Nicki Shapiro Granted Sixth Year of Eligibility
July 16, 2020 | Gymnastics
Gymnast Nicki Shapiro has been awarded a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA and will return to the UCLA Gymnastics team for the 2021 season. Shapiro had left the sport following her 2016 freshman season to pursue other artistic interests but rejoined the team for the 2020 campaign.
"It has been quite the journey since I began my freshman season in 2016, and I am beyond blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to complete this chapter in 2021 with my Bruin family," Shapiro said. "I'm thrilled to get back at it and finish the mission with the team I love."
Shapiro was an important contributor for the Bruins on balance beam in 2020, scoring 9.825 or higher in four of five meets, with her high of 9.9 helping UCLA score a season-best 49.525 on the event against Utah. Shapiro also competed once on uneven bars, scoring a career-best 9.775 at Oregon State. During her freshman year, she earned high marks of 9.925 on balance beam and 9.725 on uneven bars and helped UCLA win the 2016 Pac-12 Championships and earn a Top 5 finish at the NCAA Championships. Prior to competing at UCLA, she was an eight-time Regional champion and a 15-time State champion.
"I am thrilled that Nicki has the opportunity to come back for one more year," said UCLA head coach Chris Waller. "Nicki is the embodiment of gratitude, sharing freely how blessed she feels for her Bruin family. She is fiercely competitive and a natural leader. With the gift of a sixth year with our program, she's positioned to shine brighter than ever."
Student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in four seasons of intercollegiate competition within a five-year period. A waiver of the five-year period of eligibility can be granted by the NCAA based on reasons that are beyond the control of the student-athlete.
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