Sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

New head football coach Jim McElwain speaks at his opening press conference in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

McElwain ready to take command of Florida football program

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Dec. 6, 2014

Jim McElwain has the experience.

Chris Walker attempts a layup during Florida's loss to No. 11 Kansas on Friday in Lawrence, Kansas.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida blows second-half lead in loss to Kansas

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Dec. 5, 2014

After owning a 15-point lead at Allen Fieldhouse coming out of halftime, the Gators (3-4) ultimately fell, following a season long trend.

Mackenzie Dagostino sets the ball during Florida's 3-0 win against Alabama State during the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Florida volleyball sweeps Alabama State in NCAA opener

By EDEN OTERO | Dec. 5, 2014

In its first match of the NCAA Tournament, Florida won in typical Florida fashion by sweeping Alabama State on Friday in the O’Connell Center.

Carli Snyder serves during No. 8 seed Florida's 3-0 win against Alabama State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Snyder, Holston come in clutch during UF's first-round NCAA Tournament win

By IAN COHEN | Dec. 5, 2014

The NCAA tournament may have just started, but it’s been on the mind of Florida’s players for several months.

Athletics director Jeremy Foley speaks to media Monday

SPORTS | COLUMNS

Johnson’s Journal: Foley’s approach to hiring McElwain isn’t surprising

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Dec. 4, 2014

Finally, the sources and flight tracking are over. The Gators have their head man.

Carlie Needles drives into the paint during Florida's win against Longwood.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Florida women’s basketball loses on the road to Savannah State

By GRAHAM HALL | Dec. 4, 2014

It appeared the Florida women’s basketball team had begun to correct the slow starts it has shown in the opening minutes of the game.

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to throw towards the end zone during the first quarter against Stanford in an NCAA college football game in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Championship Saturday has CFB Playoff Implications

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Dec. 4, 2014

Championship Saturday is finally here, and there is a lot on the line. Most teams in action this weekend are fighting for a spot in the College Football Playoff, while their opponents look to play the spoiler role to stop that from happening. Let’s break down who’s playing for what on Saturday, and which teams should be on upset alert.

Mackenzie Dagostino sets the ball during Florida's 3-0 win against Alabama on Friday in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Dagostino, Gators prepare for NCAA Tournament action

By EDEN OTERO | Dec. 4, 2014

Mackenzie Dagostino is looking at the NCAA Tournament as a chance to break the mold.

Billy Donovan looks down the court during Florida's win against Missouri during the 2014 SEC Tournament in Atlanta.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

UF men’s basketball hits the road, faces Kansas tonight

By ERICA A. HERNANDEZ | Dec. 4, 2014

UF coach Billy Donovan said he has no good memories at Allen Fieldhouse — the infamous home court of No. 11 Kansas.

Colorado State head coach Jim McElwain directs his team against Air Force in the fourth quarter of Air Force's 27-24 victory in an NCAA college football game at Air Force Academy, Colo., on Friday, Nov. 28, 2014.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Jim McElwain hired as next Florida football head coach

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Dec. 4, 2014

One day after a deal for Colorado State coach Jim McElwain to become the head coach for the Florida football team stalled because of his hefty $7.5-million buyout, an agreement has been reached.

UF players celebrate after a point during Florida's 3-0 win against Missouri on Friday in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

UF volleyball ready for NCAA Tournament

By IAN COHEN | Dec. 3, 2014

There was a moment in coach Mary Wise’s press conference on Monday that may go unnoticed, but shouldn’t.

Patric Young (4) goes after a loose ball during the second half of Florida’s 63-53 loss to Connecticut in the NCAA Final Four tournament on April 4 in Arlington, Texas. UF will face UConn on Jan. 3.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Patric Young signs with Turkish Basketball League team

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Dec. 3, 2014

Patric Young’s basketball career is far from over.

Kasey Hill attempts a layup during Florida's loss to Miami.

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Kasey Hill improving in second year with Florida men’s basketball

By ERICA HERNANDEZ | Dec. 3, 2014

After Florida’s (3-3) loss against Miami by just two points on Nov. 17, coach Billy Donovan knew he had to find a way to help starting point guard Kasey Hill.

Florida AD Jeremy Foley smiles during coach Will Muschamp's press conference following UF's 38-20 win against UGA on Nov. 1 at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

UAA planes blocked from Internet tracking

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Dec. 3, 2014

It’s plane tracking season on social media as journalists and fans hotly pursue the moves of UF athletics director Jeremy Foley.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Foley, McElwain have 'productive conversations,' no deal finalized

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Dec. 3, 2014

The day hasn’t come just yet.

Cassie Peoples drives into the paint during Florida's win against Virginia Tech on Monday in the O'Connell Center.

SPORTS | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Women’s basketball progress report: Height, experience helping Gators early

By GRAHAM HALL | Dec. 2, 2014

Midway through the nonconference schedule of the Florida Gators women’s basketball team, things are starting to click. Sitting comfortably at 5-1, Florida’s lone loss came against St. John’s on the road. With tough victories over quality opponents Georgetown and Virginia Tech, Florida’s hustle and effort highlighted an improved team – one that wants to not just outscore its opponent, but also ensure the other team finds it as difficult as possible to get the ball in the basket.

Of the three seniors, Monserez is usually the one who flies under the radar.Most of her contributions have come off the bench in relief for Pole and Unroe.But the Orlando native became an integral cog in Florida’s defense during her four years.Highlights such as a 23-dig outing against Tennessee during the 2012 season, digging a ball over press row during a match and setting up service runs are just a few of Monserez’s best moments during her time with Florida.In her final season with UF, Monserez is averaging 1.89 digs per set and set a career-high with 15 service aces while assuming the role as Florida’s main backup defensive specialist. She’s second on the Gators’ roster in reception attempts (496), and her .986 reception percentage this season is the highest among Florida’s backline players.

SPORTS | VOLLEYBALL

Maddy Monserez embraces role with Gators volleyball despite limited playing time

By IAN COHEN | Dec. 2, 2014

Maddy Monserez’s entire family sat in the stands. Her sister stood on the court.

Savannah Jordan dribbles the ball during Florida's 3-2 win against Texas Tech.

SPORTS | SOCCER

UF forward named semifinalist for MAC Hermann Trophy

By GRAHAM HACK | Dec. 2, 2014

Florida’s Savannah Jordan has been named one of 16 female semifinalists for the 2014 Missouri Athletic Club’s (MAC) Hermann Trophy, the most prestigious individual award in collegiate soccer.

UF running back Matt Jones carries the ball during Florida's 36-30 triple-overtime win against Kentucky on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

SPORTS | FOOTBALL

Report: Matt Jones heading to NFL Draft

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Dec. 2, 2014

Add Matt Jones to the list of UF football players leaving Florida early for the NFL Draft.

Jon Horford dunks during Florida's overtime win against Louisiana Monroe

SPORTS | MEN'S BASKETBALL

Men’s basketball progress report: Florida struggling in second half

By ERICA HERNANDEZ | Dec. 2, 2014

Florida’s trip to Paradise Island was far from a holiday in the sun.