After a great breakfast, we were off to the O'Connell Center on the University of Florida campus to participate in the Beyond the Net Program. We arrived at the lady gators practice facility and were greeted by several members of the University Athletic Association (UAA).
During the presentation we learned about the life of a student athlete. Besides the honor and excitement of representing your school, traveling and competing at the highest level, it's not all fun and games. Student Athletes have a difficult schedule. During the season the first practice is at 6:00AM - then students attend classes and have a second practice at 3:00P.M. That practice is usually followed by a team dinner, that sounded like a great team bonding opportunity.
During the off season, the team continues to have 8 hours of mandatory practices and volunteer conditioning. The student athletes don't have summers off either, that might be when they work hardest getting ready for the upcoming season.
The Beyond the Net program was a great look inside the life of a student athlete. It might not be all fun and games, but if you really want to compete at the highest level - not having much free time is a small price to pay. Especially if you are a Gator. Gainesville really knows how to treat the volleyball team like rock stars.
After touring some of the athletic facilities we were off to see UF vs. Tennessee(also referred to as "Gator Bait") at the O'Connell Center.
Once you enter the O'Dome, you can't help but feel the excitement and energy as hundreds upon hundreds of people are pouring in, through the gates. We immediately came across a gift store with several great UF volleyball shirts, shorts, balls, etc and quickly purchased a few.
Once we sat, the arena filled quite rapidly and it was game time. Special kudos to the production people with their giant video screens (felt like a Miami Heat game), special lighting, UF band, dancers and the lovely Alberta. We started learning the special chants and gator chomps and by the end of the game we looked just like veteran fans.
The official Attendance was listed at 2,318 and this wasn't even a marquee match-up. The Kentucky game on Friday night October 2nd brought in well over that number with 3,820 fans in attendance.
The gators disposed of a very talented Tennessee Volleyball team in three sets (25-20, 25-19,25-21). To read the complete game breakdown visit the official Gator site by CLICKING HERE.
As we were walking back to our van, the excitement of what we just witnessed was still resonating as my kids were quite giddy. If you have not witnessed a UF game in person in the O'Connell Center I recommend you do so. It is a great experience for your kids both Volleyball wise and the entire UF experience.
For those wondering I am not a UF Alumni - Actually I'm an ALABAMA Alumni.
I plan on staying in contact with the University of Florida and advise the South Florida Volleyball Community as to the next time the Beyond the Net program will coincide with Family Day so that you can get the most out of your UF experience.
"GATOR BAIT!"
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