Gators fans back new sports program

Posted Feb 23, 2010 by Aaron Oberlin

Updated Feb 23, 2010 at 11:39 PM

When University of Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley gave the go-ahead to launch a women’s lacrosse program two years ago, several issues caused concern. Crowd support neared the top of the list.

You can relax now Mr. Foley.

More than 2,000 energetic fans attended the team’s inaugural home game Feb. 20 against Jacksonville to see a UF 16-6 victory.

Two thousand might not seem like much for an athletic department that draws more than 80,000 spectators to every home football game, but it’s quite a feat for a sport with loyalties lying in the northeastern U.S.

“I was so impressed with the fan support,” said UF head coach Amanda O’Leary. “That was absolutely incredible to have that many people come out. It’s a testament to not only the University of Florida, but the community here in Gainesville. You can’t ask for anything more, when you go out and that’s your debut and you have that kind of support. It really says a lot.”

Lacrosse never really made its bones in the South. Most champions hale from schools such as Northwestern, Maryland, and Temple.

Florida thinks that can change, and after the attendance at last weekend’s home opener, it isn’t a far-fetched notion.

“We know [lacrosse] is one of the fastest growing sports in America. It’s an exciting sport …” said Foley. “I think the community will catch onto it really, really quickly. I think it’s a sport that kids can play and aspire to play at the University of Florida. It’s grown by leaps and bounds in the state of Florida.”

Fans who attended last weekend’s game got to watch the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class and a Hall of Fame coach lead them to a double-digit victory. Not bad for a new sport in the South.