Florida volleyball coach Mary Wise draws rave reviews from Gators coaches

Kelly Rae Finley: Florida Women’s Basketball Coach

“A Hall-of-Fame volleyball coach who had a tremendous career here as a woman, coaching women. It’s really inspiring. Not only was she able to win a lot of games, but she was able to impact young student athletes, young women, to be very successful in their life beyond volleyball. For me personally, she has always been somebody who has reached out to me to help me, to lift me up, to empower me, to challenge me, to tell me that I can do it. It’s a unique environment to be surrounded by people who really only want her success, but well earned, well deserved. Coach Wise, we’ll miss her around here, but I’m sure she’ll be around to games. Her impact was tremendous, not only on the volleyball team, but on all women’s sports on campus.”

Todd Golden: Florida Men’s Basketball Coach

“She reached out to the rest of the head coaches last night, letting us know she was retiring. I was blown away because she mentioned how she’s been coaching for 43 years. … I wasn’t even a thought on this planet 43 years ago, to be honest. My parents weren’t even together 43 years ago. It really hit me just how long at such a high level she was able to do it. Successfully coaching is consistent across every sport, male or female, whatever it is. Most great coaches have similar characteristics. For her to be able to run such a high level program for so long – and obviously we’ve experienced a lot of change in college athletics the last few years, and there have been other periods over the last 40 years where there have been changes, as well – for her to keep UF volleyball at a pinnacle for that time period says so much about her. The text I sent back on the group chat was, ‘You are definitely a first-ballot hall-of-famer.’ She has so much respect from us coaches. At head coaches meeting or whatever it is we go to, you could just tell how all the coaches, whether it’s Tim Walton or JC Deacon, just appreciate everything she’s done over the years. Obviously, I’m a relative newbie to the other head coaches here, but I have great respect for her and what she was able to do for our program. She’ll be missed for sure.”

Jenny Rowland: Florida Gymnastics Coach

“What a legacy Mary Wise built – not only here with the Gators but also across this league and in collegiate sports. Always admired her ability to get the best out of each team and to be a constant among the national leaders.  Mary will leave an undeniable impact on Gators athletics and the many young women she coached.”

Amanda O’Leary: Florida Lacrosse Coach

“When I first arrived in Gainesville, I was fortunate to have Mary just a few offices away. She quickly became my go-to for advice — not just on navigating my new coaching role and the UAA, but also on life in Gainesville. Her guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support made a lasting impact. Mary has always been an inspiration. Year after year, I was always in awe of her success, her brilliance, and her ability to lead with both compassion and grace. She is the true definition of the GOAT! She will be deeply missed, but fortunately, I have her cell phone, so I can guarantee she hasn’t heard the last from me!”