
Use Shared Spaces as Your Social Shortcut
One of the easiest ways to meet new people is by using the spaces you already share LC ’s Gameroom & Media Lounge are the perfect spaces to challenge someone in ping pong or join a watch party Study lounges & Productivity Suites are quiet enough for focused work, but perfect for discovering classmates in the same courses
Turn Your Commute Into Connection Time
Lexington’s location is prime for meeting fellow UF students on the go With direct bus routes and a private shuttle service, your daily commute becomes a built-in chance to make f riends Commuting with a small group can help conversations feel natural without forcing social energy
Earn Community Rewards
At LC, making f riends can literally pay off Through the Community Rewards Program, you can connect with your neighbors, collect points for attending events, taking polls, and sharing your experience with f riends
Blend On-Campus & Off-Campus Social Life
Invite classmates over for group projects, host a game night in the lounge, or plan a weekend BBQ with your neighbors You’ll f ind that f riendships made in one setting often spill over into the other, doubling your opportunities to connect
Three arrested in deadly Easter Sunday shooting
JUSTICE BROUGHT FOR 20-YEAR-OLD WOMAN KILLED IN CROSSFIRE
By Alexa Ryan Alligator Staff Writer
Three Ocala residents were arrested in connection to a deadly shooting on Easter Sunday at T.B. McPherson Park in Southeast Gainesville.
Gabriel Frazier Jr., 20, Jarrett Jones, 19, and Kaniel Edwards, 21, were arrested on felony murder charges after a four-month search for those responsible for the fatal shooting.
Frazier, a convicted Florida felon, and Edwards were booked into the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office at 8:12 a.m. Monday, according to the office’s booking log.
During a press briefing, Gainesville Chief of Police Nelson Moya called this case a “special in-
terest to our city, not only because the incident happened in a public location with so many people impacted, but also because the victim, in this case, was completely innocent.”
Ontaria Baisden, a 20-year-old Gainesville resident, was killed in a gang-related shooting after an Easter egg hunt this year.
Two others who were wounded were released from the hospital.
During an Aug. 19 press conference at the police station, Moya addressed around 30 people. There, he said the three people arrested “are part of opposing documented gangs in Marion County [and] came into our community looking for each other.”
Two of the three suspects have since confessed to Baisden’s murder, according to Moya. The chief declined to comment on specific details related to the suspects.
All three individuals are being
held at the Marion County Jail.
Alachua County filed firstdegree murder charges against Edwards on Aug. 13 and seconddegree murder charges against Frazier and Jones on Aug. 14 and Aug. 15, respectively, court records show. Of the three, only Jones was arrested by Gainesville police. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office filed the other charges.
Arrest reports for all three are sealed, and the police department did not immediately respond to The Alligator’s request for the documents.
Chief Moya said the arrest was “bittersweet” as the community continues to grieve Baisden. “It’s hard to celebrate,” he said.
The case has been handed off to the state attorney’s office for prosecution so “these individuals never see the light of day,” Moya said.
a press briefing on Tuesday, Aug. 19,
family of Ontaria Neveah Baisden,
shooting in April.
Summer food inspections: Popular Gainesville brunch restaurant, bagel shop shut down
Violations included cockroach presence, improper storage
By Zoey Thomas Alligator Staff Writer
Over the past three months, five Gainesville restaurants have shut down after food inspections revealed highpriority violations, according to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. They have all since reopened.
“High priority” violations are those which could contribute directly to a foodborne illness or injury — including cooking, reheating, cooling and hand-washing, according to the department’s website.
The department releases weekly state shutdown reports, which are compiled each Sunday. The most recent information comes from the week ending Aug. 17.
Bageland
Bageland, a mom-and-pop bagel shop located at 2441 NW 43rd St., Suite 6C in the Thornebrook shopping complex, shut down on Aug. 11. Inspectors found 23 violations, four of which were high priorities.
Top violations included employees handling dirty equipment and then preparing food without washing hands or wearing gloves, storing cooked bacon on a raw shelled egg tray and keeping walk-in cooler temperatures too high.
Bageland did not correct subsequent violations on a follow-up visit the next day, with two dead roaches remaining under the prep table in the back kitchen. On Aug. 13, two days after the initial visit, the eatery still failed to address concerns, with multiple dead roaches found throughout the kitchen and storage areas. The restaurant finally met standards to reopen on a followup visit the same day, although one basic violation remained.
Esperanza Latin Restaurant
Esperanza Latin Restaurant at 2441 NW 43rd St., Suite 13 closed Aug. 12 after inspectors found 38 violations, 12 of which were high priority. The familyowned eatery, located in the Thornebrook Shopping Plaza, was flagged for roach activity, including one live roach on the cookline and rodent activity evidenced by
droppings in the kitchen.
Other violations included storing hand sanitizer with dry food, employees not wearing gloves while handling cell phones and raw animal food not being separated from ready-to-eat food.
The restaurant resolved the majority of its issues during subsequent visits. It still had one high-priority violation for holding food at temperatures greater than the required 41 degrees as of its latest documented visit Aug. 14. The restaurant requires a followup inspection but poses no threat to the general public.
Latin Food Blessing
Latin Food Blessing, a family-owned eatery located in west Gainesville at 7249 NW Fourth Blvd., closed July 31 after inspectors found nine violations, three of which were high priorities for live roaches and for employees not washing hands or changing gloves. A second inspection occurred Aug. 1. The restaurant had zero violations on its follow-up inspection and was cleared to reopen.
La Pasadita
La Pasadita, a Mexican restaurant located north of the UF main campus at 4126 NW Sixth St., closed July 21 after inspectors found 21 violations, nine of which were high priority — including live flies found in the kitchen, rodent droppings found behind the grill and beans stored on top of a degreasing cleanser.
A second inspection occurred July 22, and the restaurant was cleared to reopen after investigators found no violations.
Afternoon Restaurant
Afternoon Restaurant, a Gainesville brunch favorite found at 231 NW 10th Ave., closed May 30 after inspectors found 16 violations, six of which were high priority.
The eatery was flagged for live, small flying insects; about 10 live roaches on the floor under clean dish storage; and other violations, including multiple involving employees not properly washing hands.
A follow-up inspection occurred May 31. The restaurant met standards with no violations and was cleared to reopen.
@zoeythomas39 zthomas@alligator.org
Alexandros Theodossis // Alligaotr Staff Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya addresses the media during
2025. Moya is joined by the
who died in a gang-related
Tree demolition plans will intensify the heat among UF workers and students
A UF project outlines the campus-wide removal plan
By Sofia Bravo Alligator Staff Writer
As temperatures rise in Gainesville and across the state, outdoor workers and students increasingly rely on trees for shade. But a UF plan to strip trees from campus will eliminate sun protection.
UF is planning to cut down roughly 30 trees for “Project MP07942,” a plan the university says would improve drainage in a flood zone east of Surge Area Drive near the Nuclear Field Building. The trees will make way for construction on flood and water infrastructure, according to a July presentation on the project.
The UF Lakes, Vegetation and Landscaping Committee unanimously approved the project in July. It’s unclear when the trees will be demolished.
Some students and Gainesville residents worry the project is putting outdoor workers at risk. A user under the name “G.T. University” started a petition against the tree removal July 27, which claims UF is creating more problems with this project “at the expense of the environment and vulnerable workers.”
Heat risk is only growing in Gainesville. According to the property assessment platform ClimateCheck, extreme heat days, or days above 95 degrees
Fahrenheit, are projected to rise to 71 days per year by 2050 — up from seven per year in 1990.
The petition has received 156 signatures so far in favor
of stopping the project and investigating possible violations against Florida’s Sunshine Law, which requires all government meetings to be public record.
Paul Geiger, 52, works for Underground Utility Contracting on campus, which is responsible for site work and utility installation. He said he wasn’t aware of the plan at all.
Geiger and his team of contractors are working on emergency electrical duct banks — a protective system for utility wires — in the center of campus. He said his team doesn’t remove any trees unnecessarily.
“Taking a tree out is the last resort,” Geiger said. “If they’re healthy live oak trees, we need to save them.”
Like many workers, Geiger said he relies on the trees around campus for shade, especially in the summertime when Gainesville temperatures peak.
The project includes the removal of five heritage trees, which are larger in size, according to UF’s tree mitigation policy, and provide the most shade to workers in the Surge Area and around campus.
The committee heard three
other projects, including a plan to repair the Jennings Creek Headwall that would remove 69 trees, four of which are heritage. Other plans will remove 16 trees by the Dental Science Building and 25 trees by the McKnight Brain Institute Creek.
Several committee members received emails opposing the project, according to the meeting agenda. Ryan Klein, a UF horticulture professor who is listed as a member on the committee’s July meeting agenda, declined an interview on the subject, while the chair, Gail Hansen de Chapman, did not respond in time for publication.
All projects heard in the meeting require the replanting of trees on site. In the Surge Area, 33 trees are to be planted. That number is subject to change, according to the project deck.
Committee members also agreed on keeping hickory and swamp chestnut trees in the Surge Area project, establishing tree protection zones and implementing additional irrigation after the project is finished.
@sofiab026 sbravo@alligator.org
Libby Clifton // Alligator Staff
A tree towers over a stop sign at the corner of Surge Area Drive and Long Leaf Road on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
www.alligator.org/section/opinions
Mayor Ward Welcomes You Back
Welcome back to fall in Gainesville! Yes, I know it’s technically still summer, and I know it’s still hot. It’s going to be this way for a bit, but I promise you there’s no better place to be than right here in Gator Country right now.
Gainesville is always a great place to be, but, for me, the time between now and the end of the year is magical. New neighbors come to town, everyone refocuses on what’s important, and, yes, it’s football season. Speaking of which, it’s going to be all right. Coach Billy Napier’s got this.
The most important thing I hope you’ll take away from this column is that I’m glad you’re here. No matter who you are, no matter where you come from, no matter the hue of your skin or the accent of your voice, no matter whose hand you hold or the clothes you wear, no matter how (or if) you vote, your mayor is glad you’ve chosen to be a part of Florida’s “Cultural Capital.”
Here at City Hall, we’re excited about partnerships we’ve been developing with Alachua County and UF Health. The Gainesville City Commission and I are confident and excited about the changes our combined public investments are bringing to East Gainesville, and we’re seeing those investments begin to directly serve our neighbors who live there.
If you’re registered to vote in Gainesville — and I hope you will be, if you aren’t already — you’ll have a chance to vote in a historic special election in November to decide whether the people of this community have a direct say in who manages the utilities the community owns. No matter the outcome, together we are writing a significant chapter in the story of “Home Rule” in Florida with this vote.
The City of Gainesville team and many neighborhood and community groups have made great strides in lowering crime in our community — drastically. Crime, particularly violent crime, is down across the board in Gainesville. Further, through city partnerships with UF and the Florida Department of Transportation and Alachua County, our streets are markedly safer for pedestrians and cyclists. We are on track to have the lowest number of traffic injuries in many years.
If you’re downtown this fall, please seek out the “Downtown Ambassadors” in the yellow vests, and ask them for help if you’re having trouble with, well, anything downtown related.
From directions to parking to security, they’re downtown to help you (and everyone else) have a great experience.
As always, we all have a great deal of hard work to do for ourselves and for our neighbors. I was moved while reading UF President Kent Fuchs’ admonition in The Alligator last year that “Hard work and joy are not mutually exclusive,” and his wish “that we all experience joy in everything we do.” Frankly, if we can’t provide the opportunity for joyful experiences to accompany the hard work, we’ve failed as leaders.
Toward that end, I hope you will take part in all this community has to offer, from homecoming festivities to the city’s third annual holiday parade, from our outstanding parks, recreation and cultural affairs facilities and programming to our libraries. They’re all yours, because no matter how long you’ve been here or how long you’re staying, you’re our neighbor. It’s important to me that you know you belong in our community.
Whether you’ve been here in Gainesville for a few days or a few decades, whether you are looking for the exits or putting down roots, whether you are a casual bystander or hip-deep in local culture, you are a part of Gainesville’s story, and Gainesville is a part of your story.
And once again, I’m glad you’re here.
The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Alligator.
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Harvey Ward is the mayor of Gainesville.
Harvey Ward Gainesville mayor
Return to The Swamp
Welcome back, everyone!
It’s always good to see you return after summer here in Gainesville. I hope you had fun out there and had a chance to capture some of those moments. That’s what a lot of people are doing — according to Photutorial, the number of photos taken by humankind on this big blue ball will exceed 2 trillion for the first time ever this year. And let’s admit it — a whole lot of those photos will stay unseen while we are draining battery taking more selfies.
Seeing your energy return to this community is like watching the great battery of this university getting recharged. So with that charge approaching 100%, let’s chat.
A lot has happened while you were away — locally, nationally, internationally. Some of it will affect us directly. The implications of such things as the loss of federal research dollars are still rippling through institutions like ours. But while there is a great deal of uncertainty out there, there is a lot of unambiguous good to focus on. Having you back in the community really helps us all do that.
Leading the college that puts people in the news business, among other industries, means that I am sometimes called to remind people of the nature of news. One element of that nature is that, yes, it’s not your imagination — bad news is plentiful. Often, what you read is about stuff that is supposed to work but doesn’t, or people behaving badly, or worse — the cruelty and violence that comes from conflict.
And quite frankly, we in the media have a lot to answer for — studies have shown for decades now that the coverage of crime in the media is way out of proportion to the incidence of actual crime, which in many American cities is at historically low levels. But often the nature of news is warning, so we don’t see stories about planes that land on time, about houses that don’t burn, about people who get home safely. Or, more to
the point, we don’t notice as much when stories that are not about warning do appear.
Sometimes we all need reminders that some things actually are going according to plan. You, returning or arriving to advance your studies, to reconnect with friends or find new ones, to get ready for the future — that’s things going according to plan. It’s something to remember when things look uncertain and your resilience is needed. You are building that resilience every day, according to plan.
Seeing you advance in your ability to think critically, to gain skills and find your own voice, never gets old. More of that, please. We may be living at the dawn of an age of AI, but here’s where you can prove that there is nothing artificial about your intelligence. Your authenticity matters in a world where that is becoming harder to find. I wish you confidence and comfort in your authentic self this year.
So keep on pushing, and let us, the faculty and staff, help you to stay on course. For the first-year students, best of luck as you find your people and start your path. Those of you in the second and third year, making the most of your connections and taking big steps in coursework — get every little bit out of this institution and experience that you can.
And to the Class of 2026: Like those who emerged before you, you got here because you are smart. You’re headed for that stage next year because you are also tough. It will also help you to note something that I’ve known through three decades of being involved in higher education: Through all of the times of economic expansion, recession and expansion again, employers have had one thing in common: They never stop looking for smart, tough people to bring them into the future. You know, like you.
So, Gators, have a great 2025-26. Work hard, use your voice and take the photos. But put the smartphone away and have some fun, too.
Hub Brown is the dean of the College of Journalism and Communications.
Welcome from UF Student Government!
Happy first week Gators, and welcome to The Swamp! Whether you’re stepping onto campus for the very first time or returning for another chapter in your journey here, I am beyond excited to greet you as this year’s Student Body president.
UF is more than just a place — it’s a community full of the best and brightest in the country. One of the many things that makes UF special is that there is a place for everyone, and you can achieve whatever it is you put your mind to.
For those who may not be familiar, the UF Student Government is one of the largest and most active in the nation. We manage the Activity and Service fee, and we utilize this to invest directly back into the student experience. That means funding the organizations you join, the events you attend and the services you rely on.
SG has three branches: the Executive, Legislative and Judicial. The Executive branch puts on impactful programming that includes leadership development, community
service and even bringing speakers and performers to campus. Speaking of, we hope to see you at our first Accent show, as we host “Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston Thursday at 7 p.m. in the O’Connell Center.
The Legislative branch, our Student Senate, passes resolutions and bills and allocates funding to hundreds of student organizations. The Judicial branch ensures accountability and fairness in the interpretation of our governing documents. Together, these branches give our students real power to shape their university experience.
SG also provides many important services students should take advantage of. We subsidize tickets to the Harn Museum of Art and the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, as well as help fund a free The New York Times subscription for all students.
Furthermore, we also have SG Print Labs (check out the Reitz Union location for free colored printing), SG Bike Repair and Student Legal Services. We also have the SG Copy and Graphics center for free resume printing! All of these services are available to students, and we encourage you
to utilize these throughout the year.
Another important area of work for SG is advocacy. We work with UF’s administration to enact changes that students want to see around campus, such as the new “UF” app — which all students should download. Students had been asking for one consolidated app with many of the One.uf features, and we worked with UF Information Technology to prepare the app.
SG is a great place to make a positive impact, and we are working every day to make campus better for past, present and future Gators. We will be working on a lot of exciting projects and I encourage everyone to follow our Instagram @ufstudentgov to see what we’re up to.
To the incoming Class of 2029: Welcome home. You are joining a community that will challenge you, inspire you and cheer you on every step of the way. To returning students: Thank you for continuing to make UF a place defined by its passion and pride. I promise you SG will work tirelessly to make your experience here the best it can be. Go Gators!
Blake Cox is the 2025-26 UF Student Body president.
Hub Brown College of Journalism and Communications
Blake Cox UF Student Body President
www.alligator.org/section/the_avenue
SHOPPING
Need dorm or apartment furniture? These sustainable stores have you covered
College move-in week can be fraught with stress, largely due to the expenses that go into apartment or dorm shopping. The list of back-to-school essentials is overwhelming and seemingly endless.
Luckily, Gainesville makes it easy. The college town has resources that allow students to not only save money on furniture and decor, but also to shop sustainably.
This year, total college spending is expected to reach $88.8 billion, with about 14% of that amount going toward apartment and dorm furnishings. Of all furniture nationwide, 12 million tons end up in landfills every year.
Several local stores aim to prevent this trend.
Gail Jones is the manager of Haven Attic Resale Store, located at 300 NW 8th Ave., less than 2 miles northeast from the main UF campus. Purchases at the thrift shop go directly to support Haven Hospice, an organization offering end-of-life care and grief support to families throughout North Florida.
Dedicated to taking in as many items as possible, 64-year-old Jones and her staff receive thousands of donations a day and recycle whatever is in poor condition.
“We’re in such a throwaway society,” Jones said. “I’m hoping that this generation will be better about understanding that things have more than one life.”
When students buy brand-new products for their apartments, which they sometimes only occupy for a year, they are adding to the “crazy cycle” of waste, she added. She also encouraged students to not only buy reused furniture and decor, but to donate their items after moving out.
Those donated items might end up in stores like Reuse Planet, located at 1540 NE Waldo Road. The store is dedicated to selling preowned furniture, decor, appliances and miscellaneous household items. Employee Tiffany
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Ernspiger said she and her staff see potential in every piece that comes their way.
“I really stand for our mission of keeping things out of the landfill,” Ernspiger said. “(Reuse Planet) gives items a second life.”
The store has been in business for almost four years and is another shop made possible by donations. Compared to big-box retail stores, 35-year-old Ernspiger said, Reuse Planet offers higher quality products for cheaper.
“We’re giving people the opportunity to be able to have something that’s made better, something that’s vintage or antique,” Ernspiger said. “They just don’t make furniture like they used to.”
Reuse Planet is owned by parent company The Repurpose Project, located just down the road on 23rd Avenue, which specializes in selling items not accepted at most thrift stores.
Two Santa Fe College students browsed the outside portion of The Repurpose Project, a colorful junkyard of bicycles, bottleware and more, on Tuesday morning. Inez Horta and Isabella Deschiave were sifting through the album cover decor bins, looking for items to personalize their new abodes.
Deschiave, an 18-year-old business management freshman, said secondhand shops like The Repurpose Project offer quirkier and more sustainable products than conventional retail stores.
“At Walmart, the items are modern. Here, everything is unique and benefits the environment,” Deschiave said of The Repurpose Project.
For Horta, The Repurpose Project is one of several affordable options she relies on for back-to-school shopping. The 18-year-old architecture sophomore also advised students to scour Facebook Marketplace and Sorority and Fraternity Row for discarded items on the curb.
“Saving money is a big incentive for college students,” Horta said.
@isabelgkraby isabelkraby@ufl.edu
Libby Clifton // Alligator Staff
A green chair waits to be purchased at Uniquities on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Libby Clifton // Alligator Staff
Reuse Planet prepares for its busiest season as students move in for the fall on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Ryan Friedenberg // Alligator Staff
Students wait outside of Gator Beverage for influencer Alix Earle on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025.
Ryan Friedenberg // Alligator Staff
Alix Earle screams and jumps with fans as she promotes her SIP MARGS margaritas at Gator Beverage on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025.
Ryan Friedenberg // Alligator Staff
Social media influencer Alix Earle poses for a selfie with senior public relations major Sofia Varon (Left) and senior nutritional sciences major Natalia Graulau (Right) on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025.
Ryan Friedenberg // Alligator Staff
Influencer Alix Earle takes a selfie with fans outside of Gator Beverage while promoting SIP MARGS on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025.
El Caimán
JUEVES, 21 DE AGOSTO DE 2025
www.alligator.org/section/elcaiman
Heredando sueños: estudiantes de la Universidad de Florida construyen un futuro esperanzador
EN GAINESVILLE, LAS VOCES MIGRANTES CARGAN GENERACIONES DE SUEÑOS
Por María José Cordero Escritora de El Caimán
Mia Sáchez, Sharylen López y Lucía Sánchez llegaron a la Universidad de Florida desde diferentes territorios, familias y legados. Todas comparten algo en común: son las primeras en sus familias que llegan a estudiar a una universidad en Estados Unidos y a perseguir sus sueños más allá de las fronteras. Sus aspiraciones de estudiar, emprender o encontrar un sentido de pertenencia no se han visto limitadas por las líneas en un mapa. En Gainesville, dicen, esos sueños tienen raíces distintas: se escuchan en español, en spanglish, en historias que cruzaron mares y que se heredaron de padres a hijos e hijas. En el condado de Alachua, más de 36,000 personas se identifican como hispanas o latinas, de acuerdo con estimaciones de la Oficina del Censo de 2023. La comunidad puertorriqueña representa cerca de una quinta parte, seguida de cubanos y mexicanos.
Para Mia Valdés, estudiante de maestría en Estudios de la Mujer, de 21 años, migrar es parte de la historia familiar: “de verdad estoy muy orgullosa porque me ha costado mucho llegar aquí. Mucho estrés, mucho llorar también. Pero al final estar aquí es una cosa muy grande, un big deal”. Valdés es la primera de su familia cubanoamericana en llegar a la universidad.
Cada logro académico de Mia se enlaza con la decisión de su madre, Rosalina Valdés, quien dejó Cuba en 1994 en busca del “sueño americano”, convencida de que ese paso
abriría oportunidades para sus hijos.
Rosalina llegó sin hablar inglés, perdió a su esposo poco después y crió sola a su hija mientras buscaba trabajos temporales. “Pero aún así, siempre nos sacó adelante. Yo no sé cómo lo hizo.”
Ella menciona cómo su incursión en los estudios feministas le han permitido encontrar un lenguaje para nombrar lo que vivió:
“Estudiar el feminismo me dio las palabras para entender la vida de mi mamá, sus luchas, lo que significa ser mujer migrante. Antes pensaba que exageraba, pero leyendo e investigando me di cuenta que no. Que de verdad era muy duro. Y que gracias a su decisión yo estoy aquí.”
Valdés está por iniciar su programa de maestría en Estudios de la Mujer, convencida de que la educación es una herramienta para transformar su presente y defender los derechos de mujeres y niñas migrantes.
En otra orilla del país, la historia se repite en clave distinta: la de un padre que cruzó la frontera a los 16 años.
Sharylen López, chicana de 23 años y estudiante de posgrado en Estudios de Mujeres, Género y Sexualidades en UF, creció observando cómo los sacrificios de su padre marcaron sus propias metas.
“Los sueños de educación de mi papá se cortaron porque tuvo que trabajar y mantener a la familia después de migrar, pero él siempre fue muy académico y quería que sus hijos tuvieran esas oportunidades,” recordó.
Ese impulso la convirtió en la primera mujer de su familia en graduarse de la universidad y continuar estudios de posgrado.
Ya en Florida, Sharylen enfrentó la distancia de casa y el choque cultural, pero encontró en la academia un espacio para transformar su experiencia en conocimiento y acción.
Para ella y otros estudiantes migrantes, la migración no puede reducirse a cifras ni a discursos de criminalización.
El expresidente Donald Trump llegó a describirla como “una nueva categoría de crimen” en un mitin el año pasado, en línea con sus políticas de restricción migratoria. Muchos migrantes dicen que
ese tipo de mensajes los hace sentir ajenos y no reflejan sus realidades.
Lucía Sánchez, madrileña de 20 años y estudiante de tercer año de ingeniería aeroespacial y mecánica en UF, llegó como la única de su familia en Estados Unidos.
“Al principio había mucha emoción; desde los 12 o 13 años sabía que quería dedicarme a esto. Pero fue muy difícil: no entendía cómo funcionaban las cosas y los primeros meses sin mi red de apoyo fueron complicados”, relató.
Como estudiante internacional, siente que debe trabajar el doble
para “ganarse su lugar”. Sus palabras llegan en medio del debate nacional: mientras algunos políticos y grupos sostienen que los migrantes compiten con los ciudadanos por empleos, otros destacan su aporte a la economía y al mercado laboral.
“Yo no vengo a quitarle el trabajo a nadie. Vine a aprender, a formarme, y luego simplemente eres una persona más: te eligen por tus experiencias y tu currículum.”
@marprofundo___ mcordero@alligator.org
Students worry about visa changes
from pg. 1
Después de todos los cambios, la situación actual es la siguiente: las citas para las visas estudiantiles están disponibles para ser solicitadas. Sin embargo, el Departamento de Estado enfatiza que ahora se toma en cuenta un factor nuevo. Los candidatos a obtener la visa deben tener sus redes sociales públicas, lo cual significa que estas serán investigadas y podrían ser determinantes en el proceso de otorgamiento de visas. Al no hacerlo público, la visa puede ser negada de forma inmediata.
Con este reglamento reciente, el Departamento de Estado busca descartar a los candidatos que representen una amenaza a los Estados Unidos.
“Ahora existe esta regla no escrita de que, si quieres que te aprueben la visa F-1, deberías simplemente guardar silencio en redes sociales,” dijo Nguyen.
Mientras tanto, los estudiantes internacionales con visas vigentes siguen siendo elegibles para revocaciones. Según Reuters, 4,000 visas han sido canceladas por delitos como agresión, conducir bajo los efectos del alcohol y robo. Otras 200300 fueron revocadas por vínculos con
Mantente al día con El Caiman en Twitter. Envíanos un tweet @ElCaimanGNV.
Baseball
Florida deals with roster changes, pg. 15
terrorismo u organizaciones terroristas.
Ana Lucia Gonzalez, una estudiante internacional, junior, de psicología en la UF, comentó que durante este año escolar debe “tener mucho más cuidado” para evitar tener problemas con la ley.
Como muchos estudiantes en UF, Gonzalez está considerando obtener una maestría. Sin embargo, la estudiante costarricense compartió que duda de la posibilidad de que esto se cumpla, ya que las normas sobre la renovación de la visa están en constante alteración.
A pesar de todos los cambios, algunos estudiantes internacionales mantienen una mente positiva. Salma Hage, una estudiante de primer año internacional, que estudia Ingeniería Biomédica, dice que
siente que “tuvo mucha suerte,” ya que no le negaron la visa. Sin embargo, la estudiante Dominicana expresó que es difícil conservar el optimismo.“No quiero que me saquen de aquí, quiero poder terminar mi carrera,” dijo Hage.
Hage le sugiere a sus compañeros que están pasando por la misma situación que se mantengan informados con las últimas actualizaciones sobre su estatus. Deben asegurarse que estén cumpliendo con todas las normas de su visa, lo cual pueden verificar con los consejeros en el Centro Internacional de UF.
@alamosofiaa. salamo@alligator.org
Síganos para actualizaciones
Para obtener actualizaciones de El Caiman, síganos en línea en www.alligator.org/section/elcaiman.
Henry A. Moore // Personal de El Caimán Cada bandera cuenta una historia de migración y el legado compartido de esperanza.
Se conocieron en Costa Rica. Su historia de amor le dio a Gainesville un gusto de Perú
El restaurante familiar Latin Food Blessing crea sonrisas en forma de platos típicos
Por Victoria Riccobono Escritora de El Caimán
La historia de Latin Food Blessing es más de un ceviche o un lomo saltado — es un restaurante que empieza en Costa Rica, con una historia de amor.
Los dueños del lugar, Sara Tito Futimán, una peruana de 57 años, y Antonio Méndez, un guatemalteco de 59 años, se conocieron en Costa Rica. Vivieron ahí por tres años mientras Méndez trabajaba y Tito estudiaba. Durante ese tiempo, se casaron y tuvieron su primera hija, Cecia.
“Ya lleva mucho tiempo,” dijo Méndez sobre sus 26 años de matrimonio.
Hoy en día, Latin Food Blessing es uno de los únicos restaurantes en la ciudad de Gainesville vendiendo una fusión de platos latinos con un enfoque en comida peruana.
Aunque la pareja se conoció en Centroamérica, su historia se extiende más allá de un país. Mientras vivían en Costa Rica, Tito y Méndez viajaban a lugares como Europa y los Estados Unidos participando en festivales de artesanía, vendiendo arte hecho por ambos.
Viajaron a Miami en el 2001 con la intención de vender sus piezas de arte en la Florida. Pero un huracán ese mismo año los dejó atrapados en el estado sin dinero suficiente para regresar a Costa Rica, solo lo suficiente para comprar un carro.
Lentamente, Méndez aprendió a manejar y obtuvo su licencia. De ahí ellos y un amigo de Costa Rica fueron a Key West con la esperanza de poder vender sus arte.
“Y ahí empezó la historia,” comentó Méndez.
Una mudanza a Gainesville
Durante su tiempo en Key West, Méndez y Tito empezaron a vender su artesanía en las plazas. También tuvieron a su segunda hija, Abigail, una estudiante de Santa Fe College en su segundo año estudiando ciencias de plantas de 20 años.
Pero cuando ambas hijas vinieron a Gainesville para estudiar, la pareja decidió en el 2018 mudarse con ellas.
Trataron de seguir trabajando en festivales, pero se les hizo difícil con la comunidad de Gainesville.
“Es un lugar donde no hay mucho turismo,” dijo Méndez. “La gente que nos había comprado ya no quería comprar más.”
En busca de otra manera de hacer dinero, la pareja se empezó a enfocar en el mundo de la comida.
Tito y Méndez tomaron clases para aprender cómo adquirir licencias de comida, y de ahí empezaron a vender “cositas sencillas” en los pulgueros, como empanadas y guacamole, recordó Méndez.
Y su clientela creció rápidamente.
“A la gente le gusto y siempre nos decían que pusiéramos un restaurante,” Méndez dijo.
La pareja encontró un local — pero era 2020. La pandemia significaba que no hiban a ver muchos clientes cuando abrieran. Igualmente, tomaron el riesgo y decidieron intentar, expresó Méndez.
Trabajando en abrir el local en medio de la pandemia, Méndez y Tito tuvieron la idea de vender comida latina, una decisión que reflejó el nombre del restaurante.
“Queríamos poner una mezcla de Centroamérica y Sudamérica, pero priorizamos más lo peruano,” dijo Tito.
Cocinar comida peruana era una oportunidad de compartir la cultura de Tito, ella dijo. Ella es descendiente de los indígenas quechuas del Perú en las zonas andinas.
Con eso en mente, se enfocaron en comida como ceviche, lomo saltado y otros platos peruanos.
“Son platos de nuestra bandera,” dijo Tito.
Al tener la idea, la familia empezó a trabajar para abrir el local. Méndez dijo que les entregaron el lugar a finales del 2020, y lograron abrir el primero de enero del 2021.
“Aunque no creas, si se vendió,” dijo Méndez. “Como era nuevo, la gente quería conocer.”
Un local familiar
Desde el 2021, la mayoría de los empleados de Latin Food Blessing han sido la familia.
Méndez ayuda mayormente en la cocina y Tito colabora con lo que necesiten. Abigail se enfoca en trabajar adelante, recibiendo a clientes y sirviendo a la gente.
También esta Llamberto: el peluche del restaurante. Es grande y esponjoso y viste un sombrero rojo, sentado encima de un estante de condimentos. Abigail le puso el nombre cuando tenía 15 años, dijo Tito. Está listado en el sitio web del restaurante como parte del equipo de trabajo.
El restaurante cerró por varias horas durante el verano por infracciones de un congelador dañado, cucarachas y reportes de que los empleados no se lavaban las manos.
Tito dijo que las cucarachas estaban en el congelador que no habían usado por unos meses y que sus empleados se lavaban las manos.
Latin Food Blessing está decorado con artesanía hecha por Tito y Méndez, cuales están en venta.
Tito dijo que el local es perfecto para los que quieran probar platos diferentes.
“Si la gente puede conocer más acerca de la comida peruana, que vengan [a probar],” dijo Tito. “El sabor es bien diferente, bien único… es muy delicioso.”
Latin Food Blessing está ubicado en 7249 NW Fourth Blvd.
@vickyriccobono vriccobono@alligator.org
Ryan Friedenberg // Alligator Staff
The front of Peruvian Food Blessing seen on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2025.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025
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Bolstering Florida’s defense
The Gators’ defense dramatically improved down the stretch, especially over Florida’s fourgame winning streak at the end of the season.
the head coach.”
Florida’s head coach led some of the top defenses in college football during his tenure at Louisiana. In his final three seasons, the Rajun’ Cajuns ranked No. 19, No. 31 and No. 11 from 2019-2021.
Meanwhile, his Gator defenses have ranked No. 87, No. 78 and No. 44 from 2022-24. While there has been steady improvement each year, it’s still a far cry from the elite numbers his team recorded in Lafayette, Louisiana.
During Florida’s fall training camp, several players emphasized striving for a culture of excellence throughout practices.
“Each day in practice, we need three picks,” Florida safety Jordan Castell said Aug. 6. “We need three or more picks every day.”
What happens if the team fails to reach the interception threshold?
“Get on that line and run,” Castell said.
The Gators have run a “few times,” Castell said, but the challenge has been largely successful toward improving the defense since it was implemented at the tail end of 2024.
In the first eight games of the season, Florida recorded 20 sacks as a team. The Gators nearly surpassed that total over their four-game win streak and logged 19 sacks.
Florida also experienced significant improvements in forcing turnovers. During the first eight games of 2024, UF logged 13 turnovers. In its final four games, Florida forced 12 turnovers.
The trademark defensive performance occurred during Florida’s 31-11 win against Florida State, when the Gators recorded a seasonhigh eight team sacks and forced five fumbles.
“Defensively, we were lights out,” Napier said Nov. 30 following the victory. “We had a season-high in sacks, limited the explosive plays and then created some takeaways and were able to take advantage of those on offense and get some points from those.”
The Gator defense was also on point in Florida’s dominant 33-8 win over Tulane in the 2024 Gasparilla Bowl, limiting the Green Wave to 194 total offensive yards while snagging three interceptions.
Florida’s improved production transcends
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beyond the box score: It relates to improved communication on all levels.
In the heart of UF’s defense, sophomore linebacker Myles Graham excelled in his first campaign with the Gators in 2024. The Gainesville native recorded 30 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception.
Heading into 2025, Graham has stood out throughout training camp, not only for his solid play, but for his leadership ability.
“We've been focused on his leadership, being more vocal, getting comfortable with addressing issues with the other players,” Napier said Aug. 18. “[Graham]’s improved his skill level, his football intelligence, his role on the team as a leader and communicator.”
Junior Grayson Howard, sophomore Aaron Chiles and Graham headline one of the strongest linebacker rooms in the country. College football expert Phil Steele ranked Florida’s linebacker room No. 25 in the nation.
“Our linebacker room is about as deep as anybody in the country,” UF defensive coordinator Ron Roberts said. “I think we're sitting on three, four guys that are NFL guys.”
Greater emphasis has been placed on the physical aspect of the game, led by Florida’s strength and conditioning coach Tyler Miles.
UF’s team lost over 200 pounds of fat while gaining 700 pounds of muscle, as a number of Gators took steps towards peak physical perfor-
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mance.
One player who consistently stood out in the weight room during the offseason was redshirt sophomore defensive back Cormani McClain. Napier said McClain has gained 15 pounds of lean muscle and has improved his work ethic both on and off the field.
“I think [Cormani]’s had a great offseason,” Napier said Aug. 18. “He's bigger, he's stronger, he's been much more disciplined. He's been much more consistent as a teammate, much more accountable.”
McClain’s improved commitment led to Napier naming him, alongside senior Devin Moore and junior Dijon Johnson, among the three cornerbacks he considers potential starters.
With the momentum to end his third campaign paired alongside improved commitment and focus throughout training camp, Napier emphasized that his mission of a “championship-level defense” isn’t a far stretch.
“I think we have personnel, depth and leadership over here to do that,” Napier said Aug. 18 at a press conference. “This group of coaches have done a fantastic job with this group.”
For updates on UF athletics, follow us on Twitter at @alligatorSports or online at www.alligator.org/section/sports.
VOLLEYBALL
Florida volleyball approaches landmark 2025-26 season
THE GATORS ARE THREE DAYS AWAY FROM THEIR FIRST GAME UNDER A NEW HEAD COACH
By Ava DiCecca Sports Writer
For the first time in more than three decades, Florida volleyball will take the court without its former head coach, Mary Wise.
UF head coach Ryan Theis will fill Wise’s shoes and take over Florida’s program, which is ranked No. 16 in the AVCA Division I Women’s Volleyball Poll.
“I am excited to continue the legacy created by Mary Wise,” Theis said. “We will embrace the expectations through an othersoriented, team approach. We will make daily choices that steer us toward success and be champions in everything we do.”
The new coach will lead a young team after many of last season’s key players graduated or transferred. He and his players looked confident when they took the court for their first scrimmage Sunday evening.
Theis is no stranger to Gainesville. He spent two seasons at UF as the Gators volleyball offensive and recruiting coordinator in 2006-07. From there, he coached at Ohio University for six seasons and at Marquette Univer-
BASEBALL
sity for 11 seasons before returning to Gainesville.
“Beyond winning at a high level, Ryan has an intentional approach in developing the overall student athlete — athletically, academically and socially, while embracing the community and university,” Florida’s athletic director Scott Stricklin said in a press release. “Ryan and his family will make a seamless transition back to UF as he leads this famed program and proudly represents the Orange and Blue.”
Theis bolsters a 74% winning percentage, ranking among the top 15 active NCAA Division I head coaches. He has also made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances and is a two-time Mid-American Conference coach of the year.
“It is a great honor to be named the head coach of the Florida Gators,” Theis said in a press release. “I have been a fan and admirer of Florida volleyball and Mary Wise for more than 25 years.”
Theis will be joined by assistant coaches Abby Gilleland, Ryan Walthall and Eysha Ambler, who coached alongside Wise beginning in 2021.
Not only will UF have to move on from Wise, but it will also need to navigate the loss of junior outside hitter Kennedy Martin. Martin, the 2024 AVCA Southeast
Regional Player of the Year, announced her decision to enter the transfer portal in May, landing with defending national champions Penn State.
The Gators also graduated six seniors last season, including outside hitter A.C. Fitzpatrick, who started in 17 games last season, and libero Elli McKissock. Both players have been constants for Florida, with McKissock anchoring the lineup as a starter in every match since her sophomore year.
Florida will also be missing outside hitter Isabel Martin, who started in all 31 games last season as a redshirt senior.
Middle blocker Gabrielle Essix missed most of last season due to a knee injury, and graduate transfer student setter Erin Engel saw limited playing time. But their absences still left holes in Florida’s competitive roster, which had to be filled heading into this year.
UF’s 17-person roster comprises five incoming freshmen, eight sophomores, one junior and three seniors. The Orange and Blue scrimmage on Aug. 17 previewed how the team is coming together.
Freshman middle blocker De’Andrea McMillian, redshirt freshman libero or defensive specialist Ella Vogel, freshman opposite Milica Vidači , redshirt freshman outside Kira Hutson and freshman L/DS Lily Hayes are the
new young faces of Gators volleyball.
Though new to college play, Florida’s freshman class has a notable amount of experience and talent.
“(Vidači ) has a high level of experience as an opposite in international play and has contributed major points to her team,” Theis said.
Hayes and Vogel could also come into play as the team tries to replace McKissock and find their next libero. However, seniors Emily Canaan and Emerson Hoyle and sophomore Bella Lee are also competing for the libero or defensive specialist position for the upcoming season.
In the Orange and Blue scrimmage, Lee and Canaan sported the libero jerseys on their side of the net for the first set. Hayes and Vogel then took the spot for set two. Hayes maintained that position for the rest of the game while Canaan and Vogel switched.
Outside the libero position, Canaan played in all 31 matches and totaled 156 digs in 2024 — proving she’ll continue to have a significant role on the team. The veteran has an opportunity to be promoted into a leadership position in 202526 due to the roster’s youth.
Meanwhile, senior middle blocker Amaya Thomas and redshirt junior setter Alexis Stucky
will round out the upperclassmen.
Four true sophomores — middle blocker Jaela Auguste, setter Taylor Parks, outside Lauren Harden and middle Alec Rothe — join redshirt sophomore outsides Aniya Madkin, Jordyn Byrd and Madi Gravlee to complete the roster. However, Gravlee will not see the court this season due to an undisclosed injury.
Parks, who won a gold medal with the U.S. U21 Team in 2025, has starting experience entering her second year after Stucky was sidelined for most of 2024-25 with a torn ACL/MCL.
“She’s a winner,” Wise said of Parks before the 2024 season.
Madkin, Rothe, Hutson, Harden and Byrd also showed their power and efficiency at the net, suggesting a strong offensive arsenal for the Gators this season.
The Gators’ schedule pits them against eight ranked opponents, including No. 3 Pitt and No. 5 Texas. Theis also faces his former Marquette team Sept. 19.
Florida kicks off its season against No. 6 Stanford Cardinal, who ended UF’s 2024-25 season in the NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinal. First serve is Aug. 22 at 9 p.m. at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.
@avadicecca24 adicecca@alligator.org
New transfers, familiar faces join Florida baseball as season approaches
THE GATORS ADDED NINE TRANSFERS AND LOST SEVEN PLAYERS HEADING INTO 2025
By Adrian Carmona Sports Writer
After coming up short in the Conway Regional, Florida baseball earned a jump start in the transfer portal. The portal opened June 2, one day after the Gators’ season ended, and it closed July 1. Over the two-month period, Florida added eight transfers, while seven players left the program.
After several of last year’s key players left the team for the 2025 MLB Draft, the Gators had a number of positional holes to fill. Drawing from across the state and country, Florida added three pitchers, three catchers, two infielders and an outfielder, hoping to bring the program back to the College World Series after its early exit in tournament play last year.
Florida catchers Luke Heyman and Brody Donay, shortstops Colby Shelton and Bobby Boser, left-handed pitcher Pierce Coppola and right-handed pitcher Jake Clemente were all selected in the draft.
Florida also lost catchers Cole Bullen and Brock Clayton, marking another positional need.
Former Notre Dame right-handed pitcher Ricky Reeth was the first addition Florida made. The fifth-year senior went 4-2 with a 4.31 ERA in 22 appearances in 2025 and recorded 43 strikeouts in 48 innings.
Former UCF right-handed-pitcher Russell Sandefer followed. The junior from Tampa recorded a 3.38 ERA in 18 appearances in 2025, ranking third-best for the Knights. In 50.2 innings, he recorded 49 strikeouts and surrendered 19 runs.
As a lifelong Gator fan, Sandefer was ready for the opportunity to join the team, he said.
“My first football game I ever went to was in 2013, Florida versus South Carolina,” he said. “So when I got the opportunity, I couldn’t turn it down.”
Before joining the Knights, Sandefer spent his freshman season at Saint Leo University, where he pitched 45.2 innings and struck out 39 batters. He finished with a 5-2 record and posted a 3.35 ERA.
“I want to bring a culture of just caring about the guy next to you and winning,” Sandefer said. “I think I’ll fit into that really well.”
After losing five pitchers to the portal and two to the draft, the Gators needed to add depth in the bullpen. The departures included right-handed pitchers Alex Philpott, Carson Montsdeoca and Felix Ong, as well as left-handed pitchers Niko Janssens and Jacob Gomberg.
The final pitcher added was former Ha -
waii right-hander Cooper Walls. The freshman logged 13 starts and a 3-3 record in 2025. He threw 45 strikeouts in 60.1 innings while posting a 3.73 ERA, all of which earned him the All-Big West Freshman Pitcher of the Year in 2025.
With the departures of Heyman, Donay and Shelton, Florida needed to address the infield. In response, the Gators added three catchers and two infielders.
Former Wabash Valley College catcher AJ Malzone, Texas Christian catcher Karson Bowen and Lenoir-Rhyne catcher Cole Stanford will all have opportunities to work behind the plate during the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, former Columbia shortstop Sam Miller and former Ole Miss infielder Ethan Surowiec were added to UF’s middle infield.
Malzone joins the Gators with three years of eligibility remaining. As a freshman in 2025, he batted .372 while recording eight home runs and 32 RBI.
Despite his season ending early in May due to fractured ribs, Bowen put up four homers and 28 RBI with a .333 batting average in 2025. He was named to the 2025 second-team All-Big 12 Conference for his efforts.
“[Florida was] my No. 1 from the first day,” Bowen said. “They made it pretty easy on me, and I’m glad it all worked out.”
Bowen’s biggest goal this season is guiding the Gators back to the College World Series to compete for a national championship.
“I think anything short of that would be a disappointment,” he said.
Stanford excelled in his three seasons with Lenoir-Rhyne, finishing with 39 home runs and 135 RBI while batting .338. His 20 home runs in 2025 ranks third all-time in program history, and he was named to the All-South Atlantic Conference Third Team in 2024. Miller was named the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2025, recording 16 home runs and 57 RBI as a junior.
Surowiec brings versatility to the field, with experience at first base, third base, right field and shortstop. Despite having limited opportunity with the Rebels as a freshman (16 at bats), he flourished over the summer with the Duluth Huskies of the Northwoods League. He won the league’s most valuable player award, batting .383 and leading with 17 home runs and 68 RBI.
Florida also added depth in the outfield, securing former Jacksonville outfielder Jaden Bastian. As a sophomore in 2025, he led the Atlantic Sun Conference with 36 stolen bases while also adding 11 home runs and 33 RBI. Bastian joins the Gators with two years of eligibility remaining.
@abcarmona04 acarmona@alligator.org
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