Nobody ever seems to like change.
The smooth transition that Betsy Middleton has made from the University of Miami to the University of Florida, however, is not something that is seen too often in college sports.
Transfer athletes don’t usually catch on right away at their new schools and sometimes need to take more time than usual to make that transition from one program to another. But when Florida sophomore Betsy Middleton, from Elon, N.C., made her move this offseason from the Miami Hurricanes to the Gators, she picked up in Gainesville right where she left off in Miami.
"It’s always scary going into new situations, but the transition was as smooth as it possibly could have been," Middleton said. "I left there (Miami) with good graces and I came here and was welcomed immediately by the team and I haven’t regretted it at all. It’s been a great transition."
In her freshman year at Miami, Middleton played in all 18 games for the Hurricanes and started the final 11, scoring her first collegiate goal to beat Milwaukee in overtime.
At the end of the season, she was named Miami soccer’s Rookie of the Year.
As her freshman year came to a close, Middleton decided that it was in her best interest to transfer to Florida to play college soccer.
Her decision, she said, came after Miami made some coaching changes and was placed under new leadership. She has nothing but respect for the Hurricanes coaching staff and organization, but Middleton felt she was better suited for Florida’s playing style.
"I like that this team plays the beautiful game," Middleton said. "I’m a possession person. I love keeping the ball, and this team is just fantastic at it…keeping the ball, making beautiful plays, that kind of thing, I’ve found that here and I really enjoy it."
This year, in her sophomore season, Middleton has played in all five of Florida’s games so far and recorded her first goal as a Gator on Friday when Florida beat in-state rival Florida State 2-1 in Tallahassee. She also played 28 minutes against her former school when Florida played Miami in the season opener on Aug. 22 but did not record any goals or assists.
Coach Becky Burleigh recognizes how well Middleton has made the transition into Florida’s lineup. She thinks Middleton can be a big help for her team moving forward.
"Oh, she’s been great," Burleigh said. "From a style of play, it’s a pretty big contrast from where she came from to here, but she has been seamless in terms of her contribution and I see that only growing."
It’s been a long journey so far for Middleton in her first two seasons of collegiate soccer, but she is happy that she has found her place at Florida and looks forward to exciting times as a Gator.
"I’ve always thought that the only way to make myself a good player is by surrounding myself with the best players," Middleton said. "(It’s) one reason why I decided to play here."
Follow Alex Maminakis on Twitter @akexmaminakis
Betsy Middleton (36) dribbles the ball during Florida's 3-0 win against Miami on Aug. 22 at James G. Pressly Stadium.
