Tonight's meet is more than just a battle between No. 3 Florida and No. 16 Auburn in the O’Connell Center.
It’s about honoring and raising awareness for a completely different battle: the fight against breast cancer.
“Just being able to (be) out on the competition floor with survivors, with those who are fighting cancer, with those who have fought cancer," Florida coach Jenny Rowland said, "it really is an amazing platform that we are able to set aside what we are about and raise awareness for a such a special cause."
The Gators and Tigers will both shed their school colors tonight, opting for a pink scheme in honor of the 11th annual Link to Pink meet, honoring the fighters and survivors of the disease.
But this won’t be the first time that Florida has helped the Gainesville community this season.
On Jan. 18, the Gators traveled to Gainesville’s American Cancer Society Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge, where they provided dinner to the residents who are receiving treatment as a team.
It's something the team does every year around Link to Pink.
“It was really neat,” freshman Amelia Hundley said. “Getting to come in and serving the food to everyone and getting to sit down and really get to know everyone’s stories. You know, it makes you really appreciate what you have in life. ... I have a lot of respect towards these people, and it was a great experience.”
Florida enters the meet with a perfect 3-0 record on the season, while Auburn is still searching for its first victory of 2017.
And it won’t be an easy task for the Tigers.
The Gators have never lost a Link to Pink match in the O’Dome.
“I’m very excited to be back home,” sophomore Alicia Boren said. “I think the Link to Pink meet is my definitely favorite because you get to compete for something so much bigger than yourself. And especially just walking out of the Gator head with all of the survivors is just such an amazing experience to go through that with them.”
Boren, the SEC Gymnast of the Week, took home the all-around title in last Friday’s meet at North Carolina, winning the first floor title of her career with a collegiate-best score of 9.95.
Her contribution has helped the Gators post at least a 197.10 team score in each of the first three meets, which is one of Florida’s best starts to a season in school history.
The Gators are hoping to continue that fast start in front a pink-clad crowd tonight.
“(I’m) looking forward to sharing an evening with the community (of) Gainesville,” Florida coach Jenny Rowland said. “And being able to promote something more than just gymnastics.
Contact Lauren Staff at lstaff@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @lstaff27.
UF gymnast Amelia Hundley celebrates during Florida's win over Kentucky on Jan. 13, 2017, in the O'Connell Center.
