A new practice schedule allowed the Gators to take some extra time off this week, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Working diligently to create a foundation for the road ahead started to take its toll on coach Amanda Butler’s squad, and she said the break was a welcome sight to both her and her players.
“It’s just little nagging, pesky things [injuries] time is really the only thing that can cure (them),” Butler said. “Hopefully those things we will get 100 percent and we’ll really figure out what we look like when we’ve got 12 healthy folks on the floor.”
Forward Deaundra Young is still recovering from offseason surgery that has limited her range of motion. A number of other players are dealing with muscle strains and pulls, Butler said.
However, senior center Ebonie Crawford will require closer observation after sustaining a concussion in practice during the week.
“[She] took a fantastic charge and just made my heart happy,” Butler said.
Crawford’s head struck the floor at the conclusion of the play, and she’ll be evaluated before being cleared to practice.
Crawford may find herself in catch-up mode when she returns, as Butler said the practices will begin to feature more in-depth strategy as the season approaches.
The coaching staff has been focusing more on mental aspects than game-planning so far, but Butler said that will change this week.
“What we’ve been trying to instill in them and get from them is how we’re going to compete, what type of competitors are we,” Butler said. “You do have to address the details at some point. There’s still a lot to do.”
Butler and her players used Saturday’s off day to participate in the fifth annual Brandon Ling Memorial Sports Camp at the UF Sports Complex. The event is sponsored by the Climb for Cancer Foundation — a not-for-profit foundation that raises money to help families who have children battling cancer.
“They were excited about the chance to be involved and give back to the community and hopefully impact some special people in some special ways,” Butler said.
