Coach Mary Wise described her as a player that, like Chloe Mann, people would remember.
Her length and athleticism is a coach’s dream come true.
And her ability to block a ball makes her an even more valuable asset.
Freshman Rhamat Alhassan made her debut on Friday, and it wasn’t even close to what Florida fans or even the opposing teams expected to see.
What was expected was a 6-foot-4 freshman that would make errors and see limited playing time.
Instead, fans were given a freshman that played just as well as her fellow teammate, junior middle blocker Simone Antwi.
“She went from zero to 60 is what she’s done,” Wise said. “…She’s 6’4” and jumping 36 inches. There aren’t a lot of players in the college game, not women, that are at that point.”
In Florida’s first match against Georgia Southern (0-2) — a 3-0 sweep — Alhassan didn’t make it onto the court until midway through the second set. From there, she finished the match with six kills on eight attempts and a .750 clip.
However, Idaho was a much different game. Alhassan started, and with her start came a barrage of blocks (three) and kills (13-of-16) in the Gators’ sweep of the Vandals.
The freshman middle blocker credited her performance to Antwi, who has taken on more of a leadership role with the middle blockers.
“Simone has been a great help,” Alhassan said. “She’s led me through every step of the process. She’s helped me with my blocking, offense. She’s been there for me.”
However, Alhassan wasn’t the only freshman to make a big debut.
Outside hitter Carli Snyder and setter Abby Detering got some time on the court.
Snyder played in three sets during Florida’s opening-day sweeps. The Macomb, Mich., native had a total of five kills and one solo block for the day.
Detering only played one set against Georgia Southern that saw her tally three assists.
The freshman remained on the sidelines for the Idaho game, but Wise said it was to allow junior setter Mackenzie Dagostino a chance to get comfortable in the starting setter position.
“We’re trying to get Mackenzie to find her rhythm with her hitters,” Wise said. “So Mackenzie’s getting a little more playing time because of that. As Mackenzie gets more experience, then we can use Abby more. Abby has one of the best float serves on the team. … So if our topspin serves aren’t tough enough then we have her.”
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Freshman middle blocker Rhamat Alhassan swings for a kill during Florida's 3-0 win against Idaho on Aug. 29 in the O'Connell Center.
