After a disappointing end to the season last year, the Gator gymnasts were hoping for a better ending this season. They rose to the occasion, scoring multiple perfect 10s and holding strong with the #2 ranking every week. In addition, the Gators were looking to stay undefeated heading into the final meet of the season.
The meet was set to take place on Friday, March 13th. It was going to be a very special occasion, as it was also Senior Night. Gator Nation would have been celebrating the four special seniors: Sierra Alexander, Maegan Chant, Rachel Gowey, and Amelia Hundley. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meet was cancelled, followed by the cancellation of all spring sports’ seasons. This was understandably upsetting to a team that looked like it could make a run for the championship.
Just the previous weeks, UF had beaten both Georgia and Penn State on the road. At the Penn State meet, Rachel Gowey scored a perfect 10 and Sierra Alexander also got a perfect score on vault.
The Gators were excited to come back and celebrate with fans against Texas Woman’s University, but that did not happen. There will be no more celebrations this season. Instead, the Gators turn their focus to staying healthy and will look to build on their success next year.
Fortunately, Amelia Hundley will return as a Graduate Manager. Depending on what the NCAA decides about granting extra eligibility, maybe some of the other seniors will be back too. Nonetheless, the team will return Trinity Thomas, who was having a stellar year. The sophomore scored four perfect 10s this season. Gator fans also have something to be excited about in freshman Payton Richards. She had a great first season, and will look to build on that next year. And of course, the Gators will have new recruits coming in and looking to make an impact.
The Chomp: Bite-Sized Gymnastics News 
Hi Carly, thanks for sharing insight into the Gators gymnastics season. It’s so sad to hear about seniors missing out on special occasions such as senior night. It’s so disappointing and unfortunate that the conclusion of their collegiate careers came so suddenly.
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My heart hurts for the seniors around the country who did not get to complete, or even begin their final season. Luckily the NCAA decided yesterday that they would extend another season of eligibility to athletes who were impacted by the cancellations. However, many seniors have already accepted full time jobs after college and will not be able to return for another year. It is a Catch 22 and a huge disappointment for those who have worked so hard.
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As an athlete whose season was cut short due to the rise of the corona virus, I truly feel for these gymnasts and my fellow seniors. It is an unfortunate situation that blindsided us all and with their season going so well. It is tough to take in. I can only hope that they stay safe and positive during these times.
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This news was absolutely heartbreaking at the time. We actually had a meeting minutes before the news broke about how the meet was going to be held without fans. Since it was senior night families would be invited, but they would be the only people in the stands. We were trying to figure out ways to normalize the situation for the team. Hopefully they can carry the momentum from this season into the 2021 season.
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