Florida Soccer Freshman Lael Hill Earns National Recognition

With the clock winding down against No. 5 Alabama last week, Florida freshman Lael Hill delivered a pass that would earn her national recognition.

Hill was named to TopDrawerSoccer’s National Team of the Week on Tuesday after helping the Gators secure a dramatic 1-0 victory against the Crimson Tide at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

The Windermere native recorded her first collegiate assist with a long ball from Florida’s defensive half, finding senior Lena Bailey, who fired home the game-winner with just 93 seconds remaining. 

“It’s just amazing, and then being able to translate it out here is even better,” Bailey said about UF’s execution on one of the last plays of the game. 

Hill’s contributions have extended beyond the decisive passes. 

The freshman played all 90 minutes at center back, helping Florida shut out an Alabama team that entered Gainesville undefeated in SEC play.

Hill has quickly established herself as a regular presence in coach Nick Zimmerman’s lineup. She has appeared in every match this season, making 10 starts, including nine consecutive. 

Her 945 minutes rank third among Florida’s field players. 

She was the only freshman and the lone SEC representative selected to this week’s national team. Hill also became the second Gator to receive TopDrawerSoccer recognition this season, joining senior Kyra Taylor, who earned National Player of the Week honors in August.

Florida (6-4-3, 2-2-2 SEC) is the only program in the country with two victories against top-five opponents this season, leading with the defeat of then-No. 3 Florida State 3-1 in August.

The Gators will look to carry that momentum into a challenging two-game road trip, beginning Thursday against No. 3 Vanderbilt (12-0-1, 5-0-1) at 7 p.m. ET (SEC Network+) before visiting No. 23 Arkansas on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. (SEC Network+).

Category: Gator Sports, Gators Soccer, Soccer