Ciena Alipio Plays a Crucial Role in UCLA’s Journey to the Championship
UCLA Gymnast Ciena Alipio Embraces Leadership Role in Senior Year
As she enters her senior year, Ciena Alipio is focused on being fully present and learning to trust herself as she prepares for upcoming competitions. With her personal goals aligned with those of the UCLA gymnastics team, Alipio recently celebrated a significant achievement: the team clinched its second consecutive Big Ten title.
“You’re seeing the result of every hard practice that we’re having,” Alipio said following Friday’s victory over Maryland. “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.”
Alipio has transformed into a consistent competitor, excelling in three events while also being selected as one of 45 nominees for the prestigious 2026 AAI Award, which honors the most outstanding senior female gymnast of the season. Her teammate, Jordan Chiles, is also on the list.
“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,” said Coach Janelle McDonald. “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 her first three years at UCLA, Alipio was primarily recognized for her expertise on the balance beam. This year, she has expanded her skill set, successfully competing on the uneven bars and floor exercise as well.
Currently ranked No. 4 nationally on beam, Alipio leads her team with six individual titles in the event. In a January competition against Nebraska, she topped the field in floor exercise. Alipio’s consistent performances have seen her execute all 23 routines without a fall on her way to another Big Ten title.
Averaging scores above 9.800 across beam, bars, and floor, Alipio has been named Big Ten event specialist of the week three times this season. McDonald describes her as a reliable leader who demonstrates a strong work ethic and continuous dedication to improvement.
“To see somebody always trying to show up and get better with that growth mindset is so great,” she noted. “Ciena really has leveled up in her leadership, continually checking in on her teammates, particularly when someone needs a pick-me-up.”
With only two meets remaining in the regular season—one against Stanford on Saturday and another against Utah on March 14 for senior night at Pauley Pavilion—Alipio is determined to enjoy her final weeks of competition.
“Coming in as a freshman, I thought I had so much time, and now it has gone by in a blink of an eye,” Alipio reflected. “But I’m really trying to stay present and enjoy every single moment with this team.”
In related news, Coach McDonald revealed that the coaching staff is taking a cautious approach regarding Katelyn Rosen’s foot injury sustained during Friday’s meet. The focus is to ensure she is fully recovered for the Big Ten championships, with discussions ongoing about her replacement in competition rotations.
“We really look for that lead-off to be very steady,” McDonald stated. “Somebody that doesn’t go with the ups and downs of their emotions. They need to show up and kick off the event really aggressively and confidently.”
