From flipping off the couch as a toddler to winning national titles on vault and floor, future Gator Ariana Barksdale has turned her natural energy and creativity into competitive excellence. After overcoming a broken arm and returning stronger than ever, the Sonshine standout capped off her comeback with silver in the all-around at the level 10 national championships. Now, she’s ready to bring her power, performance, and positivity to Gainesville.
Responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Club gym: Sonshine
College team: Florida
Hometown: Apex, North Carolina
How did you first fall in love with gymnastics?
I would flip around the house and jump off the couches, so my mom put me in classes.
What has been the highlight of your gymnastics career so far?
When I got second place all-around at DP nationals in 2024 after not competing the year before.
What skill took you the longest to master, and how did it feel when you finally nailed it?
It took my double layout a while to finally click. I spent a season figuring out if I wanted to do the double layout or not. It finally came earlier last season, and I was thrilled! It felt crazy to know that I had a double layout.
You’ve won two national vault titles and two floor titles. What is your favorite event to compete?
Those are honestly both my favorite, but I love the dance and performance aspect of floor!
What was your favorite activity you did on either of your recruiting visits?
Probably the football games or the games and activities with the team!
You only took two official visits. Was this planned, or did your experience at Florida just take everything else off the table?
Honestly, Florida really sold me. My original plan was to take five.
What’s something outside of gymnastics that you’re really passionate about right now?
I really love photography or arts and crafts, especially anything having to do with sunsets or sunrises.
Who has made the biggest impact on your gymnastics career, and how have they inspired or shaped your journey?
Many people have made a huge impact on my journey, especially when I got to Sonshine. From my coaches in level 7 to my current coaches, they have all shaped who I am and my journey.
Gymnastics is full of highs and lows—what’s one of the toughest challenges you’ve faced in your journey, and what was the impact of pushing through it?
I broke my arm during the 2023 competition season. That was the first time I didn’t complete a full season. It was devastating to see my teammates compete while I had to sit on the sidelines. Pushing through only made me stronger, though, and I learned not to get devastated.
Is there a personal achievement in gymnastics that you’re really proud of?
I was so proud of myself when I first competed my one and a half on vault at nationals in 2024. I was a little nervous because I had never done it. I got a 9.8, and I was so proud of myself.
Looking ahead to your college career, what are you most excited to experience—both as a gymnast and in your personal life?
I am excited to be able to compete every weekend! It keeps my mind busy and focused so I can prepare for the next week. I am also excited for all of the resources and support I will have.
Rapid Fire Questions
Vault, bars, beam, or floor? Floor or vault
Ice bath or hot tub? Ice bath
Which four gymnasts would be on your college gymnastics Mount Rushmore? Skye Blakely, Trinity Thomas, Caroline Volk, and Suni Lee
What’s your most-used emoji? 
What’s one of your pre-meet rituals or superstitions? Listening to Tate McRae
What’s a hidden talent people may not know about? I am an incredible speed walker.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Sports medicine physician
What’s your favorite leotard your college team has worn? This one!
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