ChompTalk.com

Following a surprise run to the Final Four a year ago, Florida opens the 2025 season with a massive target on their back. The Gators are ranked No. 5 in the preseason IL Women media poll and were picked to finish first in the Big XII

The journey begins Friday in Baltimore against Johns Hopkins, a team Florida hasn’t faced since NCAA regionals in 2019 (a 16-9 Gators victory). The game is set for an 11:00 AM draw and will be livestreamed from the JHU athletics website.

The 2025 squad will look very different from the team that topped the nation in scoring a year ago. Florida lost 76% of all goals scored and 79% of all points produced. In total, only four starters return this year.

Florida will be looking to a collective effort to make up for the lost productivity. Incoming transfer Jordan Basso is a fifth year transfer from Gettysburg College (Division III) who has registered 360 points including 228 goals. Gianna Monaco and Josie Hahn are Florida’s returning scoring leaders. The Gators also added top-25 prospect Clark Hamilton with the signing class. Freshman midfielder Gabby Greene is expected to log key minutes as well.

The defensive side of the field sees the return of juniors Theresa Bragg (D) and Kaitlyn Davies (MF). Both players have garnered numerous preseason accolades including:

•All Big XII preseason selection (both)

•Big XII preseason Midfielder of the Year  (Davies)

•Big XII preseason Defender of the Year (Bragg)

•Nike Lacrosse 3rd Team All-American (Bragg)

•Named to the Tewaaraton Watch List (both)

In goal, Florida will rely on veteran goalkeeper Elyse Finnelle, who went 9-3 with a .529 save percentage. Finnelle earned many preseason honors, as well, including, All-American honorable mention. The Gators have also added former star keeper, Haley Hicklen to the coaching staff.

Florida head coach Amanda O’Leary has accumulated 402 wins and was inducted into the Montgomery County (PA) Coaches Hall of Fame during the off-season.

The Gators will return to Gainesville to face Kennesaw State Sunday at Disney Stadium. Florida hasn’t faced the Owls since 2022 but are 3-0 all-time head-to-head.