Lena Bailey is the third Gator to earn Southeastern Conference Player of the Week honors in 2026. [Photo by Erika Brown]
Lena Bailey is SEC Offensive Player of the Week
Monday, October 12, 2026 | Soccer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida senior Lena Bailey earned Southeastern Conference Soccer Offensive Player of the Week honors after her goal with 93 seconds remaining lifted the Gators to a 1-0 victory over No. 5 Alabama on Oct. 8.
The Tampa native delivered the winner with a right-footed strike from the top of the penalty area, handing Alabama its first SEC loss of the season.
Bailey is the third Gator to earn SEC Player of the Week honors this season. Seniors Kyra Taylor and Jayden Emmanuel were named the SEC Offensive and Defensive, respectively, honorees after Florida's 3-1 win over defending NCAA champion Florida State on Aug. 23.
Rounding out today's awards were Auburn's Eva Pattison earning defensive player of the week honors, while Kentucky's Elise Ernest is the freshman of the week.
Quick Look at Lena Bailey's Performance:
Next Up:
Florida opens a two-match road trip versus top-25 teams Thursday, Oct. 15, at No. 3 Vanderbilt, which is tied for first in the SEC standings.
Then the Gators close the road trip Sunday, Oct. 18 at No. 23 Arkansas. SEC Schedule
Thursday, Oct. 15 at No. 3 Vanderbilt (12-0-1, 5-0-1 SEC)
Time/Site: 7 p.m. ET at Vanderbilt Soccer Complex
Video: SEC Network +
Live Stats
Admission: $2
Sunday, Oct. 18 at No. 23 Arkansas (4-4-4, 2-1-3 SEC)
Time/Site: 2:30 p.m. ET at Razorback Field
Video: SEC Network +
Live Stats
Admission: $16 – adult; $11 - youth
The Tampa native delivered the winner with a right-footed strike from the top of the penalty area, handing Alabama its first SEC loss of the season.
Bailey is the third Gator to earn SEC Player of the Week honors this season. Seniors Kyra Taylor and Jayden Emmanuel were named the SEC Offensive and Defensive, respectively, honorees after Florida's 3-1 win over defending NCAA champion Florida State on Aug. 23.
Rounding out today's awards were Auburn's Eva Pattison earning defensive player of the week honors, while Kentucky's Elise Ernest is the freshman of the week.
Quick Look at Lena Bailey's Performance:
- Scored game-winner with right-footed strike from top of box with 93 seconds remaining to give Florida a 1-0 win versus No. 5 Alabama.
- Third among the 2026 Gators in points (9); shares second with three assists and tied for third with three goals. Nine points equals career season high
- Florida is nation's only team with a pair of wins versus top-5 opponents this season
LENA BAILEY PUTS THE GATORS AHEAD 🚀 🎥 SEC Network https://t.co/usVWxzLNXd
— Gators Soccer (@GatorsSoccer) October 9, 2026
Next Up:
Florida opens a two-match road trip versus top-25 teams Thursday, Oct. 15, at No. 3 Vanderbilt, which is tied for first in the SEC standings.
Then the Gators close the road trip Sunday, Oct. 18 at No. 23 Arkansas. SEC Schedule
Thursday, Oct. 15 at No. 3 Vanderbilt (12-0-1, 5-0-1 SEC)
Time/Site: 7 p.m. ET at Vanderbilt Soccer Complex
Video: SEC Network +
Live Stats
Admission: $2
Sunday, Oct. 18 at No. 23 Arkansas (4-4-4, 2-1-3 SEC)
Time/Site: 2:30 p.m. ET at Razorback Field
Video: SEC Network +
Live Stats
Admission: $16 – adult; $11 - youth
Players Mentioned
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/ Soccer
GK
/ SoccerMonday, October 12
Monday, October 12
Thursday, October 08
Thursday, October 08
