Jeremy Miranda steps into the Florida Gators’ gym, just like he has for nearly two decades. The routine is the same: scan his closet of button-down shirts, pick the one that matches the team’s leotards, and get to work. But since 2023, it has been something different. After 16 years as a volunteer, Miranda was now an assistant coach! His journey here? Far from easy. Gymnastics made him different. It made him a target. Growing up in South Dakota. Why not something else? He didn’t listen then. He’s not listening now. This season, as Florida chases another shot at a national title, Miranda is doing what he’s always done, proving them wrong!

Since stepping into his assistant coaching role in 2023, he has helped the Gators reach NCAA regionals for the third straight season, playing a key role in last year’s 4th consecutive regional championship win. His attention to detail and ability to foster confidence in his athletes have been crucial in Florida’s pursuit of national success. But long before he was coaching SEC gymnasts on their path to nationals, Miranda was the one fighting for his own place in the sport.

Growing up in South Dakota, a place where Friday nights revolved around high school football and wrestling dominated the sports scene, Miranda’s love for gymnastics made him different. And different didn’t always mean welcome. “I was faced with a lot of ridicule, criticism. A lot of people thought, ‘That’s not the right thing, like, why aren’t you doing football? Why aren’t you doing the ball sports,’” he said to Alligator.Org. “But I think because I was so confident with it — I knew that that’s what my calling was — I was good at it.”

At the time, men’s gymnastics wasn’t just uncommon, it was almost nonexistent in his area. With the closest gym some distance away, training required commitment most kids his age didn’t have. While others spent their afternoons on the football field, Miranda was doing tumbles at his place. His parents ensured he made it to practice, knowing that his passion outweighed the obstacles.

Jeremy Miranda wasn’t just another kid tumbling around on a mattress—he was a serious gymnast. A Level 10 competitor, he didn’t just train; he thrived. His career peaked at the 2005 Junior Olympic National Championship, where he tied for the national title on floor exercise and finished eighth on vault. That wasn’t just a win, it was proof. Proof that he belonged. “The success that I was able to have in the arts and in gymnastics in particular—I don’t want to say silenced the haters—but it did,” Miranda said. “It kind of made people think twice before they wanted to make a comment.”

Florida Gators secures no. 1 seed for the NCAA Regional

Florida Gators gymnastics is postseason bound—again. For the 24th straight year, the Gators are headed to the NCAA Regionals, this time as the No. 1 seed in the Tuscaloosa Regional. Their journey begins April 4 at Alabama’s Coleman Coliseum, and the big question is, can they make another Final Four run? The Gators are still sitting at No. 3 in the national rankings, just behind LSU and Oklahoma.

But let’s talk about that SEC Championship! Florida literally made history on the uneven bars, breaking an NCAA record with a jaw-dropping 49.850! Leanne Wong and Riley McCusker both nailed perfect 10s, and Selena Harris-Miranda added another 10 on vault. Talk about domination!

But then came the balance beam… and things got a little messy. A rough rotation cost Florida its lead, and they ended up finishing third. Frustrating? Absolutely. But this team isn’t dwelling on it  they’re fired up for what’s next! The Tuscaloosa Regional won’t be easy. No. 6 California, No. 11 Alabama, and No. 14 Oregon State are all capable of making things interesting. But does Florida’s experience give them the edge? They’ve reached the Final Four every year since 2021 and have never missed an NCAA Regional since 1982.

The last time the Gators won it all? 2015. It’s been way too long! Could this be the year they finally bring the trophy back to Gainesville? The journey starts now!