Head Coach Tim Walton Previews 2011 With Media Monday
Monday, February 7, 2011 | Softball
University of Florida head coach Tim Walton addressed the media Monday morning as part of the Gators' All-Sports Media Day.
The No. 5 softball team opens its season this weekend at the USF Wilson DeMarini Tournament in Clearwater, Fla. Florida was picked by vote of the Southeastern Conference coaches to take third in the SEC Eastern Division. Last year, the Gators finished the season No. 6 in the country with a 49-10 (20-4 SEC) record after participating in their third-straight Women's College World Series.
Walton is on the brink of 400 career victories, entering the 2011 season 398-131 (.752) overall as a head coach. Walton is additionally just 25 wins away from his tallying his 300th victory as UF's head coach, boasting a 275-67 (.804) record leading the Florida squad.
UF returns five key senior starters and brings in a class of six newcomers, including four freshmen and two junior college transfers. Kasey Fagan, a Dunnellon, Fla., product and the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2010 highlights Florida's freshmen class.
After its season-opening road stand, UF will open at home Feb. 19-20 with a three-game series against North Carolina. Florida will additionally play host to top league rivals Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee in 2011.
