'Madam Two Bits' named for Florida's matchup with Samford Bulldogs

The honorary role of Florida football’s human mascot, Two Bits, for the Samford Bulldogs game was announced, with Alachua County Teacher of Year Dwynette Smith serving as “Madam Two Bits” this weekend inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Smith is a music teacher at Metcalfe Elementary School and is married to a fellow music instructor who serendipitously once gave guitar lessons to Steve Spurrier’s youngest son. She was named the 2024 Alachua County Public Schools Teacher of the Year last spring, chosen from a pool of 39 candidates after two decades in the county’s system.

The invitation to serve in the prestigious role was extended to her by none other than the Head Ball Coach himself. As a Gators fan her entire adult life, the honor hit Smith hard.

“I lost it,” she said Tuesday of the offer. “My head almost exploded.”

What Smith brings to the Swamp

Smith’s passion is driven by what she describes as a “spark” that applies not only to teaching but also to learning and other facets of life. She hopes to bring some of that mojo to the Swamp to help her beloved Orange and Blue.

“I’m priming myself up,” she said. “We need to support these guys. I’m sure they were disappointed with what happened last week, but it’s just one game; it’s the start of the season. So I just want to go out and get the crowd going and do my part to help them be the Gators we know they can be.”

Florida needs all it can get and Smith just might deliver the “spark” the Gator Nation has been looking for.

Next up for the Gators

The Gators will get a chance to even up their 2024 regular season record against the Samford Bulldogs next Saturday inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the SEC Network+.

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