Scott Stricklin on His First Month as Florida’s Athletic Director

It’s been a little less than a month since Scott Stricklin joined the Gators as the Athletic Director and he’s jumped right into his role.  Though he’s only been to one game in the Swamp, Stricklin already has plans on improving the fan experience.

The new Athletic Director joined ESPN Gainesville today to share what his first month in Gainesville has been like so far.

Been a good day #ItsGreatUF #SECChamp25 #GoGators #day19 pic.twitter.com/MxCdZVHfRU

— Scott Stricklin (@ScottStricklin) November 19, 2016

The Job

If there’s one thing Gator fans share with UAA employees, it’s the passion for Gator sports. That was one of the first things Scott Stricklin noticed upon starting in his new role. Stricklin was impressed with just how enthusiastic these employees were.

The new Athletic Director credits Foley with creating this passionate environment that he’s now apart of.

Stricklin also quickly learned that this passion doesn’t stop with the UAA staff members. There’s a family-like atmosphere among the coaches. Becky Burleigh and her soccer team have gone to volleyball matches to watch Mary Wise and her girls. The coaches are known for tweeting their support to one another, as well.

Congrats @GatorsSoccer! SEC Tournament Champions! Thanks for going into OT so your Gator Sisters could see it live! pic.twitter.com/juvCJkcr1K

— Mary Wise (@GatorMary) November 6, 2016

Congratulations @GatorsVB @GatorMary #SEC Champions way to Go Gators! https://t.co/y0Owa17R45

— Tim Walton (@_TimWalton) November 27, 2016

For Scott Stricklin, getting to be in an environment like that is something he already loves being apart of.

The Fans

Scott Stricklin’s focus isn’t only on the players, coaches, and UAA staff. His focus extends to the fans as well. The new Athletic Director shared some of his plans for the future with ESPN Gainesville today. Many of these plans include making improvements for a better fan experience.

Though he’s only been to one game in the Swamp, Stricklin’s already thinking about how to make it even better.

Scott Stricklin’s thoughts go beyond just Florida football fans. One of his goals during his time with the Gators is to make all of the sporting venues better for fans of any and every Gator team.

Florida AD @ScottStricklin is live with us NOW on @ESPNGainesville, tweet us the questions you'd like asked on air! pic.twitter.com/6XDkFhHNwe

— Steve Russell (@SteveRussell850) November 29, 2016

Stricklin interacted with Gator fans today, when they called into ESPN Gainesville’s Sportscene.

The Future

Of course, making the move from Starksville to Gainesville does come with hardships. Scott Stricklin shared that his family has not yet made their way to Gainesville. With a teenager in high school, the sudden move couldn’t come quickly for the entire family.

With his family back in Mississippi, Stricklin has to fend for himself when it comes to meals.

That’s okay, though. It gives Stricklin a chance to become an unofficial local food expert in the area.

While he hasn’t been here for long, Scott Stricklin seems to love being a part of the Gator Nation. He loves the staff and the coaches. He loves the players and the fans.

What he loves the most, though, is getting to work with all of the above to make the University of Florida an even better place.

https://soundcloud.com/espn-gainesville/florida-ad-scott-stricklin-on-sportscene