University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
UCLA's Samantha Peszek Wins NCAA All-Around Title
April 18, 2015 | Gymnastics
"If I could give it up to win the team national championship, I would," Peszek said. "But to end on this note for myself and to leave this sport in peace knowing that I did everything that I could possibly do and have no regrets is something that I will forever remember."
Peszek earned her winning total with scores of 9.9 across the board. She started her day with a strong and powerful floor exercise routine that finished tied for fourth in the session. In rotation two, she stuck a Yurchenko layout full and finished just shy of event finals in fifth place. Peszek showcased her fight and competitiveness, as she nearly overarched on a handstand but held it together and then stuck her double layout dismount cold. Her balance beam was nearly perfect, with the only visible deduction being a bend at the waist to hold on to the stick on her dismount.
The championship is Peszek's second individual title. She previously won the NCAA balance beam crown in 2011 as a freshman. The all-around championship is the fifth by a UCLA gymnast. UCLA's other NCAA all-around champions are Tasha Schwikert in 2005 and 2008, Jamie Dantzscher in 2002 and Onnie Willis in 2001.
Peszek, a 2008 Olympic silver medalist, has two chances to win more titles, as she competes in the individual event finals on beam and floor on Sunday. She will be the 10th of 13 competitors on beam and the second of 15 on floor.
Players Mentioned
