University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA Gymnast Samantha Peszek Out for Season
December 17, 2012 | Gymnastics
Dec. 17, 2012
UCLA junior Samantha Peszek will sit out the 2013 gymnastics season after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in practice on Monday.
Peszek, a silver medalist at the 2008 Olympic Games and the 2011 NCAA balance beam champion, plans to have surgery as quickly as possible and will redshirt the upcoming season. She will have two years of eligibility remaining.
"It's unfortunate for me, but I think it will be good for the team; it will make everyone stronger," Peszek said. "My teammates have been so supportive and have been telling me what to expect, so that has been nice."
Said UCLA head coach Valorie Kondos Field, "We all feel badly for Sam; she works so incredibly hard. We know, from others who have recovered from this injury, that she will be back even stronger next season. We also know that teams almost always unite and become stronger when one of their teammates go down."
Second-ranked UCLA begins it season on Sunday, Jan. 6 against Southern Utah in Pauley Pavilion.
Players Mentioned
