For the nineteenth time in the program’s twenty three seasons, the Florida Gators have been named the preseason favorite to win the SEC by the conference’s coaches.
Florida won the SEC Tournament last season and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Auburn.
Florida, ranked #7 in the national coaches poll, returns 2016 All-SEC players Kristen Cardano and Gabby Seiler, but will have to make up for the loss of four-time All-American Savannah Jordan.
The 2017 SEC Preseason Coaches Poll
- FLORIDA
- TEXAS A&M
- SOUTH CAROLINA
- MISSOURI
- ARKANSAS
- AUBURN
- TENNESSEE
- VANDERBILT
- MISSISSIPPI
- ALABAMA
- LSU
- KENTUCKY
- GEORGIA
- MISSISSIPPI STATE
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THREE GATORS ON SEC PRE-SEASON WATCH LIST
The SEC release its preseason awards watch list on Thursday and, not surprisingly, a trio of Gators were represented.
Redshirt senior Kristen Cardano, Junior Mayra Pelayo, and redshirt senior Gabby Seiler each made the cut.
Cardano is expected to be Florida’s top defender, and has been a stalwart on Florida’s back line for the last few years.
Pelayo is expected to pick up much of the scoring that was lost with the graduation of Jordan.
Seiler proved last year to be one of the most versatile players to have come through Florida, rotating from midfield to defender for the good of the team. Look for Seiler to be Florida’s leader in the midfield this year.
Florida’s first game will be on the road at Florida Atlantic on Friday before their home debut Sunday afternoon against Troy.
So awesome!! It’s going to be a great season! 🐊🐊🐊