The Fort Walton Beach High School boys and girls basketball teams traveled to Gainesville on Saturday, March 8, to visit the University of Florida campus and attend the Gators’ final home basketball game of the season.

• The teams watched as Florida defeated Ole Miss 90-71 with 11,191 fans in attendance, giving the student-athletes a taste of college basketball atmosphere.

Girls basketball coach Mercedez Clayborne said the experience left a lasting impression on her players.

“This game was an experience that none of us will forget,” Clayborne said. “There was so much learning in being a good team and an even better teammate. The experience set a new standard for them.”

According to Clayborne, the trip provided motivation and tangible goals for her athletes.

• “It gave them something tangible to strive for,” she said. “When we left the game, they were more motivated than ever to set higher goals for themselves.”

Boys basketball coach Chris Carswell emphasized how the college environment inspired his team.

“Exposing my boys basketball team to the college basketball atmosphere was more than just seeing a game,” Carswell said. “It was an opportunity to inspire, to dream bigger, to work harder, and to see first hand the level of dedication it takes to succeed at whatever you want to do in life.”

• The visit held special significance as the teams saw the monument of Fort Walton Beach High School alumnus Danny Wuerffel outside the O’Connell Center.

Athletic Director Holly McDaniel described the trip as a bonding experience that went beyond basketball.

“This trip was more than just a game—it was an opportunity to celebrate their season, experience a college campus, and think about their future,” McDaniel said.

McDaniel highlighted the collaborative relationship between the boys and girls programs.

• “The boys and girls teams work closely together, lean on each other, and support one another every step of the way,” she said.

Both coaches noted that the trip reinforced their love for basketball while providing a valuable learning experience.

“It wasn’t just about having fun—it was about setting a new bar,” Clayborne said. “It was about them realizing that the path to playing at the highest level is within reach.”

Carswell added, “Experiences like these remind us why we put so much time into it, for the love of the game, and push us to work even harder.”