"You're seeing the result of every hard practice that we're having. We're putting in work and we're doing what we absolutely have to every single day in the gym and I think it's just putting it all together on the same day."
"She's just one of those athletes that's really willing to do whatever it takes to be at her best for the team, and she's an incredibly hard worker. She puts her heart into everything she does and she really has a growth mentality that she takes into every aspect of her life."
"During the first three years of her college career, Alipio was known as a balance beam expert. That fact hasn't changed, except now she added success on the uneven bars and the floor exercise."
Ciena Alipio entered her senior year focused on being present and trusting herself in competition. She set personal goals alongside a team objective to win the Big Ten title, which UCLA achieved. Alipio transformed from a balance beam expert into a three-event staple, competing on beam, uneven bars, and floor exercise. She ranks fourth nationally on beam, leads her team with six individual titles on that event, and has hit all 23 routines without a fall. Averaging above 9.800 on all three events, Alipio earned nomination for the 2026 AAI Award, recognizing outstanding senior female gymnasts. Coach Janelle McDonald praised her work ethic, dedication, and growth mentality.
#ncaa-gymnastics #ucla-athletics #big-ten-conference #senior-achievement #multi-event-specialization
Read at Los Angeles Times
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