Nicole Scura

Sports Enterprise Reporter

Nicole Scura is a third-year journalism student in her second semester at The Alligator. She is currently a sports enterprise reporter and previously served as a hockey reporter. In her free time, she enjoys figure skating, traveling and watching football (Go Bucs!).

Florida Gators setter Taylor Parks (20) sets the ball during a NCAA Volleyball match on Friday, November 07, 2025.

Ryan Friedenberg

Sports

Sizing up the Gators: A look into Florida volleyball’s 2026 roster

By Nicole Scura | July 25

With Florida volleyball preparing for the 2026 season, the team has the chance to prove the program can still thrive without longtime head coach Mary Wise, who departed the program after the 2024 season. In 2025, the Gators saw their worst season in over three decades, going 16-12 overall and 9-6 in the SEC, leaving massive room for growth under head coach Ryan Theis. That said, Florida’s roster looks different this year, leaving fans wondering how this season will pan out.

Florida Gators libero/defensive specialist Lily Hayes (13) exclaims during a volleyball match against the Norfolk State Spartans on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at the O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla.

Noah Lantor

Sports

Lily Hayes secures gold, remains defensive asset for Florida volleyball

By Nicole Scura | July 20

Following a standout first season with the Gators, rising sophomore libero Lily Hayes has made another memorable mark on the court. Representing Team USA in the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup, Hayes helped the team bring home gold.

Florida Gators libero Elli McKissock (23) serves the ball during the second set of Gators’ 3-0 sweep vs the Auburn Tigers at Stephen C. O'Connell Center on Friday, November 8, 2024.

Ryan Friedenberg

Sports

Elli McKissock returns to Florida, signs with the Orlando Valkyries

By Nicole Scura | July 6

The 2027 season marks McKissock's second with the team. She played a critical role in the team’s victory at the franchise’s first Major League Volleyball Championship in 2025. This past season, McKissock played for the Atlanta Vibe, accumulating 152 digs and 2.34 digs per set across 65 sets played.

All but four Florida gymnasts and coaches took a trip to Singapore sponsored by Mokara Gymnastics Academy from May 26-29.

Courtesy of UAA Communications

Sports

More than a camp: Florida gymnasts inspire new generation of athletes

By Nicole Scura | June 29

For a week, all but four Florida gymnasts and coaches took a trip to Singapore sponsored by Mokara Gymnastics Academy. The gymnasts worked a camp at the gym from May 26-29, teaching young girls the mechanics of gymnastics, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation, recruiting and more.

Front row (from left): Assistant Coordinator of Gators Experience Dylan Gilmore, Anya Pilgrim (GYM), Skye Blakely (GYM), Jayla Booker( GYM), eMjae Frazier (GYM), Taylor Clark (GYM).Back row (from left): Amaya Thomas (VB), Aniya Madkin (VB), Assistant Director of Advising Marina Culbertson, Lena Bailey (SOC), Nicolas Crosswhite (T&F), Jayden Emmanuel (SOC).

Courtesy of UAA Communications

Sports

Florida student-athletes gain perspectives on life beyond the game

By Nicole Scura | June 11

Student-athletes spend years striving to excel in their sport, dedicating hours to practices, conditioning and competition. But for many, one question looms over their head: What comes after sports?

Florida head coach Todd Golden claps out his team after winning an SEC Men's Basketball Tournament quarterfinal game against Kentucky, Friday, March 13, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.

Noah Lantor

Sports

The return: Florida basketball primed for another title run

By Nicole Scura | May 26

With guard Xaivian Lee graduating and multiple Gators expected to test the waters of the NBA Draft, questions arose about whether Florida could rebuild a championship-caliber roster. Nonetheless, four out of five starters will make their return for the 2026-27 season, providing the Gators with a promising, experienced core and a high level of continuity.

Ryan Friedenberg

Sports

Florida seniors look back on hockey careers, talk next steps

By Nicole Scura | Apr. 20

The scratch of blades against the ice cut through the stadium as the crowd held its breath. The hope of victory still lingered, but it was fading away with every passing second.

Florida attacker Clark Hamilton (21) runs toward the goal during an NCAA Lacrosse game against South Florida, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Gainesville, Fla.

Ryan Friedenberg

Sports

Clark Hamilton notches 100th-career goal as Florida tops USF

By Nicole Scura | Apr. 8

Behind Hamilton, Florida lacrosse (10-2) extended its winning streak to seven games Wednesday afternoon after a 14-8 victory over USF (8-4) at Donald R. Dizney Stadium.

Gators hockey winger Nicholas Ho sets up a shot against the South Carolina Gamecocks

Courtesy to The Alligator

Sports

Florida hockey wraps 2025–26 season

By Nicole Scura | Mar. 11

With one final puck pelted into the back of the opposing team’s net by sophomore forward Liam Lecauchois, the Florida Ice Hockey Club saw its 2025-26 season come to an end.

Courtesy to The Alligator

Sports

Tampa downs Florida to advance to College Hockey South Championship

By Nicole Scura | Feb. 28

A goal by Liam Lecauchois offered a glimpse of hope for the Gators with 2:47 left, and it seemed Florida had a shot.