We have mused from time to time about the depths that Florida Soccer has sunk to over the past five years. The once-proud program became a shell of itself from 2021 to 2025 due to a combination of factors. But we have also said that at Florida, you can win right away, no matter the sport, if you have the right coach.
We say all that to say that while Florida Soccer still has some things it needs to work out, they have turned their once sunken ship around in a heartbeat.
Last night against No. 5 Alabama, Lena Bailey picked up the game winning goal with under two minutes to play to propel the Gators to a 1-0 win over the Crimson Tide.
LENA BAILEY PUTS THE GATORS AHEAD 🚀
— Gators Soccer (@GatorsSoccer) October 9, 2026
🎥 SEC Network pic.twitter.com/usVWxzLNXd
Combined with their win earlier in the year over FSU, it’s the first time Florida has defeated two top-five opponents in a single season since 2012. What makes it even more remarkable is that over the four previous seasons, Florida had two ranked wins total and an overall record of 2–13–5 against ranked opponents.
But part of why new head coach Nick Zimmerman has been able to have some early success is because he has built the Gators into an attack-minded squad. Even last night, Florida outshot Alabama 16-13, so it’s not like this result was some type of fluke.
The win has Florida now tied for 6th in the SEC.
The Swamp to open earlier than normal against South Carolina
Taking a page out of what Tennessee did last month, Florida is going to open The Swamp for fans to enter starting at 10:45 AM on Saturday. The move serves two purposes:
- Create less of a rush for fans to get into the stadium.
- Generate revenue.
If you are confused about the second part, all concessions will also be half off until 11:45 AM. So the goal is to get fans into the building, and whatever money they spend goes straight to UF.
Kickoff is slated for 12:45 PM.
Mary Wise to be inducted into the AVCA Hall of Fame
Legendary Florida Volleyball coach Mary Wise is going to be inducted into the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place on December 17.
Wise led the Gators from 1991 until 2024 and won the SEC 25 times during her career. She made it to the Final Four eight times and made the championship match twice. She was named SEC Coach of the Year 15 times.
Her replacement, Ryan Theis, has restored the program in 2026 after a rough 2025 debut season. The Gators are currently 12-1, ranked No. 5 in the country, and will take on Missouri and Vanderbilt this weekend.
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