Chasen Hofmann ’20: From Panther Pack to Gator Nation
Chasen Hofmann ’20 has turned his Panther Pride into Gator Pride as he embarks on a new chapter with the #3 ranked University of Florida's Men's Basketball program. As a graduate assistant, Hofmann is making an impact on the court and behind the scenes, just in time for the Gators’ thrilling run to the Final Four in March Madness 2025. Read on to learn how his time at Browning shaped his career and how working with the Gators’ pursuit of a national championship has helped him discover his purpose.
How did your time at Browning influence your career path?
Since high school, I have known I wanted to work in sports. During my sophomore year at Browning, I joined the basketball team as a manager to contribute, despite not being able to play. I focused on handling off-court operations, allowing the coaches to concentrate on winning. From the jump, I wanted to do whatever I could to elevate Browning’s basketball program, scouting rival teams like Calhoun and Columbia Prep, which helped us win back-to-back NYCAL championships in 2019 and 2020. I decided to bring this drive to college, using my basketball operations experience to get my foot in the door with a higher-level sports organization.
What’s the most rewarding part of working with the Gators?
The relationships I've built with the players and staff. From day one in Gainesville, everyone—from Coach Todd Golden to 1st Team All-American Walter Clayton Jr. to walk-on Bennett Andersen—has welcomed me like family. Coaches have shared home-cooked meals, and players have included me in social events. I could tell early on that the bond being formed was unlike anything I had experienced before. These strong connections help us thrive in tough environments and stay united through challenges.
How does the coaching staff help players perform at their best under the pressure of March Madness?
We believe pressure is a privilege, and all the work since June—through summer workouts, preseason, and tough Southeastern Conference (SEC) play—has prepared us for March Madness. Our staff does an incredible job providing detailed scouting reports, but success ultimately comes down to executing our offense, playing intense defense, and rebounding. Off the court, we focus on ensuring players and staff have everything they need, whether it's 7 a.m. or 11 p.m.
Is there a memorable play or game you’ve experienced that stands out?
Winning road games, especially in the SEC, is the most thrilling. Memorable moments this season include beating UNC in the Jumpman Classic in Charlotte, and securing road wins against #1 Auburn and #5 Alabama—where shutting down taunting fans with our play was incredibly rewarding. And of course, winning the SEC Championship in Nashville against Tennessee was pretty surreal.