Florida Gators

FORT WORTH, Texas — The stands were filled here Wednesday afternoon at Dickies Arena with high-pitched local kids attending a practice session for the NCAA Gymnastics Championships.

As the kids screamed to get the attention of a furry red mascot strolling around the arena floor, many of the adults in the building had their eyes on Gators fifth-year senior Trinity Thomas. She is the defending NCAA all-around, uneven bars and floor exercise national champion.

Ever since Thomas pulled up lame in the Pittsburgh Regional two weeks ago with an injury to her lower right leg, her status for No. 2-ranked Florida's bid to win its first national championship since 2015 has remained uncertain. Those watching Thomas on Wednesday saw her participate in warmups on bars, including a couple of double layouts, followed by her involvement in the other events without any acrobatic movements.

Afterward, Gators head coach Jenny Rowland answered the question on inquiring minds: what is Thomas' status for Thursday's first semifinal with the Gators competing against Cal, LSU and Denver?

"She did a great job moving on the equipment today," said Rowland. "She's still continuing to move. She feels a little bit better every day. And you know what? Whatever happens is supposed to happen. I'm always that person that looks at the glass half-full."

While Thomas' health is sure to be a primary storyline at these NCAA Finals, the Gators have a roster loaded with talent and depth that provides hope that, with or without contributions from Thomas, they can advance Thursday and challenge for the national title on Saturday.

They were able to overcome Thomas' absence in the regional finals to advance, a boost of confidence that can only help them with their star performer hobbled at the most crucial point of the season.

"I don't think that the team revolves around one person," said senior Payton Richards. "Each and every one of us works extremely hard every single day and are ready in case things like that do happen. That's why we have the depth that we do.

"I believe we can do it either way." Richards was one of the Gators who stepped up in Pittsburgh, highlighted by a 9.950 score on vault and a 9.925 on floor. Richards competed in all four events and posted a career-high 39.575 all-around score as the Gators posted a 197.800 team score in the region final, second to Cal. They won the region semifinal with a 197.875.

Sophomore Leanne Wong scored 9.975s on beam and uneven bars to win the all-around title (39.775) at the regional championship, and freshman Kayla DiCello posted a perfect 10 on uneven bars and in the regional semifinals, posted the top all-around score with a 39.800. Those performances provide Richards and Co. hope that the Gators, if they hit their landings and avoid costly mistakes, can contend for the program's fourth national title.

It won't be easy, but it was never going to be — with or without Thomas, one of the most decorated gymnasts in NCAA history.

Former Gators star Bridget Sloan, who holds the school record with six individual national championships, expects the Gators to have a shot considering their depth. When Sloan helped the Gators win three consecutive national titles from 2013-15, she and Kytra Hunter served as a 1-2 knockout punch.

However, the sport has improved drastically over the past decade, and Rowland and her staff have adjusted accordingly, assembling arguably the most talented roster in program history this season.

"Every single team that is here is capable of a 198-plus, which makes the playing field extremely level but extremely hard," Sloan said. "At the end of the day, Florida needs to put up its best and healthiest six. Normally when you say your best six, Trinity is in that lineup. But right now, it's about the best and healthiest.

"They could literally have two teams competing here. They'll be great with or without Trinity. I think Trinity's presence is crucial. She is such a strong leader. You can see the athletes and teammates go to her. That's really cool to see, especially since she is not necessarily at 100 percent right now."

Thomas did not speak to the media Wednesday but has remained a constant presence between rehab and visits with an acupuncturist. She was Florida's most prominent cheerleader at the regional finals, which played an essential role in what the Gators like to call staying "normal."

"I know that meet was for Trin and all that she has done for this team," Rowland said before leaving Gainesville.

Rowland said for the Gators to advance, they must continue to get contributions for unsung heroes such as Bri Edwards, who stepped up with a 9.850 on vault at the regional meet, and the usual top-shelf performances of veterans such as Richards and Rachel Baumann. Meanwhile, Wong and DiCello are underclassmen, but they have established themselves as two of the best young gymnasts in the country. DiCello dominated the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week honors in her first year at UF.

"She is a ruthless competitor," Rowland said. "She loves to compete. She loves that pressure. She loves going at the end of the lineup because she has told us that I do better that way. That is something really hard to teach."

They would have preferred to live without the storyline surrounding the Gators. But it's the moment's reality, and Rowland has stressed staying in the present all season.

Richards has bought into the philosophy and enjoyed her finest season. She had a highly-accomplished role model.

"We just want it so bad," Richards said. "Trinity has been the best leader in that. We all respect her. She's like superhuman."

And that's why so many had their eyes on her Wednesday.