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Cade Kurland, a Tampa native, graduated high school a year early to join the Florida Gators baseball team for the 2023 season, and he said his level of success in this short period of time has been unexpected.
Before Florida
Kurland’s accolades drew in interest from Florida early, as he said he committed to UF in eighth grade. He continued to reveal his talent in high school.
Kurland attended Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa. In his three years at Berkeley Prep, his baseball resume skyrocketed as he posted record after record.
He was the all-time leader in hits (133), runs (126), RBI (106), bases stolen (52) and home runs (18). Other accomplishments in Kurland’s career prior to coming to Gainesville include being named three-time Berkeley Prep Team MVP, serving as team captain for the 2021-2022 season and leading his team to the 2022 Class 3A State Championship, to name a few.
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As a fourth generation Gator, Kurland had his sights on becoming a Gator one day.
“I feel like it was always Florida.”
“I knew there was no where else I’d rather play.”
His dream became a reality.
Making the Jump to College
Kurland spoke on the biggest difference between high school and SEC baseball.
The biggest difference, he said, is the speed of play. He spoke to how the other guys on the team have help him in this adjustment.
He also spoke on the feeling he gets at Condron Ballpark.
“It’s unreal.”
Kurland recalled the first time he ran out onto the field at home.
Additionally, he spoke on his academic plans. He intends to get a degree in Finance.
Kurland So Far This Season
Kurland had his first hit collegiate career hit, a one-out double, on Feb. 18.
He now has 37 H, 33 RBI and 8 HR on the season. On the defensive end, Kurland serves as an infielder.
A couple of his season high statistics include 4 runs scored on March 7 against FAU and 4 RBI’s on March 26 against Ole Miss.
One standout moment of the season comes in game 1 of the Gators’ three game series against Mississippi on the road on March 25.
When Kurland approached the plate, there were two outs, bases loaded and the Gator’s were trailing 6-4 in the top of the eighth. He crushed the ball to right center field. His double cleared the bases and gave the Gators a 7-6 lead. They would end up winning 9-7 and swept the series in the two subsequent games.
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Kurland talked about the most fun thing he has experienced as part of Gator’s baseball so far. He expressed his appreciation for the talent he is surround by and described the positive brotherhood within the team dynamic.
Up Next For Gator Baseball
The Gators will face the Auburn Tigers in a three game series at Condron Ballpark in Gainesville, which begins Friday.
