Five Gators Earn Degrees Saturday
Monday, December 17, 2018 | Softball
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Nicole DeWitt, Amanda Lorenz, Aleshia Ocasio, Alex Voss and Janell Wheaton of the Florida softball team graduated this past Saturday. Lorenz and Voss earned their degree a semester ahead of schedule.
"This weekend there were five incredibly special young women that have achieved their goal of earning a degree from the University of Florida." Head Coach Tim Walton said. "Each of them has impacted this program in their own unique way and I cannot say how thankful I am to be their coach."
I wish Nicole, Aleshia and Janell the best as they move on to impact others the way they have here and I look forward to having Amanda and Alex back for their senior season. Amanda and Alex will have the honor of being able to wear the SEC graduate patch on their uniforms for the entire season and that is something to be incredibly proud of."
DeWitt, Ocasio and Wheaton, along with Kayli Kvistad, were a part of a senior class that captured four consecutive Southeastern Conference Regular Season Championships and a National Championship in 2015. The Gators are only the second program in conference history to have won the SEC regular season crown four years in a row.
Nicole DeWitt – Family, Youth and Community Sciences – Garden Grove, Calif.
"Deciding to become a Gator, was by far the best decision that I have made in my life. Having the opportunity to play the sport I love, with such an amazing program, while getting my undergraduate degree is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am forever grateful to be a part of a class to leave such an impact with winning a National Championship in 2015, and becoming only the second class in SEC history to win four SEC Titles. I am thankful for the amazing girls that I had the opportunity to play with, the coaching staff and all of Gator Nation that supported me throughout my journey. No matter where life takes me, I will forever bleed Orange and Blue! Go Gators FOREVER!"
Amanda Lorenz – Sport Management – Moorpark, Calif.
"Committing to Florida was the best decision of my life. I had no idea how hard it would be, yet so rewarding. I have built the most amazing friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life and I am so thankful that God led me to this university. The Gator softball program has shaped me into the woman that I am today and I am so thankful to Coach Walton for giving me the opportunity to wear the Orange and Blue. This place is so incredibly special. The people here have become my family and I love this university and this program with all that I have. To be walking away with a degree from the University of Florida in three and a half years is something I am so incredibly proud of. I am looking forward to starting graduate school next semester and finishing my career off with a bang. Go Gators forever and ever!"
Aleshia Ocasio – African American Studies – St. Cloud, Fla.
"Attending the University of Florida has been tough, yet one of the most humbling experiences that I have endured. Being able to graduate from a top 10 public institution and compete in the best conference in the country is a great accomplishment and the process has been unforgettable. As I reminisce on my time in Gainesville, I cannot help but thank my parents and family for their boundless love and encouragement throughout the process. Thank you Coach Walton, Coach (Jennifer) Rocha and the rest of our staff for the opportunity to wear Gators across my chest and represent UF. Thank you to all of my teammates for your comradery and unending love, support and understanding. And thank you Gator Nation for your unwavering embrace. This is a special place and I will forever bleed Orange and Blue!"
Alex Voss – Sport Management – Coral Springs, Fla.
"My decision to play at UF was always an easy one. I wanted to compete for championships, while earning a prestigious degree, but I had no idea that this school and this program would lead to much more than just softball and school. Florida softball has brought me to the best friends I could ever ask for, as well as shaping me into a more confident woman. I know God led me to the University of Florida to be more than just a softball player. I am so grateful to this program, this school, my teammates, my coaches and my family for consistently pushing me to be the best player, student and person I can be. I am forever indebted to the University of Florida! And as always, Go Gators!"
Janell Wheaton – Sport Management – San Dimas, Calif.
"Being able to represent the University of Florida on and off the field these past four years is an experience I will forever be grateful for. Winning a National Championship and four straight SEC Championships are moments that I will never forget, but being a part of a program that represents and plays for something bigger than itself every single day is special. I will forever cherish the friendships and memories that I have made throughout my four years here. Having the opportunity to play in front of Gator Nation and being able to wear the Orange and Blue each season is unforgettable. I can't thank my family, the coaching and support staff, and all my teammates for supporting and helping me throughout my journey. Go Gators forever!"
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