Feb. 2, 2011
Before each UCLA gymnastics practice, the Bruins start with what has become their morning ritual. At 8AM, the team lines up along the edge of the floor opposite Miss Val, Chris, Foody, and PJ. Housekeeping issues are discussed, announcements made, and the day's assignments are clarified. Warm-up doesn't begin until Miss Val yells, "Bruins", at which point the team collectively responds "ALL IN".
"All In" is the motto the Bruins have chosen for this year. Past mottos for the Bruins have included "We Believe" in 2009 and "Our Year, Our Time" in 2010. Back in 2001, the team motto was "Win With Our Hearts, Not Our Names". Little known fact: this motto was actually printed on the inside of each of the competition leotards during that season.
This season's team decided upon the phrase "All In" to serve as a reminder of their collective goal. In essence, "All In" means that everyone is working together towards the team's collective goal to win another NCAA Championship. Everyone on the team has a responsibility to fulfill, regardless of how much they compete or if they compete at all. When everybody's actions towards the common goal come together, amazing things can happen.
Intentness, the last block in the pyramid's second tier, is all about setting a realistic goal and having the patience, perseverance and determination to see it come to life. "All In" is one of many symbols of the Bruins' intentness. In order to reach your goal, you must work past all discouragement, adversities you encounter, or temptations that could ultimately deter you from your goal. Commitment through thick and thin is one of the most visible indications of Intentness in action.
Talia Kushynski and Tauny Frattone offered further thoughts on what "All In" means to them. Both agree that commitment and individual sacrifice are two major cornerstones in achieving the Bruins' season goals. Talia believes that everyone needs to be committed to take whatever steps they need to get closer to the team goal. This specifically means that the team needs to concentrate only on what they have control over. This individual commitment is called their Bruin Zone. Tauny makes clear that being bought into the team goal comes with sacrifices, but that the sacrifices made have no element of resentment. The prospects of a successful end result make individual hardships and sacrifices well worth their efforts and discipline.
Come see the Bruins in action at their next home meet on February 21. Proceeds from this meet will benefit Camp del Corazon.