UCLA Gymnastics: Building Another Championship Season
November 21, 2010 | Gymnastics
Nov. 19, 2010
By Lauren Seligman
Alertness is defined as being aware of one's surroundings and keeping an open mind. Coach Wooden reminded us that when we are alert and attentive we have the opportunity to improve ourselves and bypass mistakes made by our peers. We can all learn by taking the time to observe what is going on around us.
Last Saturday, the Bruins competed in their second big intra-squad of the season. They competed vault, full bars and beam minus dismounts, and tumbling set on floor. Dismount rallies followed bars and beam rotations, and some of the girls took the opportunity to show off their new floor choreography in dance routines as well.
At the end of the evening, the girls came together in a huddle to discuss what they each perceived to be the high points of the evening. Each of the girls picked one of their teammate's accomplishments to highlight, and the complements flowed around the circle. Sitting in on their discussion, I found it impossible to ignore how conscious the girls are of all of their teammates individual successes. High scores only accounted for a small portion of the complements. Leadership, presentation, commitment, and calm were brought up just as often. My top five highlights from the night are as follows:
1. Bar Dismounts:
- Monique De La Torre: Full twisting double layout
- Allison Taylor: Half-in half out
- Lichelle Wong: Double front half-out
2. Mizuki Sato:
Zuk competed her beam skill set and tumbling set beautifully. She was medically cleared just over a week ago, and she is already nailing double pikes to the resi and her series on beam.
3 Canadians:
Aisha Gerber and Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs' all-around were phenomenal, as was Sydney Sawa's double layout and tumbling on floor.
4. Floor Choreography:
New routines are shaping up beautifully. You'll have to wait until January to see them, but I can assure you they are amazing, especially Brittani McCullough and Talia Kushynski's!
5. Freshmen:
The freshmen are becoming more comfortable with the college competition atmosphere. On the whole they were less nervous and had bigger routines than last intra-squad.
Last Saturday was just the beginning. On Sunday, the National Champions were presented with their rings. After months of waiting, the rings were passed out in the company of family and friends at the Bruins' annual season kick-off party. After admiring their rings for the first time, the seniors were quick to let the freshmen try them on. Needless to say, they all really want one!
Players Mentioned
