Three highly recruited gymnasts have been mysteriously removed from one of the top college teams in the country, and now one is hitting back at what she describes as ‘disturbing false narratives.’
The University of Florida athletic department has yet to explain why Skylar Draser, Lily Bruce and Ly Bui are no longer with the team. In a statement, Gators head coach Jenny Rowland wished all three ‘well moving forward,’ while adding that her staff’s focus is ‘supporting our athletes and maintaining a team culture built on accountability, respect and commitment.’
A Florida gymnastics spokesperson declined to provide more information to The Daily Mail beyond Rowland’s statement. The Daily Mail has also sought comment from the gymnasts themselves as well as USA Gymnastics, which counts all three as members.
Draser, a senior from Long Island, did issue a statement, but stopped short of revealing any details about her departure from the reigning Southeastern Conference (SEC) champions.
‘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 in her statement posted on Instagram. ‘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,’ she continued. ‘I am also so blessed to have the best family support through one of the most challenging times in my life.’
Photos posted by Bruce and Draser include shots of the trio watching a football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, as well as other pics of them goofing around on road trips
Florida’s Ly Bui competes on the balance beam during the 2024 Core Hydration Classic
Skylar Draser (right) and Lily Bruce (left) celebrate the Gators’ 2026 SEC championship
Draser plans to finish her degree this semester at Florida, where she was twice named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll, before entering the transfer portal to compete in 2027. She has one year of eligibility remaining.
‘As difficult as this chapter has been, I refuse to let it define me,’ she 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. This sport has shaped me in countless ways, but it does not define my worth or who I am. I know who I am, I know what I deserve, and I am proud of the person I am walking away as.’
Bui and Bruce have not released statements.
The women were highly recruited before choosing to attend Florida, which is a traditional powerhouse in the sport. Draser was considered a three-star recruit, while Bui and Bruce were both five-star recruits, according to online reports.
All three gymnasts were members of the 2026 Gators team that won the 13th SEC title in program history. They also appear to be close friends, as seen on their respective Instagram pages.
Photos posted by Bruce and Draser include shots of the trio watching a football game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, as well as other pics of them goofing around in their Gators leotards during a team road trip.
