Gator Tales Podcast

The postseason has arrived for a host of spring sports, with softball, lacrosse, tennis and golf among those feeling the sense of urgency that comes when the number of games or matches ahead of you is no longer certain. On today’s show, host Adam Schick leads a rapid-fire roundtable with FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry and “The Voice of the Gators” Sean Kelley covering baseball’s looming battle with Vanderbilt, lacrosse beginning their NCAA journey, tennis returning to the Round of 16, golf’s long layoff about to end and the increasing impact of legalized gambling on college sports (1:52). Then, golfer Fred Biondi joins the show to share his journey from Sao Paulo to Gainesville, how he gravitated to a game that runs counter to his culture and what it means to return Gator Golf to prominence (23:05). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Given that his draft stock shot off like a rocket after his performance at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, it’s only fitting that Anthony Richardson will enter the league playing in that very same stadium for the Colts. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes a full roundtable with FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry and “The Voice of the Gators” Sean Kelley to discuss the fit for AR in Indy, where other Gators shook out in the draft, baseball returning to its winning ways, softball needing to close the regular season strong and great individual rivalries in the PAT (1:49). Then, swimmer and Olympian Josh Liendo joins the show to talk about his record-setting freshman season, competing for Team Canada in Tokyo and getting ready for Paris 2024 (27:56). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

The time for mock drafts and punditry has finally come to an end, as the NFL Draft gets underway in Kansas City on Thursday and we will finally have the answer to the burning question: where is Anthony Richardson headed next and will he make Gator history in the process? On today’s show, host Adam Schick convenes the roundtable with FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry and “The Voice of the Gators” Sean Kelley to discuss where AR could and should land, the other Gators whose names are likely to be called, football departures to the exit portal, baseball and softball feeling the blues, a long-anticipated SEC championship for men’s golf and possible solutions to prevent fans from storming the field in the PAT (1:59). Then, men’s golf coach JC Deacon joins us to discuss his path to Gainesville, his favorite golf movies, and of course, his team’s remarkable breakthrough last weekend (34:27). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit F

The Swamp came alive for the Orange and Blue Game last Thursday, and while these exhibitions can sometimes provide clarity about what to expect going into the fall, most of what took place in the 10-7 affair led to more questions than answers. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry for a roundtable covering what we saw and didn’t see in the scrimmage, gymnastics falling just short of a national title, Trinity Thomas’s place in history, another big addition for men’s basketball in the portal, softball’s Skylar Wallace on a tear, a questionable suspension for baseball and the athletes who historically bent the rules in the PAT (1:51). Then, we’ll get to know softball “super senior” Charla Echols as she winds down her tremendous career on the diamond (33:59). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Spring football comes to a close this week with the Orange and Blue game going under the lights on Thursday, and while that is strictly an exhibition, the stakes couldn’t be higher for gymnastics as they pursue a national title in Fort Worth. On today’s show, host Adam Schick convenes a roundtable with FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry and “The Voice of the Gators” Sean Kelley to discuss expectations for the spring game, key players to watch, an influx of new basketball talent pouring in through the portal, Trinity Thomas and gymnastics trying to reach the top of the podium in Texas, baseball chugging along through the SEC, a new NIL partner for the athletic program and most desired cruise destinations in the PAT (1:54). Then, sophomore safety Miguel Mitchell talks growing up in Alabama, transitioning to safety and rising up the depth chart this spring (34:17). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTa

To celebrate our 350th episode, we wanted to do something special to commemorate the milestone, and we didn’t have to go very far to find a dynamo worthy of the spotlight. Well beyond just gymnastics, few athletes in any sport have had the success enjoyed by Trinity Thomas. Equal parts electric performer and physical specimen, she has carved her name deep into Gator lore, with a legacy that will live on long after she leaves Gainesville and enters her next phase, so it felt like the perfect time to take a deep dive into her story. In an extended conversation with host Adam Schick, Thomas shares what drew her to the sport, how she became an elite gymnast, the thrill of international competition, why she wanted to be a Gator, the biggest challenges in her career, the accomplishments that mean the most to her, what she likes to do away from gymnastics and much more. Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

It was a busy week across the board for the Gators, and with spring cleaning in season, baseball set the tone by bringing brooms to Oxford and sweeping the defending national champions. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry and “The Voice of the Gators” Sean Kelley to discuss the bats going bombs away at Ole Miss, softball’s mixed results in Fayetteville, a strong WNIT run coming to an end for women’s basketball, standout performances from the NCAA swimming and diving championships and our favorite fictional sports characters from Hollywood in the PAT (1:52). Then, rising Junior running back Montrell Johnson Jr. shares his path to Gainesville, what he learned in his first year as a Gator and why the food in Florida just doesn’t hold up to the high standards of the Louisiana native (22:35). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

In case the official arrival of Spring isn’t enough to convince you the season is here, the return of “Rainesville” should do the trick, with baseball and softball both changing schedules on the fly to accommodate torrential downpours. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry to discuss baseball and softball opening conference play, a familiar face joining the football coaching staff, the state of men’s basketball entering the offseason, women’s basketball rolling in the WNIT, gymnastics claiming another SEC crown and the fairness of March Madness in the PAT (1:57). Then, baseball’s breakout star Jac Caglianone stops by to share the keys to his meteoric rise, overcoming the adversity of Tommy John surgery and the big league parks where he would relish the chance to take batting practice (30:08). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Basketball came to an end this week, but the cyclical nature of the college athletic calendar ensures there are few lulls, especially when you have multiple top 10 teams rolling around campus. On today’s show, host Adam Schick is joined by FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry to discuss a notable change to the football schedule, the latest rumblings out of spring camp, baseball once again getting out the brooms and whether North Carolina skipping the NIT is a swish or an air ball in the PAT (1:51). Then, six-time national champion and new NCAA long and triple jump record-holder Jasmine Moore stops by to discuss her incredible performance at the indoor meet, what turned her from a Bulldog into a Gator and what the path to 2024 in Paris looks like for the Olympian (21:10). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

While basketball generally dominates the conversation in March, the performance of Anthony Richardson at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis was the talk of the sports world last week, driving some GMs and scouts to a different level of madness. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry and “The Voice of the Gators” Sean Kelley for a roundtable chat about AR’s record-smashing measurables, the start of spring practice back in Gainesville, a new tight ends coach ascending from within the organization, baseball’s raucous weekend against Miami, basketball’s pledge to go out strong in Nashville and the wisdom of potential college football rule changes in the PAT (1:58). Then, recently crowned SEC Defensive Player of the Year Colin Castleton reflects on his time in Gainesville, how he has grown over the course of his career and what lies ahead (35:43). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaG

The coaching carousel is always a source of intrigue in December and January, but as the Gators learned this week, the NFL’s version can bleed into college football long after we think the ride is over. On today’s show, host Adam Schick convenes FlroidaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry and “The Voice of the Gators” Sean Kelley for a roundtable chat about the unexpected changes to Billy Napier’s staff, another SEC crown for gymnastics, big numbers for baseball, men’s basketball staying alive for an NIT bid and concerts we would time travel to see in the PAT (1:47). Then, lacrosse goalkeeper Sarah Reznick shares the psychology behind playing her isolated position, how she has managed to bring Long Island to Gainesville and much more (28:33). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

We can officially say spring is in full swing with baseball and softball both underway, and given the crooked numbers they’ve posted in the early going, their swings have literally been quite full! On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter and “The Voice of the Gators” Sean Kelley for a roundtable chat discussing the early mashings handed out on the diamond, swimming and diving’s SEC double dip, an emotional senior night on the horizon for gymnastics and Trinity Thomas, and TV shows that captivate in the PAT (1:45). Then, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of advanced data and how it’s driving the men’s basketball program with the director of basketball strategy and analytics, Jonathan Safir (21:07). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Following a rough stretch after their landmark upset of Tennessee, men’s basketball bounced back on Wednesday against Ole Miss, but in a game that saw Colin Castleton suffer a season-ending injury, at what cost did the victory come? On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter and “The Voice of the Gators” Sean Kelley to discuss the bad break for Todd Golden’s star big man, an explosive start for softball, baseball getting ready to take the field, the quartet of Gators who need to get sized for Super Bowl rings, who has the most to prove at the NFL combine, and whether the time/score of a game should influence what calls officials make it the PAT (1:55) Then, Florida baseball broadcaster Jeff Cardozo covers all the bases in a preseason chat with head coach Kevin O’Sullivan (36:14). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Spring isn’t quite in full bloom, but on the Gator calendar, it certainly feels that way with the start of softball and lacrosse this week – and baseball patiently waiting on deck. On today’s show, host Adam Schick covers a wide range of topics with FloridaGators.com senior writer Scott Carter, including football embarking on its offseason program, next-level technology being utilized by the creative team, gymnastics hosting Link to Pink, baseball loosening up in the bullpen and all things Super Bowl 57 in the PAT (1:45). Then, softball coach Tim Walton joins the show to discuss the program’s critical return to the WCWS, the continued growth of the sport and expectations for this year’s squad (24:35). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Desperate teams can often be the most dangerous, and for a squad clinging to the bubble as the calendar flipped to February, the Gators grabbed a monster win against 2nd ranked Tennessee on Wednesday, the first signature win of the Todd Golden era. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter and “The Voice of the Gators” Sean Kelley to discuss basketball’s massive upset, the emotional reunion with Keyontae Johnson, the last piece of Billy Napier’s signing class, the on-field retirements of two Florida baseball greats, and athletes who successfully went out on top in the PAT (1:52). Then, basketball’s Will Richard joins the show to share the impact playing against Keyontae had on him and his teammates, how he developed his sweet stroke and what prepared him to jump from a mid-major to the SEC (29:06). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

In case you weren’t paying close attention, Todd Golden’s team has gotten into a rhythm at the midway point of conference play, taking five of the last six contests going into a Big 12/SEC Challenge match-up that will have the eyes of the college basketball world fixated on Manhattan. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter and “The Voice of the Gators” Sean Kelley for a roundtable chat about the streaking men’s basketball squad, the unlikely opportunity to play against Keyontae Johnson, the latest football players dropping in from the portal, Ben Shelton’s star-making turn at the Australian Open and fairy tale endings that came up a little short in the PAT (1:55). Then, we’ll meet men’s basketball assistant coach Korey McCray and discover his path to Gainesville, the experiences that shaped him along the way and how this life was his destiny from the cradle (32:57). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more i

If there’s one universal truth about the current state of college athletics, it’s that the landscape has shifted so drastically in the world of NIL and the transfer portal that it’s a brave new world for everyone, and those claiming to have all the answers aren’t fooling anyone. On today’s show, we’ll welcome FloridaGators.com senior writer Scott Carter for a roundtable chat about the Jaden Rashada saga, the near future for the Gators at QB, a mammoth new offensive lineman joining the program, former Gator Ran Carthon’s ascension to NFL GM, a record-setting night for gymnastics and the success of the supersized NFL playoffs in the PAT (1:50). Then, sophomore Kowacie Reeves stops by to talk about his growth on the court in year two, adjusting to Todd Golden’s coaching staff, and of course, his signature hair (21:01). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

After a slow start to the new year, it was a week of firsts for Todd Golden, with his first SEC win over Georgia immediately followed by his first conference road victory. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter and “The Voice of the Gators” Sean Kelley to discuss a banner week for men’s basketball, the latest football players to come through the portal, an Olympic-sized meet for gymnastics, and whether or not Georgia has taken the college football mantle from Alabama in the PAT (1:42). Then, women’s basketball guard Alberte Rimdal shares how she ended up in Gainesville all the way from Denmark and the culture shock that followed (25:00). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

A new year means new opportunities, which can manifest in a number of ways. For the Gators, it’s football continuing to add fresh meat through the transfer portal, basketball looking to kick start their season at the halfway turn and gymnastics embarking on what they hope is a national title run. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes “The Voice of the Gators” Sean Kelley and FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry to discuss the steady stream of new football players arriving this week, a tough opening to conference play for men’s basketball and the return of Mike White, women’s hoops getting a key win on the road, gymnastics’ highly anticipated debut and scary scenes in sports in the PAT (1:58). Then, gymnastics head coach Jenny Rowland stops by to detail the fuel last season’s runner-up status has given this year’s squad, handling sky-high expectations and how they plan to peak at the right time to win it all (36:10). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear

Although the athletic season has many more months and sports to go, when the calendar turns to a new year, we always like to take some time with athletic director Scott Stricklin to assess the state of the program roughly hallway through the campaign. On today’s special edition, host Adam Schick takes a deep dive into some of the most pressing issues facing both the Gators and college athletics as a whole, specifically the progress he is seeing after one with Billy Napier, the realignment and expansion of the SEC, the changes to the College Football Playoff, the evolution of NIL money and the transfer portal and much more. Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.