— In a dramatic turn of events that has rocked the collegiate softball landscape, former Florida Gators standout and the nation’s No. 1-ranked prospect, Cali Decker, has officially announced her return to the University of Florida. The highly coveted catcher had entered the transfer portal earlier this summer, drawing serious interest from top-tier programs, including Tennessee, Texas Tech, and UCLA.
But in an emotional video posted to social media Monday morning, Decker confirmed that she’s headed back to Gainesville.
“Florida isn’t just where I played. It’s where I grew. I’ve got unfinished business with the Gators,” Decker said. “I’m coming home.”
Decker’s decision ends weeks of speculation and recruiting frenzy. The All-American catcher took official visits to multiple programs and was rumored to be leaning toward Tennessee, which offered a strong NIL package and the chance to reunite with a former hitting coach. But according to sources close to Decker, her bond with Florida head coach Tim Walton and the returning core of Gators teammates played a pivotal role in her decision.
“Cali is the type of player who changes everything,” Walton said in a statement released by the university. “We’re thrilled to welcome her back. Her leadership, energy, and work ethic are unmatched. She’s not just a great athlete—she’s a culture-builder.”
Decker burst onto the scene as a freshman with a .392 batting average, 18 home runs, and 61 RBIs, helping lead the Gators to a Women’s College World Series semifinal. Known for her rocket arm and clutch hitting, she was widely considered the face of the program before surprisingly entering the portal following the 2024 season.
Her return comes as a major boost to a Florida team that finished just shy of a WCWS berth last season. With several key veterans returning and one of the top recruiting classes incoming, the Gators are now considered early favorites to make a deep postseason run.
“I took time to explore my options, and I’m grateful to the programs that believed in me,” Decker added. “But at the end of the day, I know where I belong. I’m ready to win a championship with Florida.”
Gator Nation is already buzzing—with social media flooded with welcome-back messages and optimism for what could be a title-winning season ahead.
