Senior Kitty Cullen remembers it like it was yesterday. Walking onto the field as the first lacrosse team in UF history, she and her teammates were terrified.
“We were all freshmen going out there trembling because we had no idea what we were doing,” Cullen said.
Four years later, that trembling freshman class has developed into senior leaders ready to carry the Gators far into this year’s postseason than last year’s national semifinal appearance.
Florida has started gearing up for its season and is preparing for an exhibition game on Jan. 24 against the England national team.
When the Class of 2009 entered UF, the players could only look up to each other.
Now, the 12 seniors offer experience and leadership.
“Freshman year, we didn’t know much,” senior Brittany Dashiell said. “We didn’t have any seniors to lead us and teach us the ways.”
Florida’s trial by fire brought its current senior class together early.
“Our experience all together has made a real impact on the way we play,” Dashiell said.
Said coach Amanda O’Leary: “They came in as freshmen, and it was a whirlwind of new experiences for them.”
The current seniors took Florida from a new program to a Final Four finish in a matter of three years.
“We’ve been through so much together,” Cullen said. “We’ve been through so many lows and so many highs.”
The Gators will aim to overcome the low of last season’s national semifinal defeat against Syracuse.
Florida is considered a top competitor for the national title.
Winning the ultimate prize is something the original recruiting class wants to experience during its final year at UF.
“We want to win that much more for each other,” Cullen said.
O’Leary added: “I couldn’t be more pleased with our senior class. And no matter how we do this season, they will always go down in history at Florida, and certainly in my heart. They will have a very special place.”
Kitty Cullen attempts a shot during Florida's 14-7 win against Northwestern on May 5 at Dizney Stadium.
