Going to college for the first time can be a difficult experience for anyone.
It can be just as difficult — if not harder — for someone transferring to a new school.
For sophomore opposite hitter Tangerine Wiggs, the decision to transfer from Washington State has paid dividends for herself and Florida.
“My experience here has been really great so far,” Wiggs said. “The coaching staff has been really helpful in having me adjust. The team has been really welcoming and showed me the ropes.”
Wiggs and the No. 1 Gators (20-1, 13-0 Southeastern Conference) will take on Georgia (11-14, 3-11 SEC) tonight in Athens, Ga., at 7.
“It’s definitely different than coming in as a freshman just because in volleyball I’ve had to learn a whole new system,” Wiggs said. “I was taught one way for so long and then I’m brought here and I have to have a beginner’s mind again. Picking up the system didn’t come easy and there is still a lot I need to learn.”
As a redshirt freshman for Washington State last year, Wiggs saw action in only 10 sets. During her limited playing time, she recorded nine kills on 32 total attacks with a hitting percentage of .031. She also had just two digs and two blocks.
This year Wiggs has played in all 74 of Florida’s sets. She has 125 kills on 305 total attacks and is hitting .289. She also has 24 digs and 69 blocks — good for third on the team.
“She has made a huge impact because in the past we’ve kind of moved players to play that position,” coach Mary Wise said. “Callie [Rivers] could easily be playing on the right side, but by having Tang on the right has allowed us to put Callie on the left. And we’ve seen how well that’s paid off for us.
“She’s a point-scorer for us. You earn points by kills and blocks. She’s a very long, high-contact player. She keeps getting better and better.”
The Gators are taking on the Bulldogs for the second time this season. The Gators won 3-1 (19-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-21) in Gainesville on Oct. 17.
“My favorite thing about UF is my team,” Wiggs said. “Being new I don’t really know anybody yet. I spend so much time with them. We spend time with each other because we have to, but they’re the type of people I spend time with because I want to.”
