A collegiate gymnast is hitting out at the rumor mill after she and three other teammates were removed from the University of Florida Gators gymnastics team.
South Huntington native Skylar Draser, a senior, and juniors Ly Bui and Lily Bruce were removed from the SEC program this week, with head coach Jenny Rowland confirming the moves without specifying what led to the decisions.
“We wish them well moving forward. Our focus remains on supporting our athletes and maintaining a team culture built on accountability, respect and commitment,” the Gators head coach said in a statement to local outlets.
However, Draser spoke out in a statement on social media to express her heartbreak over the “hurtful” and “disturbing false narratives” surrounding her removal from the program.
“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. I am also so blessed to have the best family support through one of the most challenging times in my life.”
Draser was a regular starter for the Gators on vault and beam during the 2026 season and earned a career-high score of 9.95 on vault and beam during her junior year.
She was an SEC Academic Honor Roll member in 2025 and 2026, an SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll member in 2024 and a WCGA Scholastic All-American in 2026.
Draser did not provide details about what led to her removal from the Gators gymnastics program, but she did say that she would finish her academics at the University of Florida, graduate in December and then enter the transfer portal.
The senior has this season and a fifth year of eligibility remaining.
“As difficult as this chapter has been, I refuse to let it define me,” her statement read. “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. This sport has shaped me in countless ways, but it does not define my worth or who 1 am. I know who 1 am, I know what I deserve, and I am proud of the person I am walking away as.”
She added: “Although this chapter did not end the way I once dreamed it would I am leaving Florida with lessons I never expected to learn, strength I never knew I had, and a renewed belief that everything happens for a reason. I’ll forever be grateful for the memories, the lessons and the people Florida brought into my life. I’m 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.”
