Preseason chat with Florida's Head Coach Jenny Rowland

In her second year as the Head Coach of the Florida Gators, Jenny Rowland is looking to continue building her own legacy at Florida. While the Gators didn't defend their 3 year long winning streak at the NCAA Championships last season, they did sneak past Alabama to claim the SEC title and continued to prove all season long why they are one of the best NCAA teams in the nation. In this interview, Coach Rowland previews her team's goals and potential for the upcoming season.

The 2017 Florida Gators

When you accepted the Head Coach position at Florida, were you nervous to be taking on one of the best NCAA teams in the nation? 
I would be lying if I said I was not nervous. However, I took the approach that it was an amazing opportunity at a top academic school in a top conference for gymnastics-- the SEC. It certainly has been all I thought and more. It continues to be an amazing experience.

With Bridget Sloan now gone, who are you looking at to be the leader of your team? 
With Sloan gone, there are still many great leaders on this team. Claire Boyce, Kennedy Baker and Alex McMurtry have done a great job leading this team with their knowledge and experience. They are a great combination of both vocal leaders and leaders by example.

What are your expectations for your incoming freshman? What are some of the skills they are working on?
This is the most well rounded freshman class anyone could ask for. They have already proven their strong leadership skills both in and out of the gym, they've adjusted very well as far as balancing the life of a college student-athlete, and keeping workouts light, refreshing and very enjoyable. I expect that their hard work and dedication to this team will allow them to be very successful this upcoming season.

Sierra Alexander- Sierra is a very powerful gymnast and one of the hardest workers on our team. Her raw talent needs to be a little more refined but will definitely be a viable option on vault, floor and possibly beam.

Vault: Yurchenko full or yurchenko 1 1/2

Beam: Front tuck+back handspring

Floor: Double pike, front layout+front full

Maegan Chant- Maegan was recruited for her deceiving power. She will be competing for a lineup spot for sure on vault and floor. However, she is a beautiful gymnast and wouldn't be suprsied to see her in the all-around by the end of the season.

Vault: Tsuk layout full or 1 1/2

Floor: Double layout, front step out to double tuck

Rachel Gowey- Rachel no doubt will be a viable option for the Gators on all four events. Her power and grace is a great contribution to this team and I expect she will be making a huge impact this season.

Vault: Yurchenko double

Bars: Stalder hect, double layout

Beam: Back handspring+layout step out+layout step out, front aerial, back handspring+back handspring+double twist dismount

Floor: Full in, double pike

Amelia Hundley- Amelia's strength, dedication, commitment and consistency is a huge asset for the team on all four events.

Vault: Yurchenko 1 1/2

Bars: Shaposh 1/2, half in half out dismount

Beam: Back handspring+layout step out, front aerial, switch side

Floor: Double layout, double pike

How has preseason training been going so far? 
Training thus far has gone very well. I was pleased with the team when they returned from summer break. Everyone went home for the summer since we had no gym they could train in due to the new renovation of our competition/gymnastics facility. We just had our first instrasquad and I was happy with where we are at this time. We still have polishing to do, but nothing too major.

I feel this team is definitely one of the closest teams I have ever worked with. We have a diverse group as far as personalities and leadership skills. They have fully embraced each other and gelled very quickly compared to teams I have worked with in the past.

This year picked up a transfer from Eastern Michigan, Rachel Slocum, how do you hope she'll contribute to the team? 
Rachel's transfer was flawless. She is very outgoing and someone who has made an immediate impact on our team. Rachel's bubbly personality is contagious and she brings a light-hearted spirit for gymnastics to a new level. Her work ethic and power will make her a viable option to make lineups in both vault and floor.

What challenges, if any, do you think your team will face this season? 
I feel that the biggest challenge is always staying healthy.

What are your goals for the team this season? 
My goals for the team this season is to take ownership of their gymnastics and enjoy doing what they love to do. I feel that if these are embraced, then it will be a very fulfilling and successful season for the team.

A lot of fans were sad to hear that Peyton Ernst was released from the team this summer, can you give an explanation for why she was let go? 
Peyton was granted a medical scholarship, which would allow her to finish her degree at the University of Florida, but she would not be able to compete at UF. She asked for, and was given, a release to speak to other universities to see about any options in continuing her gymnastics career if she chooses to transfer.

Now that it's been a year since the yurchenko full was devalued, what are your thoughts on the change? 
I think is has been a good rule change. It allows the teams to be a little more strategic with their lineups.

When recruiting, what are some of the things you look for in potential future Gators?
Talent level, their love for the sport of gymnastics and they have to love UF.  We want those who desire success in both academics and athletics.