Florida Volleyball lands Second in SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll; Gators Duo Tab Preseason All-SEC

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – For the second-consecutive season, the University of Florida volleyball team earned the No. 2 ranking in the SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Florida’s setter Alexis Stucky and opposite hitter Kennedy Martin were named to the Preseason All-Sec Team, as the league announced Wednesday.

This duo 🔥

Alexis Stucky and Kennedy Martin have been named to the 2024 Preseason All-SEC Team!

🗞️: https://t.co/Pa3HzR7iJO#GoGators pic.twitter.com/g4J3GeLAUv

— Gators Volleyball (@GatorsVB) July 10, 2024

 Florida earned one first-place vote and 174 points to claim second place in the poll, behind the two-time defending National Champion, Texas.
 
Stucky collected her second career Preseason All-SEC honor. The redshirt sophomore suffered a season ending ACL and MCL tear during last year’s match against then-No. 1 Wisconsin on Sept. 17. Prior to her injury, she posted three double-doubles and recorded 40 or more assist in four of the nine matches she saw action. Following her historic freshman campaign, she was named to the 2023 Preseason All-SEC Team. The All-American was named the 2022 AVCA Southeast Freshman of the Year, becoming just the fifth Gator to receive AVCA Region Freshman of the Year honors. The Laramie, Wy. native was also named the 2022 SEC Freshman of the Year, while earning a spot on the 2022 All-SEC Team.
 
Martin, the All-American sophomore, garnered her first Preseason All-SEC accolade. Following her breakout rookie season, the Fort Mill, S.C. native was selected to the 2023 AVCA All-Southeast Region, 2023 All-SEC Team and 2023 All-Freshman Team. She became the first Florida freshman to earn an SEC honor each of their first three weeks in the program as well as earned AVCA National Division I Player of the Week honors on Aug. 29, 2023. Martin averaged 4.35 kills, 1.86 digs, 0.99 blocks and 5.14 points per game in her first season as a Gator. Most recently, Kennedy was a member of 2024 U-21 USA Collegiate National Team who won Gold at the 2024 NORCECA Continental Championships on June 30.
 
On Florida’s 2024 Roster
Florida returns 12 players from the 2023 season, with seven starting in at least four matches. Starting Libero Elli McKissock and outside hitter AC Fitzpatrick join the two All-Americans for their last year of eligibility. Seniors Gabrielle Essix and Trinity Adams as well as junior Emily Canaan will also return for Mary Wise‘s 34th season as Florida’s head coach.
 
The Gators welcome two graduate…