Lorenzen Elected Vice Chair for SEC Basketball Leadership Councils

Florida’s Haley Lorenzen was voted as women’s vice chair of the Southeastern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Leadership Councils, it was announced Thursday by the league office.

Vanderbilt’s Larry Austin, who will serve as men’s chair, and Kentucky’s Alyssa Rice, who will serve as women’s chair, were selected by a vote of their peers at a meeting of the SEC Basketball Leadership Councils in Birmingham. One male representative and one female representative from each of the SEC’s 14 institutions comprise the two councils.

In addition, a vice chair was named for each council. Ole Miss’ Breein Tyree will serve as men’s vice chair, with Lorenzen holding down the duty on the women’s side.

Quoting Gator Senior Haley Lorenzen

“I’m really happy with that role! I just want to do my best to not only represent UF but also the greatest conference in the country. I’ve learned so much about what other schools do to improve athletes daily lives, but I also learned about different problems they have. With the council, the student-athletes have a voice and a way to make a difference.”

Quoting UF Coach Cameron Newbauer

“We are extremely proud of Haley being named the vice chair of the SEC basketball leadership council for women’s basketball. She has such a strong servant heart and passion for helping others and this role is one that she will embrace with pride. She is a true leader off and on the court and embodies the leadership characteristics that will create success after her time here at Florida.”

A Glance at Haley Lorenzen

• 6-foot-3, senior, forward from Iowa City, Iowa
• Earned bachelor’s degree in Event Management in May of 2017
• Taking graduate coursework in Event Management
• In 2016-17 was UF’s second-leading scorer (11.7 ppg), third-leading rebounder (6.0 rpg), second-leading shot blocker (38 blocks)
• Scored in 90 games – every game she has played (missed 2 games with injury)
• Career Numbers: 846 points, 467 rebounds, 100 blocked shots

Quoting Misty Brown, SEC Director of Student-Athlete Engagement

“The basketball council representatives voted four outstanding individuals to represent them as chair and vice chair of their councils. Alyssa Rice, this year’s Chair of the Women’s Basketball Leadership Council has been involved in a leadership role on the council over the past year while serving as vice chair. She participated in the Autonomy 5 meeting and SEC Spring Meetings this past June. Due to her role as chair of the Women’s Basketball Leadership Council, she will represent the Conference as an SEC autonomy representative during the NCAA Convention in January.

“Larry Austin, chair of the Men’s Basketball Leadership Council is new this year; however, he has shown great leadership amongst his peers and understanding of the Council and its purpose. Both the chairs and vice chairs, Haley Lorenzen of Florida and Breein Tyree of Ole Miss have shown great passion for leading their peers on issues related to basketball in the SEC. I’m excited to work with them throughout the legislative process while continuing to cultivate their leadership ability.”

What’s Next for the Chairs

Austin, Rice, Tyree and Lorenzen will attend a portion of the SEC Spring Meetings in May, and part of the group will attend the SEC Athletics Directors meeting in March.

About the Student-Athlete Leadership Councils

In 2016, the SEC introduced new Student-Athlete Leadership Councils in the sports of football and men’s and women’s basketball in which, in addition to the conference’s longstanding Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), provide student-athletes with additional opportunities to engage with campus leaders and conference office staff.

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