Photos from GatorMade's trip to Tokyo, Japan
The GatorMade program has completed its second international trip. A group of 15 Florida football players spent the week on a cultural immersion trip to Tokyo, Japan.
The student-athletes who went were quarterback DJ Lagway, running backs Montrell Johnson Jr., Cam Carroll and Treyaun Webb, wide receiver TJ Abrams, offensive linemen Knijeah Harris, Roderick Kearney, Christian Williams and Bryan Rosenberg, defensive lineman Kelby Collins, EDGE rushers Tyreak Sapp and Kamran James and inside linebackers Shemar James, RJ Moten and Derek Wingo.
They were joined on the trip by senior director of GatorMade and player relations Savannah Bailey, GatorMade director of professional development Stephen Alli, GatorMade coordinator and football business manager Diane Lebon and former Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes, who now works with GatorMade.
The program, launched by coach Billy Napier in 2022, is a holistic player-focused and purpose-driven initiative that develops football players during their time at UF and beyond. The program has already provided the Gators with several opportunities.
GatorMade took a spring break trip to Atlanta in 2023 and went to Los Angeles this year. Players are also provided with two custom-tailored suits from Men’s Wearhouse for each year they spend at UF, as well as etiquette dinners and financial literacy sessions.
Last summer, the program took 16 players on 10-day service abroad mission to Greece. Check out the latest trip to Japan with photos below from Florida director of creative media and social strategy Jordan Herald.
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GatorMade in Japan
Arrival day in Tokyo, Japan.
Exploring Asakusa and Sensōji, Tokyo’s oldest temple.
GatorMade spent an afternoon in the Sumo ring, learning the rich tradition and highly competitive circuits of Japan’s national sport. Kearney and Sapp stole the show (see below).
GatorMade visited the entrepreneur collective at QWS, gaining insight into their profession and projects.
GatorMade spent a day at the Meiji Jingu and ended the evening with a sushi making class.
GatorMade attended a Japanese business etiquette session, practicing proper greetings, exchanging business cards, and understanding the philosophy of Arigato — a deep sense of gratitude and respect.
GatorMade visited the corporate headquarters of EPSON, touring the robotics lab, sustainability center and technology museum while interacting with industry professionals.
From the gondola up Mt. Fuji to a cruise around Lake Ashi, GatorMade spent the final day at Hakone, located in Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park west of Tokyo.
