Only three meets into the season, sophomore Megan Skaggs has twice reset her collegiate best bars mark. Her 9.95 versus Kentucky is her current collegiate best.
Megan Skaggs: Motivated by Promise of 2019 Season
Sunday, January 27, 2019 | Gymnastics
Sophomore Megan Skaggs upped her collegiate uneven bars best twice through Florida's first three meets.
The Gators came within 0.225 of winning a NCAA title last season, and according to sophomore Megan Skaggs, that is one of the biggest things motivating this team this year.
"Of course, that's always in the back of your mind. You want to win," Skaggs said. "But I think we know that we have the talent to do it and we can win."
And even though she shined as a competitor last season, she's looking forward to improving her gymnastics skills on the floor and her leadership skills off it.
"I think the sophomores, especially, stepped up, not even gymnastics-wise, but bringing energy to the team and then we gained the freshman," she said. "So with their talent and commitment we're going to be able to fill those gaps no problem."
The Marietta, Ga., native is most excited about competing on the uneven bars after off-season surgery to fix an ankle injury from last season.
But even with that injury, Skaggs posted a 9.925 during her floor debut last season, equaling highest ever for a Gator making their first floor performance.
Florida coach Jenny Rowland said Skaggs is a very improved athlete.
"(She's) very mature, and really comfortable in her skin," Rowland said. "She's grown, she knows what to expect, she's very confident in herself and I really think that has really shown in her performance."
Skaggs' teammates also have the utmost faith in her abilities.
"Megan is just a great all-arounder. She's very consistent," sophomore Alyssa Baumann said. "We put her up and we trust that she's going to get the job done."
Skaggs loves competing for this team, especially at home meets. She said the experience of competing in front of the O'Connell Center crowd is indescribable.
"I had heard stories and everything but you can't describe it using words," she said. "It's so special in there. High-energy, the time of your life whether you're on the floor or not."
And although she has aspirations of SEC and NCAA titles and meet wins, Skaggs is making sure she takes full advantage during her time as a Gator.
"(I'm) enjoying the moment and cherishing the memories with our team and knowing that we don't get to do this sport forever," she said.
"Of course, that's always in the back of your mind. You want to win," Skaggs said. "But I think we know that we have the talent to do it and we can win."
And even though she shined as a competitor last season, she's looking forward to improving her gymnastics skills on the floor and her leadership skills off it.
"I think the sophomores, especially, stepped up, not even gymnastics-wise, but bringing energy to the team and then we gained the freshman," she said. "So with their talent and commitment we're going to be able to fill those gaps no problem."
The Marietta, Ga., native is most excited about competing on the uneven bars after off-season surgery to fix an ankle injury from last season.
But even with that injury, Skaggs posted a 9.925 during her floor debut last season, equaling highest ever for a Gator making their first floor performance.
Florida coach Jenny Rowland said Skaggs is a very improved athlete.
"(She's) very mature, and really comfortable in her skin," Rowland said. "She's grown, she knows what to expect, she's very confident in herself and I really think that has really shown in her performance."
Skaggs' teammates also have the utmost faith in her abilities.
"Megan is just a great all-arounder. She's very consistent," sophomore Alyssa Baumann said. "We put her up and we trust that she's going to get the job done."
Skaggs loves competing for this team, especially at home meets. She said the experience of competing in front of the O'Connell Center crowd is indescribable.
"I had heard stories and everything but you can't describe it using words," she said. "It's so special in there. High-energy, the time of your life whether you're on the floor or not."
And although she has aspirations of SEC and NCAA titles and meet wins, Skaggs is making sure she takes full advantage during her time as a Gator.
"(I'm) enjoying the moment and cherishing the memories with our team and knowing that we don't get to do this sport forever," she said.
Players Mentioned
AA
/ Gymnastics
AA
/ GymnasticsSkylar Draser: Gator Life
Tuesday, April 28
Jenny Rowland - NCAA Final 4-18-2026
Saturday, April 18
Riley McCusker - NCAA Final 4-18-2026
Saturday, April 18
NCAA Championships | Coach Rowland, Riley McCusker and eMjae Frazier 4-16-26
Friday, April 17
