Citrus: Citrus grad is key player behind scenes for Gators

Citrus grad is key player behind scenes for Gators

By KEITH NIEBUHR

Ellanna Tallent has one of those cool jobs most people would brag to others about having.

The 22-year-old Citrus grad is a staff assistant for the sixth-ranked University of Florida men's basketball team. She works daily with coach Billy Donovan, his assistants and the players, has great seats to home games and takes numerous road trips.

The irony, though, is that because the program is such a hit, Tallent is pretty hush-hush about what she does.

"In Gainesville, I try not to tell people," Tallent said. "When I do, the first thing they ask, is, 'Can you get me tickets?' Then it's, 'Do you know the players?' or 'Do you know Coach Donovan?' "

Working for Donovan and Co. is her dream job.

Back in Inverness, Tallent -- a lifelong basketball junkie -- was the Citrus boys basketball manager for four years. Not long after she arrived in Gainesville as a UF student in 1997, Talent decided she wanted to work for the basketball program. Paid or unpaid, it didn't matter.

Through a friend from Citrus, Tallent met Tim Aydt, an academic adviser for UF athletes.

"I harassed him pretty much once a week during the fall semester of my freshman year," Tallent said. "Then one day, he told me the job was open and that I should go in and interview.

"I was thinking I would volunteer, but after I started, they were like, 'Fill out your timecard.' I said, 'Why?' and they said, 'We're going to pay you.' "

Tallent began working for the Gators on Jan. 1, 1998.

She started as a student assistant, which meant Tallent was in charge of recruiting mailouts, autographs and concessions at Donovan's summer camp. She did that for about a year before stepping into a higher-paying student assistant position.

Earlier this year, while the program's staff assistant was on maternity leave, Tallent filled in. The regular in the position later decided to stay home with her baby, opening the door for Tallent, who graduated last December with a degree in public relations.

Several people interviewed for the job, but Tallent was picked.

"When (her co-worker) was on maternity leave, I got to know the job pretty well," Tallent said. "I was waiting patiently, but I knew something would happen."

In her new position, Tallent handles compliance, the administration aspect of the summer camp, travel arrangements and interview requests for players and coaches. She also is a liaison between the coaching staff and school administrators.

"It's a family atmosphere," Tallent said. "Everybody knows everybody. It's a family. We go over to other people's houses for dinner, and we even jump in as baby sitter now and then when they need them."

Tallent has befriended many of the players.

"I have a really good relationship with them," she said. "I think growing up the same age as them was really helpful."

The coaches also have her respect.

"I don't think I could pick a favorite," Tallent said. "They're all so different, and there are qualities I admire about each of them. I've learned a lot from all of the coaches here."

Especially Donovan.

"He's very sincere," Tallent said. "You know that if he says something he means it. He's also very, very funny, which other people don't see."

So, what's the best part of the job?

"The relationships I've built," Tallent said.

Now, if only she could get people to stop asking for tickets.