Gators Sweep Big in WCGA Region 5 Coaching Honors
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Gators have made a tremendous mark in the world of collegiate gymnastics, sweeping the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) Region 5 coaching honors recently announced. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the relentless commitment, skill, and talent that the Gators coaching staff brings to the table.
Celebrating Coaching Excellence
Leading the way is Jenny Rowland, who has been awarded her second Region Coach of the Year honor, an impressive feat after achieving unparalleled success in 2020 when she clinched Southeastern Conference, Region, and National Coaching Honors all in the same year. Rowland’s leadership and innovative coaching techniques have undeniably played a vital role in elevating the team’s performance.
Not to be outdone, the Region 5 Assistant Coach of the Year accolades were claimed by Florida’s dynamic trio: Associate Head Coaches Adrian Burde and Owen Field, along with Assistant Coach Jeremy Miranda. This marks the eighth occasion that Burde has been recognized for his outstanding contributions, previously sharing honors with Field in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Their collaborative efforts lay a strong foundation for the Gators’ success.
Adding to the celebrations, Kim Green, the Florida Associate Athletics Director, has been highlighted as the WFCA Region 5 Administrator of the Year. A former member of the NCAA Gymnastics Committee, Green is on the cusp of receiving her fourth WCGA Region 5 Administrator of the Year award in 2025 – a true emblem of her dedication to the sport.
Key Highlights from the Gators’ Stellar 2025 Season
The Gators have had an awe-inspiring season, punctuated by several remarkable achievements that have rightfully earned them their latest coaching accolades:
Historic Championships Appearance: The Gators made their 41st NCAA Championships appearance, trailing only behind Utah’s 43 appearances, after triumphing at the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional with a staggering score of 197.70.
Top Seed Recognition: Florida boasts the No. 3 seed for the 2025 NCAA Championships, marking the sixth consecutive appearance among the nation’s top four teams.
Remarkable Regular-Season Ending: The Gators closed their regular season with a jaw-dropping score of 198.625, the highest in the nation for 2025, and the eighth highest total in UF history.
Dominance in Event Totals: With four team scores ranking among the nation’s top 12, the Gators established themselves as leaders in critical event categories:
- Vault: 49.70 vs. Kentucky – No. 1
- Bars: 49.85 at SEC Championship – NCAA all-time leader
- Beam: 49.70 vs. Auburn – No. 2
- Floor: 49.725 vs. Kentucky – No. T3
- All-America Honors: Two exceptional Gators, Selena Harris-Miranda and Leanne Wong, have been awarded a collective eight All-America regular-season honors. Harris-Miranda shone on the first team for all-around, vault, and bars, whereas Wong achieved first team recognition in all-around and uneven bars, along with a second team nod for vault, beam, and floor – becoming one of just four gymnasts in the country to earn the maximum of five All-America honors.
What Lies Ahead for the Gators?
Looking forward, the Gators are gearing up for the NCAA Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. This event marks a pivotal moment, as it will be Florida’s 41st participation in the NCAA Gymnastics Championships in its 43-year history.
The Gators will face stiff competition, joining three other Southeastern Conference teams – Oklahoma, Missouri, and Alabama – in the opening semifinal on April 17. Notably, this marks the first instance where an entire semifinal session features teams from a single conference since the inception of the Four on the Floor format in 2019.
NCAA Championships Competition Schedule
Date | Event | Teams | Time (ET) | Broadcast |
---|---|---|---|---|
April 17 | Afternoon Semi | Alabama, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
Evening Semi | UCLA, LSU, Michigan State, Utah | 9:00 p.m. | ESPN2 | |
April 19 | Team Final | TBD | 4:00 p.m. | ABC |
For fans seeking more information and details about the NCAA Championships, visit the official NCAA Championships Fan Info.
With their eyes firmly set on glory, the Florida Gators are ready to show why they remain a formidable force in the world of collegiate gymnastics! Stay tuned as they continue their quest for excellence!