University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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Volleyball 117 W. Coker Although Lyra Vance was one of the Lady Gators most gutsy players, volleyball was not the only thing for which she was known. The first-year freshman was also noticed for her unique looks. Vance sported a hairdo that was cut into a tail with the sides shaved into rows. My haircut is an expression of my desire to be Vance said. I do not want to be just another face in the crowd. Her relatively short height for a volleyball player, five feet and eight inches, was also a topic of discussion among fans. I ' ve never considered myself as being short. Sure I ' ve looked over the net and have seen girls who were towering over me, but I never once got intimidated by them, Vance said. — Lyra Vance Freshman

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1) W. Coker Lady Volleyball Is Back After a six year lapse, the Lady Gator volleyball team came back into the competitive ring. In their first season since 1978, the squad broke even with a 16-16 overall record and a strong in the Southeastern Conference Championships. The team was revived so that Florida would have a better shot at winning the SEC women ' s trophy. The trophy was awarded annually to the winningest women ' s program in the conference. Originally, the volleyball program was discontinued due to lack of funds and a lack of SEC teams to play against. During the lapse Florida implemented a Lady Gator softball program which was laid to rest to bring volleyball back. The team was coached by volleyball Olympian Marilyn McReavy. Along with her Olympic experience, McReavy took an obscure Kentucky team to a fifth place national showing and led three other teams to national titles during her coaching career. Although Florida had a first season to be proud of, becoming a nationally ranked team is still foremost on the team ' s wish list. — Tina Gonsalves 1) The Lady Gator volleyball team was back and better than ever after a six year lapse in play. (Opposite page). 1) Senior Machelle Holman attempts to spike the ball and chaulk up another win for the Lady Gators. (Opposite page). 2) First row: Wendy Stevenson, Wendy Johnson, Lyra Vance, Robin June, Beth Blythe, Vicki Anderson, Ass ' t Trainer Kim Crandall. Second row: Head Coach Marilyn McReavy, Machelle Holman, Mary Ellen Silsby, Angela Cooper, Jerelene Cummings, Asst Coach Tom Cas- well. Not pictured: Kim Brown. (Opposite page). 3) Academic All-American Kim Brown was recruited by over 40 schools before deciding to attend Florida. 116 Volleyball

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Dunks Captivate Fans - The season brought many accomplishments to the Gator basketball squad. Not only did the team win games, but, finally, it won the support of Gator fans. The word basketball was rarely spoken by Gator fans and going to an actual game was unheard of. But, thanks to the efforts of coach Norm Sloan and a spectacular basketball team, people everywhere realized there was more to Florida than just football. Fans at home games averaged 8,000 in 1984 and the Florida vs. Florida State match-up saw a record crowd of over 13,000 fans, the largest amount of ever to watch a collegiate basketball game in the state of Florida. The growing support for basketball was encouraging to the players, trainers and coaches and they, in return, the fans with an exciting year in sports. The year ' s regular season was like a rollercoaster ride, exciting, scary, but well worth the trip. The Gators started the season with a seven game winning streak before entering SEC competition. On the road, the Gators captured big wins over tough competitions Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Kentucky. This was the first time the Gators had been able to beat all three teams away from home. After beating Ole ' Miss by nearly 20 points at the O ' Dome, Florida found on top of SEC standings where they stood for most of the season. Much of the Gators success is attributable to strong backcourt players like center Eugene McDowell and forwards Randall Leath, Francisco Leon and Joe Lawrence. On the perimeter were sharp shooters Vernon Maxwell, Daryl Greshan and Andrew Moten. With confidence in the team steadily increasing, a strong 84-85 season to build on and bright recruiting chants of SEC may someday become murmurs of NCAA. — Donna Bartee and Tina 1) Vernon Maxwell, Mr. Basketball in the state of Florida as a high schooler, shows off his McDowell-like form. 2) Andrew Moten came into the 1985 season as the SEC Freshman-of-the-year. 3) Center Eugene McDowell, was nicknamed the Dunking Machine honoring his spectacular form. 1) K. Rotberg 2) K. Rotberg 118 Men ' s Basketball