Two Gator Soccer Grads this Weekend

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Two Gator soccer players – Tessa Barton and Josie Curtis – receive their bachelor’s degrees Saturday morning at University of Florida commencement ceremonies held in the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. In addition, senior and All-Southeastern Conference selection Daviana Vaka completed her work to earn a graduate certificate in sports management.

 

 
Both graduates transferred in to join the Gator team for the last two seasons. Curtis transferred to Florida after playing at Florida Gulf Coast in 2021. Barton played her last two seasons with the Gators after competing her first three seasons for Colorado.
 
The duo were regulars in Florida’s lineup in the last two seasons. In the 2022 season, Barton became the 24^th to score her first UF goal in first Gator start when she opened the scoring at Texas. Curtis started every match of 2023 and also started the first 15 matches in 2022 before being sidelined with a foot injury.
 
Barton and Curtis earned Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll recognition during their careers. Curtis secured a spot on the 2023 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team.
 
The soccer players are among more than 30 Florida student-athletes who completed their undergraduate degrees this fall. Among the other Florida student-athlete graduates is Justin Curtis (football), Josie’s older brother.