Gator Gymnastics finish second at NCAA Championships

The Gator Gymnastics team suffered their first loss of the season to Oklahoma at the NCAA Championships in Fort Worth, Texas on Saturday. But, the Gators second place finish was their best overall finish since winning three consecutive titles from 2013-2015.

🐊🤸‍♀️ second in #ncaaGym final

Event winners in NCAA final
Vault: 9.9875 🐊@Gym_Trin
UB: 9.975 🐊@Gym_Trin & OU Danielle Sievers
BB: 9.9625 OU Ragan Smith
FX: 🔟 🐊@Gym_Trin
AA: 39.8625 🐊@Gym_Trin (equals 2nd highest ever in NCAA Final)@WellsFargo | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/sH2EPAJtwt

— Gators Gymnastics (@GatorsGym) April 16, 2022

Gators gave it their all

Just a year ago, the Gators gymnastics team finished in last place at the 2021 NCAA Championship Finals. Florida returned to the same arena this year with the mindset of winning a national title. Even though the Gators came up short, they gave it all they had.

Senior Trinity Thomas who led the way for the Gators said “We did our thing” and “We gave it everything we had.” This loss may sting for right now, but Florida

When Thomas was asked about returning for her extra year of eligibility she simply said “We’ll see.”

The Future of Gator Gymnastics

After the NCAA Championship finals, Gators head coach Jenny Rowland said “The future is really bright for this team. We’re returning a great solid core for next season. They’ve all experienced it so they’ve all got a good taste and know what it takes to get to this point.”

Final #SEC Gymnast of the Week for 2⃣0⃣2⃣2⃣ earned by 🐊 Leanne Wong!

🔸 3⃣9⃣.8⃣5⃣ ties 🐊 @Gym_Trin for national AA high
🔹 Won or tied for vault, beam, floor & all-around titles at NC State Quad

🔗 https://t.co/kpes5S4L9O#GoGators pic.twitter.com/02EDhEyiXR

— Gators Gymnastics (@GatorsGym) March 15, 2022

Freshman Leanne Wong and Sloane Blakley both competed in the all-around this year and both have scored a perfect 10.0 this season. Wong and Blakley have bright careers ahead of them at UF.

Super seniors Alyssa Bauman and Megan Skaggs performed their final routines of their careers over the weekend.

But, Trinity Thomas, Nya Reed, Savannah Schoenherr, Leah Clapper, Sydney Johnson-Scharpf and Halley Taylor are all eligible for another season of gymnastics.

Freshman Riley McCsuker only competed on bars and beam this year, but hopefully can compete in the all-around for the Gators next season.

Sophomore Ellie Lazzari and Freshman Morgan Hurd will be back from injuries next season. The Gators will add 2020 Olympic team alternate Kayla DiCello to the roster next season. DiCello is a 2021 World all-around bronze medalist and a 2021 floor exercise silver medalist.

The Gators are looking forward for what’s to come for this gymnastics team, but for now Florida will enjoy their second place finish at the NCAA Championships.