Photo by Allison Curry / UAA

For the twentieth time in program history, the University of Florida soccer team has been named the SEC favorite by the confernce’s head coaches.

The Gators took the pole position despite South Carolina garnering a higher ranking in the United Soccer Coaches Poll earlier this month.

Florida returns ten starters from a program that went 17-7 and earned an Elite Eight berth a year ago. Three returnees made the All-SEC team (Parker Roberts, Rachelle Smith, and Deanne Rose).

See Also: F Deanne Rose named to MAC Hermann watch list

The 2018 SEC Preseason Coaches Poll:

1. FLORIDA
2. TEXAS A&M
3. TENNESSEE
4. SOUTH CAROLINA
5. AUBURN
6. ARKANSAS
7. MISSISSIPPI
8. ALABAMA
9. VANDERBILT
10. MISSOURI
11. LSU
12. MISSISSIPPI STATE
13. KENTUCKY
14. GEORGIA

Florida opens the season on Friday with a home date against Washington. The match is set to begin at 7PM from Dizney Stadium.