Florida signs five for the 2028 season - Ariana Barksdale, Erin Davis, Ming Gherardi, Emma Heaton and Tyler Turner.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | Gymnastics
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Olympic experience and top recruiting talent are headed to Florida gymnastics.
Ariana Barksdale, Erin Davis, Ming Gherardi, Emma Heaton and Tyler Turner have signed with the Gators, head coach Jenny Rowland announced today.
Gherardi represented France at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She joins four U.S. gymnasts in a class composed entirely of four- and five-star recruits, according to College Gym News. That outlet ranks Florida's signing class at No. 3.
Jenny Rowland Said:
"We're thrilled to officially welcome the Class of 2027 to the Gator family! This group brings talent, a competitive spirit and a genuine passion for gymnastics and the University of Florida. Each of them brings something different to our program, and we can't wait to see the impact they'll make. We look forward to supporting them as they grow in the classroom, in the competitive arena and as people who will be building a legacy of their own in the Orange and Blue. Go Gators!" " - Florida Head Coach Jenny Rowland
Apex, N.C.
ariana.barksdale_2027
"Ariana is an incredible human being who makes everyone around her better. She is the kind of teammate you want by your side and a fierce competitor who will never back down when she steps onto the competition floor. She is sure to make an immediate impact for the Gators. Her character, toughness, and team-first mentality make her a special addition to our Gator family!"
Ariana Barksdale says:
"I chose the University of Florida because of the genuine team spirit, the coaching staff and the incredible team dynamic. The passion this team has is truly special and I knew I wanted to be part of that environment. Since UF is the 'Everything School', they build such well-rounded individuals and that is something I am truly looking forward to.
"I would first like to thank all of my coaches, past and present, for strengthening me throughout this journey and helping shape me into the person I am today. I would also like to thank my future coaches for giving me this incredible opportunity to become a Gator. I am beyond grateful for the chance to be part of such an amazing program. Thank you to my family and everyone who has loved, encouraged and supported me along the way. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank God for getting me where I am today. I am so excited for the journey ahead and cannot wait to begin this next chapter as part of the Gator family! Go Gators!"
Palm City, Fla.
erindavis_27
"Erin is a Gator through and through, and we are thrilled she has chosen to continue her journey right here at Florida! She is a dynamic bar swinger and strong competitor who has a passion for challenging herself and pushing the limits of what she can accomplish. Her competitive spirit and drive to be the very best make her a perfect fit for our Gator family!"
Erin Davis says:
"Choosing the University of Florida just felt right, both athletically and personally. From the moment I stepped foot in Gainesville, I could picture myself calling this place home. The coaches, the team culture and the opportunity to be part of something so special made my decision easy.
"I'm beyond grateful for everyone who has supported me and helped me along the way, especially my family and coaches who have believed in me every step of the journey. I can't wait to start this next chapter and see what the future holds. Go Gators!"
Champagne-au-Mont d'Or, France
ming_gherardi2027
"Ming brings an exciting level of experience to our program as an Olympic and international competitor. Her power, personality, and spunk make her such a dynamic gymnast, and I have no doubt she will quickly become a crowd favorite in the Orange and Blue. Gator Nation is going to love watching her compete!"
Ming Gherardi says:
"I'm so excited to be joining the Gators. I chose the University of Florida because of its amazing gymnastics program, incredible team and outstanding academic opportunities.
"I'm really excited to begin this new journey, grow as both a gymnast and as a student, and bring my energy and smile to the team. I can't wait to become a Gator. Go Gators!
Atlantic Beach, Fla.
emmaheaton_2027
"Emma has a beautiful combination of grace, extraordinary execution and a quiet power that makes her such an exciting gymnast to watch. She has the potential to make an impact across all four events and develop into a strong all-around competitor for us. We are thrilled to welcome her talents and work ethic to the Gator family!"
Emma Heaton says:
"I chose Florida because I knew it was somewhere I could see myself growing as a person, as an athlete and academically. Growing up, I loved going to Gainesville to watch the Gators compete and I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else. I'm most excited to be part of such a great team, experience that support and be able to give it back to my teammates. I'm so excited to be attending my dream school. Go Gators!"
San Jose, Calif.
_tylermaria
"Tyler brings a beautiful balance of grace, elegance and athleticism to everything she does in the gym. She thrives on bars and beam, where her precision, poise and confidence really shine. We are excited about the impact she will make and grateful to welcome her to the Gator family!"
Tyler Turner says:
"I am so excited to be a Gator. The reason I chose Florida is because this school has been my dream college for as long as I can remember. As soon as I stepped foot on campus, it exceeded my expectations and I knew right away that it was going to be my future home. I absolutely love the coaching staff, the team and all the benefits that come with UF. Plus, I am so excited to be able to compete with such an amazing team. Go Gators!"
Get a preview of the 2027 Florida team at the Dec. 13 Chalk & Chomp Preview.
The 2027 season begins January 9 at the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad in Greenville, S.C.
Home action begins Jan. 22 when Missouri visits the Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
Since 2020, the Gators sold out 22 regular-season meets. Find season ticket information on FloridaGators.com.
Ariana Barksdale, Erin Davis, Ming Gherardi, Emma Heaton and Tyler Turner have signed with the Gators, head coach Jenny Rowland announced today.
Gherardi represented France at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She joins four U.S. gymnasts in a class composed entirely of four- and five-star recruits, according to College Gym News. That outlet ranks Florida's signing class at No. 3.
Jenny Rowland Said:
"We're thrilled to officially welcome the Class of 2027 to the Gator family! This group brings talent, a competitive spirit and a genuine passion for gymnastics and the University of Florida. Each of them brings something different to our program, and we can't wait to see the impact they'll make. We look forward to supporting them as they grow in the classroom, in the competitive arena and as people who will be building a legacy of their own in the Orange and Blue. Go Gators!" " - Florida Head Coach Jenny Rowland
Meet the New Gators
Ariana Barksdale
Apex, N.C.ariana.barksdale_2027
- College Gym News 5-Star recruit
- 2026 Women's Development Program National Championships Junior F all-around champion, runner-up on uneven bars and third on balance beam
- Winning floor exercise at 2026 Nastia Liukin Cup included a Gator chomp
- 2025 Development Program National Championships Junior C vault champion and shared second on floor exercise
- 2024 Development National Championships Junior B vault and floor winner; second in all-around
- Trains at Sonshine Gymnastics with Milan and Heidi Stanovich
"Ariana is an incredible human being who makes everyone around her better. She is the kind of teammate you want by your side and a fierce competitor who will never back down when she steps onto the competition floor. She is sure to make an immediate impact for the Gators. Her character, toughness, and team-first mentality make her a special addition to our Gator family!"
Ariana Barksdale says:
"I chose the University of Florida because of the genuine team spirit, the coaching staff and the incredible team dynamic. The passion this team has is truly special and I knew I wanted to be part of that environment. Since UF is the 'Everything School', they build such well-rounded individuals and that is something I am truly looking forward to.
"I would first like to thank all of my coaches, past and present, for strengthening me throughout this journey and helping shape me into the person I am today. I would also like to thank my future coaches for giving me this incredible opportunity to become a Gator. I am beyond grateful for the chance to be part of such an amazing program. Thank you to my family and everyone who has loved, encouraged and supported me along the way. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank God for getting me where I am today. I am so excited for the journey ahead and cannot wait to begin this next chapter as part of the Gator family! Go Gators!"
Erin Davis
Palm City, Fla.erindavis_27
- College Gym News 5-Star recruit
- All-around and uneven bars champion and took bronze for floor at 2026 Women's Development Program Level 10 Senior A National Championships
- Third in 2026 Nastia Liukin Cup all-around; fourth on uneven bars
- Qualified for 2026 Nastia Liukin Cup after sweeping event titles at the Kentucky Winter Classic
- All-around, uneven bars and balance beam winner at 2026 Region 8 Championships
- 2026 Florida Level 10 all-around , uneven bars and floor exercise champion
- Trains at American Twisters with Christy Ramirez and Stephen Andrews
"Erin is a Gator through and through, and we are thrilled she has chosen to continue her journey right here at Florida! She is a dynamic bar swinger and strong competitor who has a passion for challenging herself and pushing the limits of what she can accomplish. Her competitive spirit and drive to be the very best make her a perfect fit for our Gator family!"
Erin Davis says:
"Choosing the University of Florida just felt right, both athletically and personally. From the moment I stepped foot in Gainesville, I could picture myself calling this place home. The coaches, the team culture and the opportunity to be part of something so special made my decision easy.
"I'm beyond grateful for everyone who has supported me and helped me along the way, especially my family and coaches who have believed in me every step of the journey. I can't wait to start this next chapter and see what the future holds. Go Gators!"
Ming Gherardi
Champagne-au-Mont d'Or, Franceming_gherardi2027
- Member of France senior national team since 2024
- 2024 Olympian, competing in vault, uneven bars and floor exercise for France
- Vault silver medalist at 2026 City of Jesolo Trophy
- Competed vault and floor exercise at 2025 World Championships
- Vault bronze medalist at 2024 European Championships; France claimed team bronze in 2024 and 2025
- Won 2024 Trophy of Jesolo vault title in senior international debut
- 2023 Junior World Championships vault bronze medalist
- Trains at Gym'Dans' Francheville and coached by Monique Hagard and David Spagnol
"Ming brings an exciting level of experience to our program as an Olympic and international competitor. Her power, personality, and spunk make her such a dynamic gymnast, and I have no doubt she will quickly become a crowd favorite in the Orange and Blue. Gator Nation is going to love watching her compete!"
Ming Gherardi says:
"I'm so excited to be joining the Gators. I chose the University of Florida because of its amazing gymnastics program, incredible team and outstanding academic opportunities.
"I'm really excited to begin this new journey, grow as both a gymnast and as a student, and bring my energy and smile to the team. I can't wait to become a Gator. Go Gators!
Emma Heaton
Atlantic Beach, Fla.emmaheaton_2027
- College Gym News 4-Star Recruit
- Bronze medalist for all-around, vault, uneven bars and floor exercise at 2026 Region 8 Senior E Championships
- 2026 Florida Level 10 vault champion, runner-up on beam and bronze in all-around and bars
- Won all-around at both 2026 Magical Classic and Greensboro Gymnastics Invite
- Third in 2025 Florida Level 10 all-around; won vault and bars
- Trains at Florida Elite and coached by Vali Buse, Mircea Petre, and Tesia Thomas
"Emma has a beautiful combination of grace, extraordinary execution and a quiet power that makes her such an exciting gymnast to watch. She has the potential to make an impact across all four events and develop into a strong all-around competitor for us. We are thrilled to welcome her talents and work ethic to the Gator family!"
Emma Heaton says:
"I chose Florida because I knew it was somewhere I could see myself growing as a person, as an athlete and academically. Growing up, I loved going to Gainesville to watch the Gators compete and I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else. I'm most excited to be part of such a great team, experience that support and be able to give it back to my teammates. I'm so excited to be attending my dream school. Go Gators!"
Tyler Turner
San Jose, Calif._tylermaria
- College Gym News 4-Star Recruit
- Represented U.S. in two junior international events in 2024 – taking fourth in Jesolo Trophy all-around and advancing to floor final and competing at International Gymnix in Montreal, Canada
- Floor exercise silver medalist in 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships junior division
- Advanced to 2023 Xfinity U.S. Championships – junior division
- Third on uneven bars at 2024 Vegas Cup and 2023 Core Hydration Classic
- Trains at World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA) Frisco and coached by Yevgeny Marchenko and Haiou Sun (Sonia)
"Tyler brings a beautiful balance of grace, elegance and athleticism to everything she does in the gym. She thrives on bars and beam, where her precision, poise and confidence really shine. We are excited about the impact she will make and grateful to welcome her to the Gator family!"
Tyler Turner says:
"I am so excited to be a Gator. The reason I chose Florida is because this school has been my dream college for as long as I can remember. As soon as I stepped foot on campus, it exceeded my expectations and I knew right away that it was going to be my future home. I absolutely love the coaching staff, the team and all the benefits that come with UF. Plus, I am so excited to be able to compete with such an amazing team. Go Gators!"
Upcoming 2027 Season
Six with 23 All-America honors are among the Gators' 2027 roster – Alyssa Arana, Skye Blakely, Kayla DiCello, Gabby Disidore, Danie Ferris and Anya Pilgrim.Get a preview of the 2027 Florida team at the Dec. 13 Chalk & Chomp Preview.
The 2027 season begins January 9 at the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad in Greenville, S.C.
Home action begins Jan. 22 when Missouri visits the Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
Since 2020, the Gators sold out 22 regular-season meets. Find season ticket information on FloridaGators.com.
Players Mentioned
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