The Florida Gators welcome in five talented freshmen this season in hopes to defend their National Championship Title. The Gators will look to strengthen their depth and go for their 4th straight title this season. The Gators welcome in Alicia Boren, Amanda Cheney, Lacy Dagen, Peyton Ernst and Ashley Hiller. We look forward to watching this talented class in their first season at Florida. The Gators are also under a new head coach, Jenny Rowland. 

#Freshies having fun at their first autograph signing! Thanks to all who came by tonight! #GoGators #GatorMadness

A photo posted by Florida Gators Gymnastics (@gatorsgym) on Oct 2, 2015 at 7:06pm PDT

Alicia Boren
Alicia Boren is a freshman from Franklin Lakes, New Jersey where she trained at North Stars Gymnastics Academy. Boren is a very powerful gymnast who comes to Florida with great success at level 10. Boren is a four-time Junior Olympic National Level 10 all-around champion (2012-2015).  She also won the vault title (2015), beam, floor and vault (2014) and floor (2013) titles. Boren was a member of the J.O. National Team from 2014-2012. Boren’s power on both vault and floor will be a big asset to the Gators this season.  Boren also provides great talent and routines on bars and beam. Watch her powerful vault here. 

Coach Rowland on Alicia Boren
"Alicia is one of the most powerful athletes in this class.  Her consistency, passion and power will definitely have her vying for an all-around position."

Amanda Cheney
Amanda Cheney is a freshman from Orlando, Florida where she trained at Orlando Metro. Cheney gained great experience as a level 10 gymnast that she will look to build on this season. Cheney was the 2015 Magical Classic all-around and beam champion.  At the 2015 Sand Dollar Invitational she was the vault and balance beam champion.  Cheney was also 4th on beam at the 2015 Junior Olympic Nationals. Cheney has a beautiful triple flight series on beam that will be great for the Gators this season. We look forward to watching Cheney blossom this season.

Coach Rowland on Amanda Cheney 
"Amanda’s work ethic is second to none.  With this attribute, along with her power and talent, she is sure to vie for a position on several events."

Lacy Dagen 
Lacy Dagen is a freshman from Pleasanton, California where she trained at San Mateo Gymnastics. Dagen is a former elite gymnast who also competed level 10. Dagen’s 2015 season was cut short due to a season ending ACL tear suffered on a beam dismount.  In 2014 Dagen won the J.O. beam title and finished 3rd all-around and 4th on vault. She qualified to Junior International Elite with runner-up finish at 2012 Gliders National Elite Qualifier. The same year, she won the American Classic Junior floor exercise competition. Dagen comes to Florida with great difficulty on all four events along with clean lines and execution. She will be a bright spot to the Gators this season. Watch her yurchenko 1.5 here.

Coach Rowland on Lacy Dagen 
"Lacy’s strength and immaculate execution will help her contribute to several events. Fans will enjoy her bubbly personality, which comes through in her performance."

Peyton Ernst
Peyton Ernst is a freshman from Coppell, Texas where she trained at Texas Dreams. Ernst is one of the most anticipated freshmen to watch this season in the entire NCAA. Ernst comes to Florida was an amazing career as a Senior Elite gymnast. Her highlights include being part of the 2013-14 and 2012-12 U.S. Senior National Teams. Since 2013, Ernst represented the U.S. in competitions in Canada, Italy, Mexico, Japan and Germany. She was fourth in 2013 P&G Championships’ all-around, uneven bars and balance beam competition. Ernst talent, experience, confidence and clean gymnastics will make her a top gymnast to watch this season. She is sure to make an impact often and early for the Gators. Watch her beautiful bar routine here.

Coach Rowland on Peyton Ernst 
"Peyton’s best asset is her ability to capture an audience with her poise and grace, which she gained through her international experience.  With these two combinations, she is sure to bring a crowd to their feet on any event."

Ashley Hiller
Ashley Hiller is a freshman from Pasadena, Texas where she trained at Stars Gymnastics of Houston. Hiller was a late addition to the team signing last spring. Hiller will be another powerful vaulter for the Gators along fellow freshman, Alicia Boren.  Hiller was a strong level 10 competitor with an impressive 2nd place vault finish at the 2015 J.O. Nationals. 

Coach Rowland on Ashley Hiller
"Ashley brings a level of power and confidence that will not only help this UF team on vault, but on other events as well."

Related:
Incoming Freshmen: Utah
Incoming Freshmen: Georgia
Incoming Freshmen: Oklahoma 
Incoming Freshmen: Michigan