Florida volleyball’s fifth-year outside hitter AC Fitzpatrick regularly attended Gators volleyball matches growing up, with the dream of one day donning the orange and blue herself.
Volleyball always served as her calling card. Fitzpatrick led Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala to four district titles, two regional titles and a 3A state championship in 2018. She capped off her illustrious high school career as the 2020 Florida Gatorade High School Player of the Year.
Fitzpatrick received scholarship offers from 17 of the most elite volleyball programs in the nation. She ultimately committed to Penn State for the first two years of her collegiate career.
Six states away in Happy Valley, Fitzpatrick hit the ground running, starting all 16 matches in her freshman season. However, her role decreased during her sophomore campaign.
Following the retirement of Penn State’s former head coach Russ Rose, Fitzpatrick decided to enter the transfer portal in 2022.
It was then the lifelong Florida fan had a full-circle moment. Fitzpatrick received an offer to play volleyball for her dream school.
“When I entered the portal and saw that I was going to have a call with Mary Wise,” Fitzpatrick said. “I was like ‘Oh my gosh.’ When the opportunity arose, I was like ‘I can’t say no to this.’”
Despite spending her childhood less than 50 miles from UF’s campus, Fitzpatrick's journey to becoming a Gator was not ordinary by definition. Nevertheless, she fulfilled her mission of playing under the bright lights at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center.
“I’m in such a unique situation,” Fitzpatrick said. “Being able to play for the Florida Gators and also being from Ocala, not a lot of people get that opportunity.”
While Fitzpatrick saw limited playing time in her junior season at UF, she burst onto the scene in her senior season in 2023. She recorded 298 kills on the year, good for second on the team.
However, the Gators were unable to make a deep playoff run, falling in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament.
With Florida’s early exit from the postseason, Fitzpatrick believed she had unfinished business to attend to before leaving the program. She had one year of eligibility remaining and elected to return for a fifth collegiate season while pursuing her master’s degree in applied physiology and kinesiology.
“I [get to] play another year of volleyball, compete for a national championship and get my masters,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s the best of both worlds.”
Fitzpatrick hasn’t solely made her presence felt for the Gators with her impressive production on the court. She’s also a leader off the court and has fostered close relationships with her teammates.
Graduate student setter Erin Engel, who transferred to Florida from Maryland last spring, praised Fitzpatrick’s positive attitude.
“AC carries her lightheartedness onto the court, which keeps everyone around her calm and relaxed,” Engel said. “She leads by her actions and will always be there to make sure your head stays high and a smile is on your face.”
Moreover, former UF outside hitter Anna Dixon, who now plays for the Atlanta Vibe in the Pro Volleyball Federation, commended Fitzpatrick’s passion while playing alongside each other at Florida.
“AC is not only a great teammate but also a great friend,” Dixon said. “She is always in high spirits and carries herself with contagious energy.”
As Fitzpatrick established herself as a key player for the Gators, she also became a fan favorite, especially for fans back in her hometown of Ocala.
“After games, people come up to me and they’re like ‘Oh my gosh, we’re from Ocala too,’” Fitzpatrick said. “And they have young daughters and they’re like ‘You’re such an inspiration to them, and you’re their favorite player.’”
For Fitzpatrick, it serves as extra motivation to be a role model to those from her hometown, knowing she was once in the same shoes.
Looking to inspire the next generation, Fitzpatrick has helped run numerous volleyball camps in Ocala, including camp last summer with her old club volleyball team Ocala Power United.
“Ocala has done so much for me,” Fitzpatrick said. “Training-wise, sport-wise, [just] everything. So I think it’s cool being able to give back in a way.”
With the clock ticking on her last season with the Gators, Fitzpatrick is focused on helping UF win, though her long-term goal is to play professional volleyball.
“Obviously, the team goals are to win the SEC championship and the national championship,” Fitzpatrick said. “But we’ve got to hit the small goals and the small wins each time before we can build up to that.”
Contact Max Bernstein at mbernstein@alligator.org. Follow him on X @maxbernstein23.
