UF Announces New 2023 Hall of Fame Athletics Class

The University of Florida 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame class was announced on Wednesday. Nine former Gators will be inducted. UF Athletic Hall of Fame is based on three categories: Distinguished Letterwinners, Honorary Letterwinners and Gator Greats.

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Eight Gator Greats

UF’s 2023 class will include eight Gator Greats.

Kelsey Bruder is the fifth softball player in UF’s Athletic Hall of Fame joining Chelsey Sakizzie (2008), Jenny Gladding (2014), Stacey Nelson (2019) and Michelle Moultrie (2022). During Bruder’s three years at UF, the team reached the Women’s College World Series each and every year.

Omar Craddock competed on the men’s track and field team between 2010-2013. While at Florida, Craddock brought home several national titles, and became a seven-time All-American.

Lauren Embree is one of the Gators’ most decorated athletes in program history. Between 2009-2013, she helped secure National Championships in 2011 and 2012 for the women’s tennis team.

Jabar Gaffney was under the wing of Coach Steve Spurrier between 1999-2001. Gaffney is the only player in UF’s history to record a 1,000 yard receiving season back in 2001. By the end of his career, he finished with 27 touchdown catches, 2,274 yards, and 138 catches for Florida.

Corey Hartung as a Gator gymnast between 2006-2009 became a 10-time All-American and All-SEC. She also brought home 58 titles, primarily from her performances in the balance beam and floor exercises.

Kelly Murphy was a Florida volleyball player between 2008-2011. Because of her setting and hitting abilities, she became the first Gators volleyball player to gain four AVCA All-American honors.

Erika Tymrak joined the UF soccer team in 2009 and played until 2012. During her time as a Gator, Tymrak earned 2011 and 2012 All-American honors, three SEC titles and scored a total of 32 goals.

Marc Valdes pitched for the Gators baseball team between 1991-1993. Valdes still holds the program record for wins and ranks first all-time in innings pitched. By the end of his collegiate career, he became the 27th overall pick in the MLB draft.

Honorary Letterwinner

Skip Foster took part in the men’s and women’s swimming and diving team between 1981-1995.

Foster was an assistant for the team from 1981-1990 and was eventually promoted to head coach. During his time as coach, he won two National Championships in 1983 and 1984 while also coaching 38 All-Americans. Most of all, he achieved a total of 253 All-American honors during his nine years at UF.

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