The University of Florida (UF), located in Gainesville, stands as a powerhouse in NCAA Division I athletics and is a proud member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Known for its prestigious academic programs and vibrant campus culture, UF also boasts one of the most successful athletic departments in the nation. With over 500 student-athletes participating across 21 varsity teams, the Gators have created a legacy that blends athletic prowess with academic excellence.
As of the 2024/2025 season, the University of Florida maintains its place among the top-tier athletic programs in the United States. The men’s sports teams have seen continued success, particularly in basketball and track and field, while the women’s teams have excelled in gymnastics, softball, and swimming. The UF men’s basketball team, led by coach Todd Golden, captured their third NCAA Championship in 2025, reigniting the flame of their back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007. Meanwhile, the men’s and women’s track and field programs, under coach Mike Holloway, have become a national dynasty, with both securing multiple NCAA titles in recent years.
The women’s gymnastics program is also a perennial powerhouse. Coached by Jenny Rowland, the Gators have consistently ranked in the NCAA’s top five, winning national titles in recent years and boasting individual champions in events like the vault and uneven bars. The women’s swimming and diving team is equally formidable, producing Olympic-caliber athletes and maintaining a top-10 national ranking year after year.
What sets UF apart is not just its ability to win but its holistic approach to student-athlete development. The Gators’ focus on academic achievement, community engagement, and career readiness provides a comprehensive college experience that prepares athletes for life beyond sports. In the 2023–24 academic year, UF was ranked in the top 5 for student-athlete graduation rates in the SEC, and it consistently finishes in the top 10 of the Learfield Directors’ Cup, which ranks athletic departments based on overall team success.
With a strong support system, elite coaching staff, world-class facilities, and a rich tradition of excellence, the University of Florida remains a destination of choice for high-achieving student-athletes from across the globe. Whether you’re pursuing Olympic dreams or hoping to compete at a high level while earning a world-class degree, UF offers the platform to achieve greatness.
List of Sports at the University of Florida and Top Performers (2024/2025)
Men’s Sports
- Football
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Golf
- Tennis
- Track and Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
- Cross Country
- Swimming & Diving
Women’s Sports
- Gymnastics
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Lacrosse
- Golf
- Track and Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
- Cross Country
- Swimming & Diving
Top Performing Programs (2024/2025)
- Men’s Basketball – 2025 NCAA Champions under coach Todd Golden.
- Men’s Track and Field – 2024 Outdoor NCAA Champions.
- Women’s Gymnastics – SEC Champions and finished No. 2 nationally.
- Women’s Swimming and Diving – Multiple All-American honorees and top 5 NCAA finish.
- Softball – Advanced to the Women’s College World Series.
How to Apply to the University of Florida
Step-by-Step Guide (Freshman Applicants):
- Choose Application Type:
- Common Application is accepted.
- Early Action deadline: November 1.
- Regular Decision deadline: January 15.
- Complete Your Application:
- Pay the $30 non-refundable application fee.
- Create your Gator Portal account to track the status.
- Submit SSAR (Self-Reported Student Academic Record).
- Submit official SAT or ACT scores.
- Supplemental Materials:
- Resume and essays (optional but recommended).
- Letters of recommendation (optional).
- Athletic Recruitment:
- Contact respective coaching staff via UF’s Athletics website.
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
- Submit highlight reels, game film, and athletic stats.
List of Courses Offered at the University of Florida
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs:
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Biology, Political Science, Psychology, English, etc.)
- Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering, etc.)
- Warrington College of Business (Finance, Marketing, Management, Accounting, etc.)
- College of Journalism and Communications (Broadcast Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising)
- College of Health and Human Performance (Applied Physiology, Sport Management)
- College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (Food Science, Environmental Horticulture)
- College of Education
- College of Fine Arts
- College of Public Health and Health Professions
- College of Pharmacy
- Levin College of Law
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- College of Medicine
Application Process and Eligibility
For Domestic Students:
- Eligibility: High school diploma or equivalent with competitive GPA (average 4.4 weighted GPA).
- Testing: SAT/ACT scores required unless applying as test-optional.
- Residency: In-state applicants receive tuition discounts.
For International Students:
- Academic Requirements: Equivalent foreign high school diploma.
- English Proficiency: TOEFL (minimum 80), IELTS (minimum 6.0), or Duolingo English Test.
- Credential Evaluation: Submit transcripts to an approved credential evaluation agency.
- Visa Requirements: I-20 form (issued after admission) + F-1 visa process.
- Financial Proof: Statement of sufficient funding for tuition and living expenses.
Visit: admissions.ufl.edu
List of Head Coaches by Sport (2024/2025)
| Sport | Coach |
|---|---|
| Football | Billy Napier |
| Men’s Basketball | Todd Golden |
| Women’s Basketball | Kelly Rae Finley |
| Baseball | Kevin O’Sullivan |
| Softball | Tim Walton |
| Gymnastics | Jenny Rowland |
| Men’s Track & Field | Mike Holloway |
| Women’s Track & Field | Mike Holloway |
| Men’s Tennis | Bryan Shelton |
| Women’s Tennis | Roland Thornqvist |
| Men’s Golf | J.C. Deacon |
| Women’s Golf | Emily Glaser |
| Soccer | Samantha Bohon |
| Volleyball | Mary Wise |
| Lacrosse | Amanda O’Leary |
| Swimming & Diving (M/W) | Anthony Nesty |
| Cross Country (M/W) | Chris Solinsky |
Most Award-Winning Sports Programs
- Track & Field (Men & Women) – Combined 13+ national titles since 2010.
- Gymnastics – 3-time NCAA champions and numerous individual honors.
- Baseball – 2017 National Champions; consistently top-10 team.
- Men’s Basketball – 3 NCAA titles (2006, 2007, 2025).
- Swimming & Diving – Dozens of All-American swimmers and Olympic qualifiers.
- Football – 3-time national champions (1996, 2006, 2008).
Scholarship Programs for Athletes
Athletic Scholarships
UF offers full and partial scholarships for athletes competing in NCAA-sanctioned sports:
- Covers tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and cost-of-attendance stipends.
- Awarded at coaches’ discretion based on talent, performance, and team need.
Academic and Merit-Based Scholarships
- Presidential Scholarship: For high-achieving incoming freshmen.
- National Merit Finalist Scholarship: UF offers full tuition and stipend to qualifying students.
- Bright Futures Scholarship: For in-state Florida residents (based on GPA and test scores).
Scholarships for International Students
- UFIC International Student Scholarships.
- Departmental Scholarships through specific colleges.
- EducationUSA/Global UGRAD programs for sponsored students.
