The UCLA gymnastics team, which is ranked No. 5 in the nation, will host No. 12 Utah on Saturday night at UCLA’s iconic Pauley Pavilion.
This is a meaningful one for four UCLA gymnasts in particular, as it is senior night. For Jordan Chiles, Ciena Alipio, Carissa Clay and Madisyn Anyimi, the nonconference meet against a former Pac-12 rival will mark their final chance to shine in Pauley.
There is a bittersweet feeling among the gymnasts, especially considering the success they have had together over the years. This group has earned four conference team championships and was the runner-up at last year’s NCAA Championships. Over the course of competing together, they have combined for 18 perfect 10’s, 18 All-American honors and 10 all-conference awards.
Alipio recalled some of her favorite highlights as she looked back on her career.
“I’d say my freshman year, making it to Elite Eight after not knowing what that year was going to look like for us as a team,” she said. “And then last year making four on the floor and then also my 10 at Big Tens on beam.”
Alipio also spoke to her personal growth throughout the years. She did not have a smooth departure from her elite gymnastics career due to an injury. And she says after much reflection the past few weeks, the biggest thing for her is not only becoming more confident as a gymnast, but how she has grown into who she is now.
In addition to feeling emotional Saturday, the Bruins will no doubt be confident. They are coming off a 197.775-197.425 road victory over No. 10 Stanford. The win was the eighth in a row for UCLA and came with Chiles earning her first perfect 10 on the uneven bars and taking home the all-around award with a score of 39.700.
The consistency of their dominance is impressive. UCLA has been ranked No. 5 for three consecutive weeks now and ranked in the top five for eight weeks in a row.
Chiles remains No. 1 on floor exercise, as well as being ranked No. 2 in the all-around. Alipio is ranked No. 4 on the balance beam and has proved herself in the Top 5 for seven straight weeks.
“I think the thing that’s so special about this class is that they’re all so different. Just in who they are as personalities, but also their impact on the team,” UCLA gymnastics head coach Janelle McDonald said of Chiles, Alipio and Clay. “All three of them have just been incredible leaders in their own right, and they all lead with differences which makes it really special.”
McDonald also singled out the grit of Anyimi, who is also departing after she clawed her way up the totem pole of UCLA gymnastics.
“Maddi, I think has been this amazing steady build of what the opportunity of being on this team can do for you,” McDonald said. “She came in as a student and became a part of the team. Really has taken every year and continued to grow and get better.”
No. 12 Utah at No. 5 UCLA
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Pauley Pavilion
TV: Big Ten Network
