Gators Tabbed Second in SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll

Happy Gators, Marlie Monserez, Holly Carlton

Gators Tabbed Second in SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll

Wednesday, August 18, 2021 | Volleyball

Four Florida players named to preseason All-SEC team

By: Katie Callahan

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University of Florida volleyball team earned the No. 2 ranking in the SEC Preseason Coaches' Poll, as the league announced Wednesday morning.

Florida, who finished last season's campaign with a 21-4 record and finished second in the SEC, garnered six first place votes and totaled 138 points, just one point behind the reigning national champion Kentucky Wildcats for first place.

The Gators also boast four Preseason All-SEC selections in T'ara Ceasar (OH), Lauren Forte (MB), Thayer Hall (OH) and Marlie Monserez (S). The four selections are the most in the conference, followed by three from Kentucky and two from LSU.

UF returns nine players from last season's Regional Final team, including five starters and Florida's starting libero: T'ara Ceasar, Lauren Dooley, Lauren Forte, Thayer Hall, Elli McKissock and Marlie Monserez.

The Gators welcome four freshmen to the 2021 squad that looks to win its 25th SEC Championship this season – the most of any team in the league.

Florida's 2021 campaign will kick off in California, with the Gators competing in the Hornet Invitational Aug. 27-28, hosted by Sacramento State.

UF then returns to the Sunshine State for the home opener against Minnesota on Sept. 5.

Preseason Coaches' Poll (first-place votes in parentheses)

Place	School	Points
1.	Kentucky (7)	139
2.	Florida (6)	138
3.	LSU	118
4.	Tennessee	100
5.	Arkansas	98
6.	South Carolina	93
7.	Texas A&M	77
8.	Georgia	67
	Missouri	67
10.	Alabama	43
11.	Ole Miss	32
12.	Mississippi State	30
13.	Auburn	12

Volleyball Preseason All-SEC Team

Name, School	Pos.	Yr.	Ht.	Hometown
T'ara Ceasar, Florida	OH	R-Sr.	6-1	Panama City, Fla.
Lauren Forte, Florida	MB	R-Sr.	6-3	Tempe, Ariz.
Thayer Hall, Florida	OH	Sr.	6-3	Spartanburg, S.C.
Marlie Monserez, Florida	S	Sr.	6-0	Windermere, Fla.
Madi Skinner, Kentucky	OH	So.	6-2	Katy, Texas
Alli Stumler, Kentucky	OH	Sr.	6-1	Floyds Knobs, Ind.
Azhani Tealer, Kentucky	MB	Jr.	5-10	Grand Prairie, Texas
Taylor Bannister, LSU	RS	Sr.	6-5	Missouri City, Texas
Kylie Deberg, LSU	OH	Gr.	6-4	Hudson, Iowa