UF Men’s Swimming and Diving: Watson Named to 2020 SEC Swimming and Diving Community Service Team

Press release from UF Athletic Association

The Jacksonville, Fla. native made seven visits to three different Alachua County schools this year.

Freshman Tyler Watson earned a spot on the 2020 Southeastern Conference Swimming and Diving Community Service Team for his efforts in the community throughout his freshman year.

The team annually aims to honor student-athletes at each school for their contributions in their local communities throughout the respective year.

Watson led the men’s squad by volunteering at five different local organizations, highlighted by spending countless hours as a member of the Goodwill Gators Program.

During his time in the program, the Jacksonville, Fla. native took part in seven visits across three different schools in Alachua County. At the elementary schools, he mentored students with a focus in the areas of healthy decision-making and reading comprehension.

He also volunteered at JJ Finley Elementary school.

His last set of hours were spent at the Trinity United Methodist Church Fall Festival. The event is a Trick or Treat opportunity for families in the Gainesville area. Watson helped parents and children get off and on hayrides throughout the festival.

Watson ended his freshman year by setting three new top times as a Gator at the Auburn Invitational in the 500 free, 200 fly, and 400 IM. His 400 IM time helped him tally his first career collegiate win.

He would set other season-bests against FAU, Tennessee, Nova Southeastern/Indian River, and at the Georgia Tech Invitational.

Full List:

Cole Brown- Alabama
Brooks Merkle- Auburn
Tyler Watson- Florida
Walker Higgins- Georgia
Nick Smith- Kentucky
Nicholas Finley-LSU
Caleb Hicks- Missouri
Owen Devine- Tennessee
Jake Gibbins- Texas A&M