Mary Wise’s Frankenstein-like creation that was the 2012 squad was pieced together to fill the gaps left by season-ending injuries and graduating seniors.
She preached the motto of "No Excuses" and assembled the self-proclaimed "grind-it-out" team that was predicted to finish third in the Southeastern Conference’s Eastern Division.
"Last year, everything … was sort of held together by Band-Aids," she said.
Despite the team’s crude makeup, Florida still captured the SEC Title and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
But rather than playing the role of mad scientist again, Wise has entered this season with a clearer vision of what exactly her 2013 team will be on the floor.
"Because of the returning players, the health of the returning players and the depth on the team, some really good things are happening in our gym right now," Wise said.
"A year ago, we were still in first gear because it was brand new to so many players."
UF’s 2012 offseason began with the losses of All-Americans Kelly Murphy and Kristy Jaeckel to graduation.
Florida also adopted the 5-1 offensive system that was more suitable to the team’s new setter, Taylor Brauneis, who transferred from Louisville.
Less than a week before the season, the Gators were dealt another blow when outside hitter Noami Santos-Lamb suffered a torn ACL and missed the season.
One year later, Florida enters the season healthy, familiar with the 5-1 scheme and the favorite to win the SEC according to the league’s coaches.
Wise said the biggest difference in the offseason was the added depth to the team.
Rather than relying heavily on Ziva Recek and Chloe Mann, the Gators’ top-two point scorers last year, Wise said her squad can distribute the scoring responsibilities more evenly.
"We asked so much of (Recek and Mann)," Wise said. "They had to carry by far the majority of our offense, and the beauty of this 2013 team is there are more arms to go around."
"We’ve got the depth on the pins, either left or right side, the likes of which I’m not sure we’ve ever had in this program."
Junior defensive specialist Taylor Unroe said one of those major arms missing from last year’s lineup was Santos-Lamb who will relieve the pressure from Recek and Mann offensively.
"She has done really well in practice," Unroe said of Santos-Lamb. "It is good to have someone who can hammer the ball out there. All of the outsides are great, and she is adding to that."
Florida opens its season at home against New Orleans on Aug. 30.
With all the positive change compared to the struggles faced most of last season, the Gators have ditched the "No Excuses" motto that drove the team in 2012. In its place, a new motto has emerged: "Final Four Mentality."
Follow Jonathan Czupryn on Twitter @jczupryn.
Florida coach Mary Wise claps during a 3-0 win against FIU on Aug. 24, 2012 in the O'Connell Center.
