Behind the Bite: Florida’s Fresh Formula

Florida’s Next Chapter: Building Under Ryan Theis 

The Florida Gators are navigating a season of change and resilience under new head coach Ryan Theis, who took over after the legendary Mary Wise’s retirement. Despite a challenging pre-conference slate that has left them at 11-7 overall, the Gators have held steady in SEC with a 6-3 record, mirroring their mark at this point last season. Behind Theis’ new leadership, veterans Alexis Stucky and Jaela Auguste have elevated their games to new levels, while redshirt sophomore Jordyn Byrd and freshman Lily Hayes are emerging as key contributors in a lineup learning to blend experience with new energy in the post-Wise era. 

Alexis Stucky  

2024 – 18 kills, 220 assists, 12 service aces, 50 digs, 21 blocks 

2025 – 37 kills, 412 assists, 7 service aces, 115 digs, 23 blocks 

Jaela Auguste  

2024 – 55 kills, 32 blocks, 0 service aces 

2025 – 102 kills, 42 blocks, 12 service aces 

Veteran Pulse of the Gators 

Setter Alexis Stucky has taken a commanding step forward in her junior campaign, nearly doubling her assists from 220 to 412 through nine SEC matches while also upping her defensive presence with 115 digs, more than twice last year's total at this point. Her increased kills and blocking numbers suggest a broader, more dynamic role in Theis’ offense. Middle blocker Jaela Auguste has seen a similar surge, jumping from 55 to 102 kills and adding 12 service aces that highlight her expanded range at the net. Together, the duo reflects Florida’s adjustment to a faster, more aggressive tempo, one that leans on experienced players to drive consistency amid system changes. 

Jordyn Byrd 

2025 – 153 kills, 21 digs, 20 blocks 

Lily Hayes 

2025 – 146 digs 

New Faces of Florida’s Building Year 

Jordyn Byrd and Lily Hayes have stepped into major roles for Florida this season, each helping shape the Gators’ identity in different ways. After redshirting at Texas, Byrd has quickly become one of Florida’s most reliable offensive weapons, leading the team in kills 11 times and topping 20 kills in three matches, including a 24-kill outburst against Alabama on Sept.28. On the defensive side, freshman libero Hayes has impressed with poise beyond her years, becoming the first freshman to wear the libero jersey since 2006. She’s posted double digit digs in 11 of 13 matches, including a career best 21 against Pitt. 

What Comes Next 

Under new head coach Ryan Theis’, the Gators have been navigating both a new system and the high expectations that come with Florida volleyball. Despite an 11-7 overall record and a few bumps early in SEC play, the mix of seasoned veterans like Stucky and Auguste with emerging standouts like Byrd and Hayes has kept Florida competitive in every match. Theis’ influence has been most visible in the team’s resilience, tight 5 set battles against ranked opponents like Pitt and Baylor show a group capable of adapting under pressure. As the Gators continue to refine their chemistry and find consistency down the stretch, their balance of experience and fresh energy could make them a dangerous draw when tournament time arrives.