UCLA Gymnastics: Building Another Championship Season
January 05, 2011 | Gymnastics
Jan. 5, 2011
By Lauren Seligman
Initiative is all about having the courage to act and move forward without fear of failing. You must learn from failures, and apply what you have learned to future endeavors. Many great leaders have made similar comments that "Failure to try is the greatest mistake one can commit." Individuals who take the initiative know their responsibility to the team without having to be told where they are needed.
In the gym, it is easy to see the girls both taking initiative on an individual and team level. As individuals, they take it upon themselves to make upgrades, increase cardio, and work harder in the classroom. For the team, some of the girls take the initiative to come in early to support a teammate who needs to practice at an earlier time or to write a motivational note on the door to the gym that everyone can see when they show up for training.
The Bruins have been busy in the gym this holiday season. In addition to polishing routines and choreography, they have been having tons of fun. Who said the lead-up to season couldn't be an absolute blast? The girls celebrated the conclusion of finals week with their annual holiday party. They came to practice decked out from head to toe in their holiday finest before heading out into Westwood for a scavenger hunt and dinner. Sydney Sawa was dressed as "Olive" the other reindeer, which was one of the most creative costumes by far.
The last full intrasquad was held on December 15. There were strong performances on each event, including Brittani McCullough's huge piked full in and Olivia Courtney's all-around. Be sure to check out video from all four events on UCLABruins.com.
Last but not least, the Bruins participated in their annual "Operation Peacock." It was a day filled with lots of laughs as the girls dressed up as the characters from their floor routines for a dance-through. Costumes included a pirate (Mizuki Sato), flapper, (Niki Tom) and Elvis (Allison Taylor), to name a few. Lichelle Wong's "Jamaican" incorporated the use of homemade maracas, which she used throughout her routine and threw moments before her end pose ... Brilliant!
Be sure to come out to Pauley Pavilion on January 9th at 2pm for some great Pac-10 gymnastics! Go Bruins!
Players Mentioned
