March 30, 2011
UCLA Gymnastics head coach Valorie Kondos Field will be answering your questions every Thursday over the course of the season. To submit questions for future Q&As, CLICK HERE.
Julie (West Covina, CA): Does it frustrate you to get sent so far away every year for Regionals?
Miss Val: It used to frustrate me a lot, but we've had such great experiences seeing other parts of the country and other schools like West Virginia and NC State that it doesn't bother me anymore.
Karen (Pomona, CA): I thought the team did great overall at Pac-10s. Were you satisfied with the team's performance despite the second-place finish?
Miss Val: I thought our team performed well, not great. I was actually really happy for Tanya and OSU. Oregon State hit lights-out that night, and five of Tanya's UCLA teammates from the 80's were there. It was definitely Tanya's night - one she's greatly deserved.
Katie (Boston, MA): Hello! I love this new segment! Could you tell us a little about a former gymnast on the UCLA team, Kim Hamilton Anthony?
Miss Val: Kim married her college boyfriend, Corwin Anthony, who was a football player for us. They have two super-human boys. Kimmy wrote an autobiography that came out last year that is a great read, titled Unfavorable Odds. She is even more stunningly beautiful now than when she was in college.
C.J. (Westminster, CA): As a avid fan and an "old" retired gymnast from the 70's, I was 5'7" and 130 lbs by the time I got to college. I wonder how your larger and more "developed" athletes wear the backless style (and beautiful) UCLA leotards. Are there built-in bras or support of some type? I never seem to see any sign of a bra (yet no unsightly bouncing either?) I certainly would have needed something supportive underneath - even as an older teen! You are welcome to answer this personally.
Miss Val: Tape. Athletic tape.
Christian (Temecula, CA): I heard Sean moved away. Does this mean Aisha is unspoken for? Does she need a replacement?
Miss Val: HA HA ... yes, Sean is moving to Chicago with his parents. Do you think this has anything to do with the fact that Anna Li is back in Chicago?