Savannah Jordan got a head start in becoming a Gator.
The freshman forward enrolled at UF in the spring to begin offseason training and get better acquainted with the team before the rest of the freshman class arrived in July.
"I got to know the girls pretty quickly," Jordan said. "Just getting familiar with the team chemistry helped me a lot."
She scored her first goal for UF in a 2-1 spring game win against Duke on March 23.
The Fayetteville, Ga., native could be in tonight’s starting lineup during Florida’s season opener against Florida Gulf Coast at 7 in James G. Pressly Stadium.
"I’ve got a little bit of butterflies, but I think it will be exciting," Jordan said. "I’m excited to entertain and put on a show."
Jordan was a five-year captain of the Georgia Olympic Development Program state team.
She earned all-region and all-state honors by scoring 26 goals and tallying 21 assists during her junior year at Fayetteville Whitewater High School.
She is one of eight freshmen entering this season.
UF has six returning starters in junior midfielders Havana Solaun and Annie Speese; defenders Taylor Travis, Christen Westphal and Tessa Andujar; and goalkeeper Taylor Burke.
UF beat FGCU 2-0 in the 2012 postseason, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Coach Becky Burleigh expects a better Gulf Coast squad this year.
The Eagles return eight starters from last year’s team, including junior forward Shannen Wacker, who scored 11 goals during the 2012 season.
UF aims to dominate ball possession against FGCU.
"If we keep the ball, then the other team is chasing it," Burleigh said. "If they don’t have the ball, they can’t get a shot off."
Jordan added that the team’s goal is to improve from past years.
"We want to match what last year’s team did, if not, even better," Jordan said.
"I think if we just take it one game at a time and work as a team we’ll get there."
Former Gator wins pro award: Former Florida midfielder Erika Tymrak won the National Women’s Soccer League’s Rookie of the Year award for the 2013 season, the league announced Tuesday.
The 22-year-old started in 16 games for FC Kansas City, scoring six goals and finishing with four assists.
"I’m extremely humbled and honored I was recognized for this award," Tymrak said in a team release.
"It’s been a great first season so far. I’m thankful that I got to play with these girls and share this experience with them."
Burleigh added: "We’re proud that she has represented after she left here. She has always worked really hard and been really driven to be a pro, so this is just a confirmation of all the hard work she did. She had a big impact on their team."
Tymrak was drafted in the second round by FC Kansas City in January. She ended her college career as the 2012 Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Tymrak led the Gators with nine goals, 12 assists and 30 points in 2012.
Follow Michelle Provenzano on Twitter @mmprovenzano.
Centerback Christen Westphal dribbles the ball down the field against Arkansas on Sept. 30 at James G. Pressly Stadium. Westphal is one of Florida’s six returning starters from last season.
