GAINESVILLE, Fla. — This week on Gator Tales, Presented by UF Health, Voice of the Gators Sean Kelley sits down with junior All-American Kayla DiCello as she prepares for a long-awaited return to competition in Orange and Blue.

The 2023 Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year stepped away from collegiate competition to chase a dream—earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team—but her journey was interrupted by an Achilles injury sustained at the U.S. Olympic Trials. After a season of recovery and reflection, DiCello is finally ready to take the floor again.

Just how long has it been? When DiCello competes on Friday, it will mark 1,001 days since her last appearance for the Gators at the 2023 NCAA Championships team final.

Episode 56 features DiCello on the eve of Florida’s season-opening home quad meet, where the preseason No. 3 Gators host No. 24 North Carolina, Temple and West Virginia inside the O’Connell Center.

In her conversation with Kelley, DiCello opens up about her personal growth during the injury-induced break, the role her faith played throughout her recovery and the excitement of returning to competition in front of passionate collegiate crowds. Adding to the emotion of the night, Friday’s opener will also feature her sister Karleigh, a sophomore competing for West Virginia.

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