It didn't take long for this freshman to make an impact.
Defender Jazmyne Avant started for the UF soccer team in the first game of the season at Colorado. She played 110 minutes in the 1-1 overtime tie and hasn't looked back since.
Avant has started every game and has accumulated the second-most minutes played on the team, averaging 86 minutes through the first 10 games.
It's somewhat surprising for someone who thought she would have to inch her way into the starting lineup.
"I thought I would get playing time, but when I first came in I felt like I was behind," Avant said. "I thought I was going to have to work really hard to get my starting position, and I did."
Avant has been a staple on the right side of the field next to junior defender Lauren Hyde. The duo has teamed up with the rest of the Gators defense in allowing just nine goals this season.
The two have developed a trust factor between them, something especially important for the first-year starter to rely on.
"I trust (my teammates) 100 percent," Avant said. "Lauren Hyde, no matter what, I feel like I can give her the ball in any situation."
Hyde has seen Avant mature since the season began.
On UF's defense, the outside backs are pressed to move forward in an aggressive style of attack.
"At the beginning, she was kind of hesitant to do that," Hyde said, "but she's definitely improved a lot on going forward."
It showed on Friday night against Georgia. Avant recorded her second assist of the season on a cross that was put in by senior Megan Kerns to give the Gators a 1-0 lead.
The speed of the game was part of the reason for her lack of aggression earlier in the season.
She compared her experience to high school and club soccer, where she would just kick and dribble and not have to worry about maintaining possession.
"If I tried to do that here, I'd lose the ball," Avant said.
As a result, she's learned to play two-touch soccer and to play at a faster pace.
Avant is also recognized by her coaches and teammates for her speed, which allows her to keep up with fast forwards on opposing teams.
"It's pretty unusual that you find somebody so quick and fast as she is, plus that endurance," UF coach Becky Burleigh said. "She's got a terrific combination of both."
Burleigh took note of Avant's style of play during the summer, and that's what stood out heading into the season.
"I think Jazmyne is just, like, no drama," Burleigh said. "She just gets stuff done. She just takes a real business-like approach."
It has paid off for Avant so far, but starting every game is certainly not what she wants to settle for.
"I don't even feel like I'm playing at my best yet, but I am getting better," she said.
