UCLA Gymnastics Finds Leadership in Unexpected Place After Near-Championship Run
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UCLA gymnastics faces the challenge of sustaining success after a remarkable climb to national prominence, and the team is looking to senior Ciena Alipio to guide the way.
After a 17th-place finish in 2024,the UCLA Bruins achieved a stunning turnaround,becoming national runners-up in 2025.This rapid ascent has created heightened expectations, particularly for the team’s senior class. However,wiht the departure of a pivotal graduating class,the question of maintaining momentum and carrying the program’s legacy loomed large – a question answered by an unassuming leader.
The Rise of ciena Alipio
The answer,according to those within the program,wasn’t the moast vocal athlete,but rather Ciena Alipio,a senior gymnast who has quietly become the bedrock of the team.Alipio’s consistent performance and dedication have earned her a prominent role, filling the spots in every competition lineup.
Stepping into a Leadership Role
With only seven upperclassmen remaining,Alipio has naturally stepped into an expanded leadership role,one that aligns with her inherent strengths. “I haven’t ever been the person who’s very vocal, but that’s something I’ve been working on,” Alipio explained. “Last year, I really blossomed in speaking up in team meetings and making sure that everyone knew that their voice was just as critically important as the upperclassmen’s.”
Her approach extends beyond formal team settings.Alipio actively fosters a welcoming surroundings for newcomers, prioritizing individual connections. She integrates new teammates through informal activities, like team lunches and regular check-ins. Recognizing that motivational speeches aren’t her forte, she focuses on building relationships through consistent, positive interactions. This individualized approach appears to be resonating with the younger members of the team.
“Ciena is always there for our freshmen, for her class, for juniors, sophomores,” said freshman Tiana Sumanasekera. “It’s just a really friendly environment. We love her so much, and we couldn’t be where we are without her.”
Beyond Leadership: A Consistent Performer
Alipio’s impact isn’t limited to her leadership qualities. She has become a reliable presence in the beam lineup, having completed 39 routines throughout her collegiate career. Her dedication culminated in a critically important achievement last season: a perfect score at the Big Ten Championships on March 22, earning her the Big Ten beam title and contributing to the Bruins’ team championship victory. She was also recognized as a First-Team All-American on beam in 2025.
“I wanted to continue with the success that I was having on beam. I had shown everyone that was my event,” Alipio said. “I was really happy with where I ended (the) season last year on beam,and I wanted to continue that.”
Overcoming Obstacles and Expanding Contributions
While Alipio initially excelled as an all-around athlete – placing third in the all-around competition at the 2021 Arthur Gander Memorial in Switzerland – her collegiate career has been marked by setbacks. thumb and knee injuries hampered her ability to compete on vault, bars, and floor for the first three years. She only performed a floor exhibition on January 4 of last season.
Recognizing the void left by the graduating seniors, Alipio proactively developed routines on bars and floor to bolster the team’s lineup. She debuted these routines at UCLA’s annual Meet the Bruins Competition in December, executing her bar dismount and final floor pass with precision.
“If for some odd reason tomorrow was my last day of gymnastics, I’d be very content with where I’m at and what I was able to accomplish over summer,” Alipio stated. “I’m feeling really good walking into (this) season, and I’m very excited about this team.”
Alipio’s journey exemplifies resilience and a commitment to team success, positioning her as a crucial figure as UCLA gymnastics navigates the challenges of maintaining its hard-earned momentum.
