2016 Florida Gators gymnastics team

The 2016 Florida Gators gymnastics team is to represent the University of Florida in the sport of artistic gymnastics during the 2016 NCAA Division I women's gymnastics season. The Gators compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). They host their home meets at the O'Connell Center on the university's campus in Gainesville, Florida. The 2016 season is the Gators' first under head coach Jenny Rowland.

The Gators have been ranked No. 2 in the 2016 Preseason Coaches Poll, second to only Oklahoma.^[1]

Previous season

The 2015 Gators team came into the 2015 season ranked #1 in the Preseason Coaches Poll,^[2] and finished the season with an 8–2–0 record – after losing against conference rivals Alabama (Jan. 23)^[3] and Louisiana State (Feb. 20)^[4] in away meets. Following the regular season, the Gators went on to place third at Conference Championships,^[5] and first at the NCAA Regional in Morgantown, West Virginia.^[6] As a result, the Gators advanced to Nationals; their 33rd appearance at the tournament. After tying with Utah for first in Session I,^[7] the Gators were able to turn in a 197.850 in the Super Six, and were crowned 2015 National Champions^[8] – the third time in the program's history; all of which have been back-to-back.^[9] Additionally, Senior gymnast Kytra Hunter took the individual National floor title,^[10] as well as being presented with the Honda Award, as a result of her outstanding achievements.^[11]

On April 24, 2015 – less than a week after the team's National title – 13-year head coach, Rhonda Faehn announced her resignation from the Gators program; after being offered a Senior Vice President role at National governing body USA Gymnastics.^[12] Soon after, on Saturday, May 9, 2015 – it was announced that Auburn assistant coach, Jenny Rowland would be succeeding Faehn as the new Head Coach of the program.^[13] Likewise, it is assistant coach Owen Field's inaugural season at Florida.^[14] Previously, he held the same role with the Nebraska Cornhuskers women's gymnastics program.^[15]

Schedule

Florida announced the 2016 schedule in the September 2015. The 10-week regular season consists of 5 home and 5 away meets. The Gators will host SEC rivals Alabama, Louisiana State and Arkansas. Additionally, they will host two non–conference teams, California, Los Angeles and North Carolina.^[16] They will travel to SEC schools Auburn, Georgia, Missouri and Kentucky; as well as travelling to Texas Woman's in the first week.^[17]

Note: * denotes non-conference rival(s).

Roster

The Gators lost four seniors after the 2015 campaign; Kytra Hunter,^[36] Jamie Shisler,^[37] Rachel Spicer^[38] and Kiersten Wang – all due to graduation and the ends of their eligibility.^[39][40] However, they welcomed a 5-member–strong 2015–16 incoming freshman class composed of Alicia Boren,^[41] Amanda Cheney,^[42] Lacy Dagen,^[43] Peyton Ernst^[44] and Ashley Hiller.^[45][46][47] Amanda Cheney joins the team as a walk on athlete.

References