Senior Maryann Esposito could not have known the challenges Florida would be facing in its near future, when during an earlier interview she stated, "We have a bond in the team that we haven't had in a long time, and with all that, you're stronger in the face of adversity". Esposito may have been referring to Florida's difficulties last season, or perhaps was thinking of the loss of teammates Graziano (retired after her junior year), Betsy Hamm (transferred to Iowa State), and Susan Hines (initially granted a medical hardship to compete a 5^th year, but decided to retire last month). However, the knee injury she suffered on vault last weekend, while competing against Georgia was certainly not anticipated. It will likely sideline Esposito for this weekend's meet against Alabama, reducing Florida's squad to seven of its ten gymnasts. Gabby Fuchs, who was strong on bars and beam last year, is out healing from ankle surgery performed late last fall, but the hope is for her to return to competition later this season.

Florida seems to be struggling as a team on bars and vault. They are also having some difficulty in hitting their beam routines. Floor is definitely their strong event. Their energetic music and well-choreographed routines are promising to be crowd pleasers. They have some outstanding gymnasts to watch for. Senior Chrissy Van Fleet, a nine-time All American, the defending SEC Beam Champion, and the Region Two Uneven Bar Champion, is not only a contender in all events including the All Around, but also pleasure to watch on all the apparatus. Freshman Lindsey Miner had a strong debut on Bars (9.85), Vault (9.8) and Floor (9.775) at the pressure packed Super Six Challenge two weeks ago, and continued to be strong on Floor last week against Georgia with a 9.8. Freshman Jenny Carow proved her metal on Beam this past weekend, posting a second place score of 9.825. Sophomore Hilary Thompson has had some difficulty on Beam this year, however, she does share Florida's Beam record with a 9.95, which she scored last year. This third meet of the year could be the charm for her. She has already shone on Floor at the Super Six Challenge with a 9.9, followed by a 9.8 against Georgia. And don't forget Junior Teal Chiabotti, who also through a 9.9 floor routine at the Super Six Challenge.

Judi Markell is the coach of the Gators. This marks her 8^th season with the University of Florida. Assistant Coach Paul Colombo is new to the program, hailing from Birmingham, Michigan where he served as optional coach at the Olympia Gymnastics Club. Previously he was head coach at the Chantilly Gymnastics Club in Virginia, and served on the Master Staff at Woodward Gymnastics Camp, Pennsylvania, for more than 9 years. Also new is Assistant Coach Milan Stankowich, who comes from the Let It Shine Gymnastics Club in Franklin, Tennessee. Previously he was the owner and head women's coach at Karon's Gymnastics in Burke, Virginia. He has coached a total of 33 gymnasts who have gone on to receive college gymnastics scholarships, including Alabama's own Marie Robbins, who was the 1990 SEC All Around Champion.

Should Florida's remaining gymnasts stay strong and hit all their routines, Alabama could be faced with some stiff competition. And if not, the floor routines alone will be well worth the price of admission.