The UCLA Bruins Gymnastics Team: A Legacy of Excellence
The UCLA Bruins women's gymnastics team is a celebrated program representing the University of California, Los Angeles. The Bruins compete in the Big Ten Conference and host their home meets in Pauley Pavilion, a venue known for its electrifying atmosphere. The team boasts a rich history filled with remarkable achievements and legendary athletes.
A Tradition of Success
The UCLA Bruins gymnastics team has consistently demonstrated excellence, securing numerous championships and producing exceptional gymnasts.
- Conference Dominance: The Bruins have won 15 Pacific-10/Pac-12 Championships, including titles in 2009 and 2010. In 2019, they set a new Pac-12 Gymnastics Championship record with a score of 198.4.
- Regional Victories: UCLA captured its 21st Regional Championship in 2015 with a score of 197.500 points at the NCAA Columbus Regional.
- National Titles: The Bruins have earned seven NCAA titles, with their most recent victory in 2018.
- Big Ten Success: In their inaugural season in the Big Ten Conference in 2025, UCLA clinched its first-ever Big Ten regular season title and conference championship title, marking a significant milestone in their program's history.
Notable Seasons
The UCLA Bruins have had many remarkable seasons that underscore their consistent competitiveness and pursuit of excellence.
- 2009: The Bruins secured their 14th Pac-10 title and earned a 7th seed in the NCAA National Championships. At the NCAA North Central Regionals, they finished second behind Florida.
- 2014: The team faced a setback, failing to qualify for the Super Six competition.
- 2015: UCLA rebounded by capturing the team's 21st Regional Championship with an impressive score of 197.500 at the NCAA Columbus Regional.
- 2016: The Bruins finished second at the Salt Lake City Regional, held at the University of Utah's Jon M. Huntsman Center, with a score of 196.375. This result secured their 32nd appearance at the NCAA Gymnastics Championships, where they were assigned to Semifinal II.
- 2017: UCLA finished 4th at the NCAA Super Six Finals.
- 2018: The Bruins clinched their seventh NCAA title in St. Louis.
- 2019: A significant year marked by Coach Valorie Kondos Field's retirement. The team set an attendance record of 12,907 during a meet with Stanford on March 10, 2019. Kyla Ross achieved a "gym slam" by recording a perfect 10 score on the floor exercise at Miss Val's final home meet. UCLA won the Pac-12 championship with a score of 198.4, setting a new Pac-12 Gymnastics Championship record.
- 2024: Selena Harris was named the Pac-12 Gymnast of the Year after winning the All-Around at the Pac-12 Championships and achieving four perfect 10.0 scores during the season.
- 2025: UCLA won its first-ever Big Ten regular season title and conference championship title.
Notable Gymnasts and Figures
The UCLA Bruins gymnastics program has been shaped by numerous talented individuals who have left indelible marks on the sport.
- Valorie Kondos Field: The legendary coach, also known as "Miss Val," retired in 2019 after a remarkable career.
- Katelyn Ohashi: Set a Pac-12 record by winning the conference's Specialist of the Week award six times and her 10th career award in 2019.
- Kyla Ross: Achieved a "gym slam" in 2019 and scored her first 10 on vault in 2020.
- Selena Harris: Named the Pac-12 Gymnast of the Year in 2024.
- Anna Li: Scored a perfect 10 on uneven bars in 2010.
- Grace Glenn: Made NCAA gymnastics history for UCLA.
Other notable figures associated with the UCLA gymnastics program include:
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- Michelle Giuda (Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs)
- Onnie Willis Rogers (Psychologist)
- Heidi Moneymaker (Stuntwoman)
- Jamie Dantzscher (Olympic Gymnast)
- Mohini Bhardwaj (Olympic Gymnast)
- Kate Richardson (Olympic Gymnast)
- Tasha Schwikert (Olympic Gymnast)
- Kristen Maloney (Olympic Gymnast)
- Yvonne Tousek (Olympic Gymnast)
- Stella Umeh (Olympic Gymnast)
- Luisa Portocarrero (Olympic Gymnast)
- Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs (Olympic Gymnast)
- Sam Peszek (Olympic Gymnast)
- Peng Peng Lee (Olympic Gymnast)
- Jennifer Pinches (Olympic Gymnast)
- Jordyn Wieber (Former Bruins team manager and volunteer assistant coach, Olympic Gymnast)
- Madison Kocian (Olympic Gymnast)
- Brooklyn Moors (Olympic Gymnast)
- Jordan Chiles (Olympic Gymnast)
- Emma Malabuyo (Olympic Gymnast)
Olympic Representation
The UCLA Bruins have a strong tradition of Olympic representation. Since 1984, UCLA has been represented at every Olympic Games, with the exception of 1988, showcasing the program's commitment to developing world-class athletes.
Pauley Pavilion: Home of the Bruins
Pauley Pavilion is more than just a venue; it's the heart of UCLA gymnastics. The arena provides an electric atmosphere for gymnasts and fans alike. The record attendance of 12,907 during a meet with Stanford in 2019 is a testament to the team's popularity and the excitement surrounding their performances.
Moving to the Big Ten Conference
The UCLA Bruins gymnastics team's move to the Big Ten Conference has presented both challenges and opportunities. While the program has historically been successful, adapting to a new conference requires navigating different competitive landscapes and establishing new rivalries. The Bruins have embraced this transition, aiming to maintain their tradition of excellence while making their mark in the Big Ten.
Coaching Staff
The coaching staff plays a crucial role in the success of the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team. Dedicated coaches provide guidance, expertise, and support to the athletes, helping them reach their full potential. The team brought on new assistant coaches in 2022 to complete the coaching staff.
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