Three University of Florida Gators gymnasts, including senior Skylar Draser, have been removed from the team. Head coach Jenny Rowland confirmed the dismissals of Draser, Ly Bui, and Lily Bruce, stating, "We wish them well moving forward. Our focus remains on supporting our athletes and maintaining a team culture built on accountability, respect and commitment."
Draser, a native of South Huntington, addressed the situation on social media, expressing her heartbreak over what she described as "hurtful" and "disturbing false narratives" surrounding her departure.
"I never imagined that stepping away from Florida in the middle of my final year would mean seeing my name circulating online attached to so many hurtful, and disturbing false narratives," Draser wrote. "It is heartbreaking to see people create stories about situations they know nothing about. While I cannot control what others choose to say or believe, I know the truth, I know my character, and I know what I gave to this program."
Draser was a consistent starter for the Gators on vault and beam during the 2026 season, achieving a career-high score of 9.95 on both apparatus in her junior year. She was also recognized on the SEC Academic Honor Roll for 2025 and 2026, the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll in 2024, and as a WCGA Scholastic All-American in 2026.
While Draser did not elaborate on the specific reasons for her removal, she stated her intention to complete her academic requirements at the University of Florida, graduate in December, and then enter the transfer portal. She noted that she has one season of eligibility remaining.
"As difficult as this chapter has been, I refuse to let it define me," her statement continued. "I will learn from it, hold myself accountable, grow through it, and come out stronger. I have learned how to keep showing up when things are hard, find strength in uncertainty, and believe in myself when the path ahead looks nothing like I imagined."
Draser concluded by expressing gratitude for her time at Florida, stating she is "closing this chapter with gratitude and walking into the next one with an open heart, a lot of faith and so much excitement for what’s ahead."