Gourley, Herndon Receive Degrees Saturday
Sunday, December 17, 2017 | Softball
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – University of Florida softball standouts, Delanie Gourley and Chelsea Herndon walked across the stage at Exactech Arena inside the Stephen C. O'Connell Center Saturday morning to receive their undergraduate degrees. They were amongst 36 Gator student-athletes that graduated during this year's fall commencement ceremonies.
Gourley and Herndon are a part of a graduating class that captured two national championships and three SEC Regular Season Championships while donning the Orange and Blue over their four years.
"I'm very proud of Delanie and Chelsea. These two have dedicated so much to the program over their time here at Florida and to be able to receive a degree is an accomplishment as great as any award they have received." Head Coach Tim Walton said. "Both Delanie and Chelsea are a part of one of the most successful graduating classes here at Florida as they have won two national championships and three SEC championships. They'll always be a part of the Gator program, and I can't wait to see what great things they accomplish moving forward in their careers."
Gourley, the first left-handed pitcher signed by Walton, finished her athletic career ranked inside the top-10 of 16 different career categories at UF and threw the program's six perfect game against Iowa at the Judi Garman Classic her senior year.
Herndon, a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection, provided electric moments for the Gators in prime-time settings over her career – most notably hitting a walk-off grand slam in the 2014 Women's College World Series against her former high school teammate Heather Sterns.
From The Graduates
Delanie Gourley – Sociology – Lakeside, Calif.
"Some of the top moments that I've experienced while attending UF were of course the two national championships that we won as well as the SEC titles and records broken along the way. However, I didn't know I'd gain the friendships that I have while being here, they are truly everlasting. I didn't know I'd have such a love for a town as little as Gainesville. I never would have expected that I would thoroughly enjoy standing in The Swamp with my best friends by my side, rain or shine, and cheering on the Orange and Blue. Lastly, I never expected the experiences that I shared with my teammates and coaching staff to have such an amazing impact on the rest of my life. I love this University and the Gator Nation with everything I have, and I want to thank everyone who supported me throughout this crazy ride I've been lucky enough to have had. Go Gators forever!"
Chelsea Herndon – Event Management – Carrolton, Texas
"Being a Gator was by far the best decision God has ever led me to. Having the opportunity to play softball at the highest level, while attaining my undergraduate degree in Event Management was such a blessing. Coming all the way across the country to attend school and play softball was a challenge at first. Having to adjust to everyday life on your own without your family or friends from back home was a struggle - which is why I am forever thankful for the University of Florida softball program. I came into the University of Florida with a family. The Gators softball program shaped me into the woman I am today. Not only did this program push me to my limits mentally and physically, but helped me develop many characteristics and life skills through softball. I am forever grateful for all this program, team, and coaching staff have done to get me to where I am today."
Gourley and Herndon are a part of a graduating class that captured two national championships and three SEC Regular Season Championships while donning the Orange and Blue over their four years.
"I'm very proud of Delanie and Chelsea. These two have dedicated so much to the program over their time here at Florida and to be able to receive a degree is an accomplishment as great as any award they have received." Head Coach Tim Walton said. "Both Delanie and Chelsea are a part of one of the most successful graduating classes here at Florida as they have won two national championships and three SEC championships. They'll always be a part of the Gator program, and I can't wait to see what great things they accomplish moving forward in their careers."
Gourley, the first left-handed pitcher signed by Walton, finished her athletic career ranked inside the top-10 of 16 different career categories at UF and threw the program's six perfect game against Iowa at the Judi Garman Classic her senior year.
Herndon, a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection, provided electric moments for the Gators in prime-time settings over her career – most notably hitting a walk-off grand slam in the 2014 Women's College World Series against her former high school teammate Heather Sterns.
From The Graduates
Delanie Gourley – Sociology – Lakeside, Calif.
"Some of the top moments that I've experienced while attending UF were of course the two national championships that we won as well as the SEC titles and records broken along the way. However, I didn't know I'd gain the friendships that I have while being here, they are truly everlasting. I didn't know I'd have such a love for a town as little as Gainesville. I never would have expected that I would thoroughly enjoy standing in The Swamp with my best friends by my side, rain or shine, and cheering on the Orange and Blue. Lastly, I never expected the experiences that I shared with my teammates and coaching staff to have such an amazing impact on the rest of my life. I love this University and the Gator Nation with everything I have, and I want to thank everyone who supported me throughout this crazy ride I've been lucky enough to have had. Go Gators forever!"
Chelsea Herndon – Event Management – Carrolton, Texas
"Being a Gator was by far the best decision God has ever led me to. Having the opportunity to play softball at the highest level, while attaining my undergraduate degree in Event Management was such a blessing. Coming all the way across the country to attend school and play softball was a challenge at first. Having to adjust to everyday life on your own without your family or friends from back home was a struggle - which is why I am forever thankful for the University of Florida softball program. I came into the University of Florida with a family. The Gators softball program shaped me into the woman I am today. Not only did this program push me to my limits mentally and physically, but helped me develop many characteristics and life skills through softball. I am forever grateful for all this program, team, and coaching staff have done to get me to where I am today."
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