Stephen C. O'Connell Center

Florida's Stephen C. O'Connell Center has a reputation around the Southeastern Conference and throughout the nation-enthusiastic and friendly if you're a Gator...noisy, deafening and menacing if you're the opposition. In 1999, ESPN The Magazine dubbed it the House of Horrors, the nation's scariest arena for opponents. UF welcomes its competition, affectionately known as "Gator Bait," with a pre-match show like none other. Spotlights, four new video boards, a light show and thunderous music highlight the team introductions before the crowd erupts in darkness with the playing of the Gator fight song. Fans roar with the final "Come on, Gators, get up and go!" as the lights burst on and the whistle for first serve blows. Additionally, Florida's mascots-Alberta and Albert, cheerleaders, the state-of-the-art shutter lighting system, four video boards and in-game statistics boards, and, of course, the best fans provide an atmosphere that is unmatched in Division I volleyball.

The Gators play on their own volleyball-specific floor, which has been home to many Gator volleyball achievements. The O'Connell Center is home to the Gators' 58-match home win streak (Oct. 14, 1990-Sept. 4, 1994), which is the fourth-longest streak in NCAA history. The O'Connell Center is such an intimidating venue that Florida has posted eight undefeated seasons at home and has won nearly 90-percent of its matches in the O'Connell Center - one of the top percentages in the nation. It has been the home venue in 16 of UF's 17 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 16 of the last 17 years. Eight NCAA Regionals have been held in the O'Connell Center, four of which sent the Gators to the Final Four.

“Our success is due in part to the support we receive both by the UF administration and the community,” UF head coach Mary Wise said. “We have in the O’Connell Center a venue that is one of the best places to watch and play volleyball. Our fan base has created an atmosphere where a home match is an event. We are honored to be chosen once again to host the NCAA regional in 2009.”

The Stephen C. O’Connell Center – Home of Champions

• Florida is one of only three schools in the Southeastern Conference (Kentucky and LSU being the others) to compete in its school’s main athletics arena.
• The Gators have played host to nine NCAA regionals, including three since the advent of pre-determined sites prior to the 2003 season. Florida again was selected to play host to the 2009 NCAA regionals.
• Florida has hosted NCAA first and second rounds in 16 of the last 17 years.
• The Gators have ranked in the nation’s top 10 in attendance in each of the last 17 years.
• Florida has won more than 95 percent of its home matches since 1991 and is 78-5 over the past five years.

Built at a cost of $14 million, the O'Connell Center (named for former UF President Stephen C. O'Connell, 1967-73) has become the showplace for college volleyball in the Southeast. In 1999, the O'Connell Center received $10.3 million worth of renovations. The old bubble top was replaced with a permanent cap and internal improvements were made, as well. Just in time for the 2006 NCAA Volleyball Regionals a nearly $3 million video installation project was completed. Four 12’ x 16’ video boards, which feature high quality, 10-millimeter resolution, as well as full-color ProAd LED panels, were installed. With seating for 12,000, Gator faithful have ranked UF in the nation's Top 10 attendance averages each year since 1991.

“Knowing that we have this much fan support makes us want to win more than we already do,” Florida senior Christina Diaz said. “When the crowd is really into it, our energy level spikes up and we can’t wait to score another point.”

The Lemerand Athletics Center

The Lemerand Center was designed to meet the needs of the Gator volleyball team, housing three practice courts, a team locker room and a sports medicine area. The facility is on the same block as the Gator Corner Dining Hall and across the street from residence buildings.

The complex opened in 1995 and boasts more than 43,000 square feet with the volleyball practice courts accounting for 12,000 square feet. In 2005, the facility received a facelift as part of a $13 million dollar project involving McKethan Stadium. The volleyball team benefited with a completely revamped locker room. The facility also includes a fully staffed training center with an emphasis on prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The facility gives the Gators an advantage second to none.

Strength and Conditioning

Florida volleyball players also benefit from training in one of the most comprehensive weight rooms in the nation. As part of Florida’s $28-million renovation and expansion of the Southwest corner of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, the strength and conditioning complex has expanded to a total of 20,900 square feet covered with one-inch thick resilient athletic flooring designed for weight training facilities. The weight room, which opened in June, 2008 is furnished with new weight equipment, TV monitors and a state-of-the-art sound and video system.

Under the direction of Matt DeLancey, assistant director of strength and conditioning for Olympic sports, the Florida volleyball team benefits from a comprehensive strength and conditioning program. DeLancey’s year-round program that includes general and sport-specific training that focuses on the belief that a daily commitment to excellence is necessary to achieve the results that a student-athlete desires.

Since Matt DeLancey’s arrival prior to the 2003 season, Florida has posted a 32-9 (.780) record in matches lasting four games or longer. His strength and conditioning program has given the Gators the competitive advantage to be as fresh at the end of the fifth game as they were at the start of the match.

Athletic Training

The University of Florida boasts one of the finest sports medicine staffs in the nation. The athletic training staff has the resources to care for the student-athletes with the most up-to-date treatment techniques to prevent and rehabilitate injuries.

Randall Wilkerson, a 2004 Florida graduate who began her career as the UF volleyball team’s student trainer, works directly with the Gator volleyball team. Florida is one of just a handful of programs in the nation to have a full-time trainer who works exclusively with the volleyball program. Wilkerson also employs a student trainer who works directly with UF volleyball.

In addition, the Gators have direct access to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mike Moser and team physician Dr. Ann Grooms.