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At its heart, football can be simplified to a series of x’s and o’s. But football at the University of Florida focuses on the players behind the game. GatorMade is a player-driven program that develops football scholar-athletes during their time at the university. Savannah Bailey is the senior director of player relations and GatorMade.
Head coach Billy Napier hired Bailey in 2022 after her success as Clemson University’s director of life skills and community service. Her main focus at UF is to create opportunities for leadership and development for Gators football scholar-athletes.
Bailey Talks GatorMade
While she is an important member of the Gators football staff, it is not Bailey’s job to focus on the statistical performance of players. In a press conference, Bailey talked about how the Gators’ loss to Kentucky on Saturday plays a part in the development of the players.
After a disappointing performance, it is easy to focus on the outcome of the game instead of the growth of the players involved. Bailey stressed that every game also serves as a life lesson.
GatorMade’s Role
Napier brought in Bailey to help create a program that focuses on serving the needs of Gators players and alumni. GatorMade is tailored to be a program that shapes the lives of the players involved. During her press conference, Bailey highlighted the main goal of GatorMade.
Because GatorMade focuses on the players, Bailey spends a lot of time at the team’s events. Bailey stressed that ultimately the person is more important than the player.
What’s Next?
Bailey will continue to work with the Gators football team and shape the GatorMade program. In her second year, Bailey has already had an impact on the personal and professional development of Gators football players.
