Gator Tales Podcast

In this episode of Gator Tales, host Sean Kelley chats with two standout Florida Gators athletes. First, volleyball star Elli McKissock shares her experiences as the Gators' libero, reflecting on her leadership role, her Gator journey, and the mix of emotions as she approaches the end of her college career. She also dives into her playing style and professional aspirations. Later, football center Jake Slaughter discusses anchoring the Gators' offensive line, growing up near Gainesville, and his off-field interests, including his studies in agriculture.

This unique episode of Gator Tales with Sean Kelley features two all-time Gators greats. Hall of Famer and football Ring of Honor member Emmitt Smith was back in Gainesville to serve as “Mr. Two-Bits” and enjoy Gators Football. He joined Jeff Cardozo and Tate Casey during the pregame show on the Gators Sports Network from Learfield. We share that discussion with Smith which featured a wide range of topics both past and present. Then, Kyle Crooks catches up with Gators Softball legend, Amanda Lorenz. Lorenz discusses her current pro softball career, the upcoming Olympics, and her storied time both as a player and a coach for the Florida Gators.

Episode 35 of Gator Tales with Sean Kelley, presented by UF Health, is all about transfers making an impact! Kelley kicks things off with Gators running back Montrell Johnson, fresh off a 71-yard touchdown run and a career milestone of 2,500 rushing yards. Johnson reflects on his journey from Louisiana to Florida and his role as a team leader this season. The senior, who also boasts over 2,000 all-purpose yards, shares how overcoming a knee surgery has only fueled his drive as the Gators prepare for their matchup against Samford. Next, Gators soccer star Lauren Donovan joins the show. A three-sport athlete from Loveland High School, Donovan transferred from Minnesota and has been a key player in Florida’s unbeaten start. The senior midfielder opens up about adjusting to life in Gainesville and how her bond with her teammates has propelled their success on the pitch. 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

The new athletic year begins with Episode 34 of the Gator Tales Podcast with Sean Kelley. In this episode, Kelley sits down with Gators quarterback Graham Mertz and Gators linebacker Shemar James for a combo interview. The three discuss the upcoming season and go into detail about the Gators offense and defense from each of the team leaders' perspective. Both players are fresh off standout 2023 campaigns as the Gators look to take a step forward in year three under head coach Billy Napier. Returning to UF for a second campaign and to CFB for a sixth season, Mertz set a new program record with an SEC-leading 72.9% completion percentage one year ago (third nationally). He also ranked sixth in the FBS and second in the SEC behind Jayden Daniels in TD-INT ratio (6.7), owning 20 touchdowns and three interceptions. He enters the 2024 campaign on the watch list for the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award and Davie O,Brien Award. In just eight games played, James ranked second on the Gators with 55 tackles and 5.5

Episode 33 times up with graduation weekend and another busy home weekend for the Gators in Gainesville. Florida junior outfielder Ty Evans goes deep with Sean Kelley with topics both on and off the diamond. He also gives insight on the Gators' preparations for the stretch run of the season.    Head Coach Roland Thornqvuist and Florida women's tennis team host rounds one and two in the NCAA Tournament. Kelley visits with Thornqvuist to get a review of the regular season and get a preview of the new challenge ahead. And UF student, Kenna McGinnis, reports on recent Gators results in "Kenna On Campus." 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

On Episode 32, Sean Kelley chats with Gators Gymnastics Head Coach Jenny Rowland to reflect on the 2034-24 season which ended at the NCAA Championship in Ft. Worth, TX. In Denver, Sean caught up with former Gators Basketball center and current Los Angeles Laker, Colin Castleton. Gators AD Scott Stricklin is back for another “Ask The AD.” This week’s question for Stricklin is about the Gators football off-season changes. 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

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