Gator Tales Podcast

On this episode, Sean Kelley sits down with head football coach Billy Napier as the Gators wrap up spring practices and the annual Orange and Blue Game.    At the Scholarship Endowment Dinner, Kelley gets a chance to discuss all the success of Florida Swimming and Diving with captains Emma Weyant and Jake Mitchell. "Kenna On Campus" with UF student Kenna McGinnis reports on the latest Gators results and Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin answers questions about NIL in "Ask the AD." Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. https://twitter.com/GatorsPodcast https://facebook.com/GatorsPodcast https://twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

It's episode 30 and we're bringing you a preview of the Orange and Blue Weekend - and beyond. This episode features a lineup of guests poised to make an impact for the Gators. We start with Chimere Dike, the talented wide receiver stepping onto The Swamp for the first time in the Orange and Blue Spring Football Game after transferring from Wisconsin and reuniting with teammate Graham Mertz. Next, Sean chats with Mike Holloway, the distinguished coach of Florida's track and field team, as they prepare to host the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational. This event is a key highlight of the Orange and Blue Weekend. More: https://bit.ly/3Ugsyrz Additionally, UF student Kenna McGinnis offers a recap of the past week's Gators action in “Kenna On Campus,” and Gators AD Scott Stricklin responds to questions about the new SEC Football television package in “Ask The AD.” Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. https://twitter.com/Gat

In Episode 29, Sean Kelley starts on the practice field and visits with Gators defensive lineman Kelby Collins. Collins is set to be a big part of the Florida defense, and he discusses the changes being made this Spring and shares about his upbringing in Alabama.    Then, from the diamond, it's a visit with former Gators baseball catcher, now broadcaster, BT Riopelle. Athletic Director Scott Stricklin stops by to preview Orange and Blue Weekend.  And UF student Kenna McGinnis reviews the latest Gator results in "Kenna On Campus." Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. https://twitter.com/GatorsPodcast https://facebook.com/GatorsPodcast https://twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

Episode 28 features a Gator legend and perhaps one in the making. Sean Kelley visits with College Football Hall of Famer, Carlos Alvarez.  "The Cuban Comet" still holds the Gators all-time record for receiving yards and is the subject of a re-launched documentary about his career at Florida, his successful professional life in Law, and his on-going role as an activist.    Kelley then heads to the softball diamond to meet freshman pitcher Keegan Rothrock. Rothrock is off to a fast start and is a part of Gator Softball's explosive start to the 2024 season. Florida student Kenna McGinnis also appears with her "Kenna On Campus" report. https://twitter.com/GatorsPodcast https://facebook.com/GatorsPodcast https://twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

Episode 27 is a special March Madness edition from Indianapolis. The Gators return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021.    Sean Kelley talks with the Gators starting power forward Tyrese Samuel about the Gators going dancing, the team's secret sauce and the injury to teammate Micah Handlogten.    This episode also features a visit with iconic play-by-play voice, Kevin Harlan. Harlan is again looking forward to another assignment with CBS in the NCAA Tournament. And Florida student Kenna McGinnis returns with "Kenna On Campus."   Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. https://twitter.com/GatorsPodcast https://facebook.com/GatorsPodcast https://twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

Get ready to dive into the fervor of March Madness as the Gator Tales Podcast brings you an exclusive episode straight from the SEC Tournament, featuring none other than the stars of Gators Men's Basketball. Host Sean Kelley leads a captivating discussion with standout guard Walter Clayton Jr., who has taken the SEC by storm with his top-notch scoring and has quickly risen as an All-SEC Guard in his debut season with the Gators. But the excitement doesn't stop there. Joining the lineup of guests is none other than the legendary former Gator player turned Assistant Coach, Taurean Green. Honored as an SEC Legend this year, Green takes a trip down memory lane to reminisce on the glory days when he and his teammates clinched the SEC tournament title three times. And don't miss "Ask The AD" with Gators Athletic Director Scott Stricklin! Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. twitter.com/GatorsPodcast facebook.com/Gators

Episode 25 of the Gator Tales Podcast with Sean Kelley features Florida quarterback Graham Mertz and Gators baseball shortstop Colby Shelton. Mertz discusses his decision to stay at Florida for a second season, the start of Spring football practice and his new teammate DJ Lagway.    Shelton shares his journey from Alabama back to play in his home state for the Gators. He also talks about his ultra-competitive family and the things that shape him as a student-athlete.   Director of Athletics, Scott Stricklin, shares how he and the UAA handle the busy load this time of year in "Ask the AD."  And Kenna McGinnis has the latest Gator results from the courts, the pool, and the playing fields in "Kenna On Campus." Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. twitter.com/GatorsPodcast facebook.com/GatorsPodcast twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

Episode 24 visits with 15-time All-American Leanne Wong after her performance last Friday in No. 5 Florida’s upset of No. 2 LSU in front of another sellout Exactech Arena crowd. In that meet, Wong set the nation’s 2024 all-around high of 39.875 and her walk-off floor 10.0 not only sealed the team win, it was the final perfect mark needed to complete her Gym Slam [10.0 in each apparatus]. She’s not just an outstanding Gator gymnast majoring in pre-med. Wong also touches on: • Training with 2024 Paris Olympics in focus • CEO of her own business • Inspiration drawn from another Kansas City area outstanding athlete, Patrick Mahomes • New homeowner DIY • Her soon-be-released book “My Journey: Trust the Process” Host, Sean Kelley, also interviews Nolan Crist, senior manager of the Gators Men’s Basketball team. Athletic Director Scott Stricklin is back with "Ask the AD," to talk about College Football playoffs. Kenna McGinnis reports on the latest results from the teams in season for the ‘Kenna on Campus’ segm

Episode 23 introduces new football Executive Head Coach and Co-Defensive Coordinator Ron Roberts. Deputy Athletic Director Lynda Tealer previews the 10th Annual “Stay in the Game” event, an initiative that began in 2014 to promote female student-athletes taking an active role inside athletics after their time as a collegiate athlete ended. Kenna McGinnis has a recap of recent Gator athletic events. The show also features another “Ask the AD” segment. Director of Athletics, Scott Stricklin, answers a question regarding renovations to The Swamp. Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. https://twitter.com/GatorsPodcast https://facebook.com/GatorsPodcast https://twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

In celebration of Black History Month, Episode 22 holds a special conversation with the groundbreaking Ron Coleman. Known for being the first Gators African-American scholarship athlete, Coleman is an All-American, six-time SEC champion, and a lauded member of UF's Hall of Fame. Apart from his athletic bravura, Coleman is also a respected veteran of the United States Navy. As Gators Baseball enters its 110th season, Sean catches up with standout Jac Caglianone. Jac and Sean discuss his preparation and expectations for 2024. Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. https://twitter.com/GatorsPodcast https://facebook.com/GatorsPodcast https://twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

In Episode 21, Sean goes one-on-one with Florida Football Head Coach Billy Napier. The wide-ranging conversation features Napier speaking to various staff and system changes in the program. Napier also discusses play calling responsibilities, the arrival of DJ Lagway, the Gators success in the classroom, and more. This episode also includes a visit with Gators Golf Associate Head Coach Dudley Hart. Hart and the Gators have begun the team’s national title defense. The former Gator All-American and PGA Tour pro discusses this year’s squad, and shares his return to the classroom in pursuit of a long awaited degree from the University of Florida. Director of Athletics, Scott Stricklin is back for another “Ask the AD,” and Kenna on Campus celebrates National Women in Sports Day. Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. https://twitter.com/GatorsPodcast https://facebook.com/GatorsPodcast https://twitter.com/SeanKelleyLiv

Episode 20 follows Sean on his return from Lexington, unravelling the transformative coup for men's basketball. Shifting the spotlight to softball, we hear from versatile outfielder Korbe Otis. Otis maps out her journey from Columbine High School, through the University of Louisville, to finding her niche with the Gators. Furthermore, Sean engages in a deep discussion with Phil Pharr, the long-standing Executive Director of Gator Boosters. Having been a former Gator himself in the late '70s, Pharr now holds the record as the longest-serving employee of the UAA. Episode 20 is rounded off with another edition of “Ask the AD” featuring Athletic Director Scott Stricklin, and “Kenna On Campus,” providing another glimpse into UF student life. Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. https://twitter.com/GatorsPodcast https://facebook.com/GatorsPodcast https://twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

Episode 19 of Gator Tales kicks off with a chat with Leilani Correa, the current hotshot of the Gators Women’s Basketball Team. Correa opens up about her role as a seasoned leader of the team, her stellar recent performances, and her ambitions beyond her time in Gainesville. Transitioning to men's basketball, Sean catches up with Will Richard, the team's emotional backbone. Richard explores his personal journey that has shaped him both as an indispensable player and a resilient individual. Closing this week's episode, we present the inaugural installment of "Ask the AD." Gators' Director of Athletics, Scott Stricklin, joins Sean to answer a fan question about his role in steering the Gators towards unrivaled success in the dynamic NIL arena. Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. twitter.com/GatorsPodcast facebook.com/GatorsPodcast twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

In this week's episode, Sean Kelley has an exclusive conversation with the newly appointed Director of Football Performance, Craig Fitzgerald. After 25 years of decorated service in both the NFL and College Football, Fitzgerald brings his wealth of experience to Billy Napier's staff. He joins Sean to talk about his extensive journey and his vision for redefining the future of the Gators football team. Undisputed Gators Basketball legend Lee Humphrey also hops on the podcast. The two-time national champion reflects on his golden Gator days, his professional basketball journey, and his current multifaceted life as an HR professional, broadcaster, husband, and father. We also feature Kenna McGinnis as she delivers another enriching installment of “Kenna On Campus.” Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. twitter.com/GatorsPodcast facebook.com/GatorsPodcast twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

Here's our first installment of 2024 and this episode features Jay Bilas along with Zyon Pullin. Bilas is the lead analyst for ESPN's coverage of men's college basketball. He offers insight on the season so far, perspective on the changing landscape of the sport, and his insights on the Florida Gators.  Pullin joins the Gators this season after transferring from UC-Riverside. He is a fifth- year player who is having a high impact on the team. Pullin shares his journey to Gainesville, and talks about the evolution of his play. Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. twitter.com/GatorsPodcast facebook.com/GatorsPodcast twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

Sean closes the fall semester with a roundtable discussion featuring Scott Carter and Chris Harry from FloridaGators.com. The top stories of fall 2023 are highlighted in the three-way conversation.    Gymnastics opens the 2024 season in a just a few weeks. Head Coach Jenny Rowland talks with Sean about the new season, the defense of the 2023 SEC Championship, the national runner-up finish to last year and life without Trinity Thomas in the lineup.    And there's an Emmy award to celebrate for the Gators!  Randy Mickens, Associate Director of Creative Video for Football Recruiting, talks about his team's winning effort on the documentary. Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. twitter.com/GatorsPodcast facebook.com/GatorsPodcast twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

Episode 15 of Gator Tales with Sean Kelley features Max Starks and Tim Walton. Sean interviews Max Starks as he reminisces about his career as a Gator and a Steeler and shares a good Steve Spurrier story, too.    Coach Tim Walton is preparing for his 19th season as head coach of Gators softball. Sean checks in with Walton for a preview of the 2024 team and the future of sport in the Olympics.    UF student, Kenna McGinnis, is readying for final exams and takes us behind the scenes at one of her favorite study spots in "Kenna On Campus." Fans can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud as well as on FloridaGators.com. For more information, visit the Gator Tales page. Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. twitter.com/GatorsPodcast facebook.com/GatorsPodcast twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

Sean's guests in Episode 14 are Florida baseball head coach Kevin O'Sullivan and UF Hall of Famer Shane Matthews. O'Sullivan shares his thoughts on his team's fall workouts and the upcoming 2024 Gators baseball team. Matthews discusses his being named an SEC Legend, his career and his role as analyst on the Gators Sports Network football broadcasts.  Finally, Kenna McGinnis introduces us to the "Mic Man" in this episode's "Kenna On Campus" segment. Fans can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud as well as on FloridaGators.com. For more information, visit the Gator Tales page. Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. twitter.com/GatorsPodcast facebook.com/GatorsPodcast twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive

In this week's episode, Sean Kelley pays tribute to 5th year walk-on, Daniel Cross, who will be honored on Senior Day as the Gators football team wraps up the regular season against Florida State at The Swamp. Cross opens up about his journey of resilience and dedication to his teammates and the University of Florida. Additionally, Sean catches up with the rising star of the Gators women's basketball team, Aliyah Matharu. After two previous collegiate stops, Matharu has finally found her place with the Gators, and her joy is evident in her performance on the court. Finally, Kenna McGinnis engages with fellow students about the Thanksgiving holiday and the much-anticipated rivalry football game in her latest segment of "Kenna On Campus." Fans can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud as well as on FloridaGators.com. For more information, visit the Gator Tales page. Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a fut

Sean is back from Baton Rouge, and he talks about his trip with Gators Football to the LSU game. The conversation then turns toward men's basketball. Sean conducts his first interview with power forward Tyrese Samuel. Samuel is a native Canadian and transfers to UF from Seton Hall.   Then, it's off to the ice rink where Sean finds UF club hockey captain Connor Nicholson. Nicholson tells the story of a UF team that's been skating for nearly 30 years. Episode 12 also includes another installment of "Kenna On Campus" with UF student, Kenna McGinnis. Fans can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud as well as on FloridaGators.com. For more information, visit the Gator Tales page. Be sure to follow us on social and send us your questions and comments. We might even include your responses on a future episode. twitter.com/GatorsPodcast facebook.com/GatorsPodcast twitter.com/SeanKelleyLive