Florida Gymnastics Flips Five-Star Auburn Signee

With changes across college gymnastics this offseason, the Gators landed a new member on their team. 

College Gym News five-star recruit Ella Fine announced her verbal commitment to Florida on Saturday, flipping her decision after signing with Auburn on Nov. 13. 

“To my future coaches, thank you for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity,” Fine said in her announcement on Instagram. “I’m so excited for what’s ahead.”

After verbally committing to the Tigers in October 2024, Fine’s news follows Auburn’s decision to mutually part ways with 16-year coach Jeff Graba on April 6. Two of the three 2026 Auburn signees have flipped their commitment, including Fine and Audrey Snyder (Clemson).

Coached by Buddy Thorburn at High Point Gymnastics Academy, Fine is a four-time participant in the Nastia Liukin Cup. The North Carolina native finished tied 11th in the senior all-around competition in 2026 and tied fifth on vault with a 9.825 on a 10.0 scale.

Competing in the USA Gymnastics Women’s Development Program, Fine scored two perfect 10s on bars and floor, the first of her career, at the North Carolina State Championship at the end of March. She also recorded a 9.9 on vault, contributing to a personal-best 39.35 in the all around.

She just wrapped up USAG Region 8 competition, finishing first on bars and floor and second in the all-around to Oklahoma commit and Gainesville native Sofia Estrada. Fine advanced to the USA Gymnastics Women’s Development Program National Championships in Oklahoma City beginning May 6. 

Fine joins the Gators’ 2026 recruiting class as the fourth five-star commit beginning in the fall, as Dulcy Caylor deferred her enrollment to the fall of 2028 to train for the Olympics.

Category: Feature Sports News, Gator Sports, Gators Gymnastics