Lael Hill earned a spot on the Oct. 13 Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week after providing the assist on the game-winning goal versus No. 5 Alabama. [Photo: Erika Brown]
Lael Hill Earns Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week Honors
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | Soccer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida freshman defender Lael Hill (Windermere, Fla.) earned a spot on the TopDrawerSoccer.com National Team of the Week after helping the Gators shut out No. 5 Alabama 1-0 on Oct. 8.
Hill played all 90 minutes and delivered her first collegiate assist on Lena Bailey's game-winning goal with just 93 seconds remaining, helping Florida secure its second victory over a top-five opponent this season.
Hill is the only freshman and the lone Southeastern Conference representative on the Oct. 13 national team. She is the second Gator recognized by TopDrawerSoccer this season, joining senior Kyra Taylor, who earned National Player of the Week honors Aug. 25.
The Gators then travel to No. 23 Arkansas for a Sunday, Oct. 18 match.
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
SEC Schedule
Hill played all 90 minutes and delivered her first collegiate assist on Lena Bailey's game-winning goal with just 93 seconds remaining, helping Florida secure its second victory over a top-five opponent this season.
LENA BAILEY PUTS THE GATORS AHEAD 🚀 🎥 SEC Network https://t.co/usVWxzLNXd
— Gators Soccer (@GatorsSoccer) October 9, 2026
Hill is the only freshman and the lone Southeastern Conference representative on the Oct. 13 national team. She is the second Gator recognized by TopDrawerSoccer this season, joining senior Kyra Taylor, who earned National Player of the Week honors Aug. 25.
Hill's Impact Against Alabama
- Set up the game-winner: Hill sent a ball into space from deep in Florida's defensive half, finding Bailey, who finished from the top of the Alabama penalty area with 1:33 remaining.
- Anchored the shutout: Played the entire match at center back, helping Florida keep the nation's No. 5 team off the scoreboard.
- Helped deliver another top-five win: Florida also defeated then-No. T3 Florida State in August. The Gators are the nation's only team with two victories over top-five opponents this season.
- Established herself in the starting lineup: Hill has appeared in every match, making 10 starts, including the last nine. Her 945 minutes rank third among Florida field players.
Next Up: Two Ranked Road Opponents
Florida heads out on a challenging two-match SEC road trip, beginning Thursday, Oct. 15, at No. 3 Vanderbilt, which enters the week tied for first in the conference standings.The Gators then travel to No. 23 Arkansas for a Sunday, Oct. 18 match.
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
SEC Schedule
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