What would you say if I told you Tim Tebow is only the second most dominant athlete at UF?
Would you cry blasphemy?
Probably, but that's only because you likely haven't seen the best UF has to offer.
The right arm of softball ace Stacey Nelson has led the Gators to the best record in school history (65-3) and is largely responsible for making UF the favorite to win the national title.
She does not have the same media attention or buzz as the golden boy Mr. Tebow, but when it comes to her sport she is by far the best in the business.
Nelson, who has been practically untouchable during the 2008 campaign, finished the regional championship weekend with a 43-3 record and a 0.75 ERA.
That's almost as many wins as UCF (49-20) - the school UF defeated to win the Gainesville Regional - had as a team this year.
Don't get me wrong, Tebow's numbers are impressive (3,286 yards passing and 895 rushing). But for her sport, the statistics Nelson has produced this year are arguably better than Tebow's.
"She's unbelievable - she won 21 games in the [Southeastern Conference]. No one has ever done that before," UF coach Tim Walton said.
The second most wins by a SEC pitcher this season was 10.
The SEC pitcher of the year was also a top-10 finalist for the NCAA National Player of the Year Award - the softball equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
After only three years, Nelson has already claimed the school record for wins (91) and strikeouts (708).
The California native has cemented her legacy as the best pitcher, and more than likely the best player, in school history - something else she shares with the man who has his name plastered on the side of Florida Field.
If you're having trouble buying all of this, I don't blame you.
Even Nelson doesn't think that she's all that great.
"I don't feel like I'm a dominant pitcher; it kind of feels like I'm fooling a lot of people," she said.
Well, Stacey, I think that the rest of the SEC would probably have to disagree with you about that.
Nelson struck out 127 batters this season in conference play.
The junior has carried her program into an era of unprecedented success.
Before her arrival, the Gators best postseason ranking was only a 13 seed.
How much difference can one player make?
Well, practically all the difference in the world.
With Nelson leading the way, the Gators claimed the SEC regular-season and tournament titles as well as the No.1 overall seed in this year's NCAA Tournament.
Better than a Capital One Bowl loss?
You tell me.
If Tebow is Superman, then you might as well call Nelson Superwoman.
She might not have to fight off autograph seekers on the way to class, and the mere sight of her might not make boys forget their names.
But maybe it should.
