UCLA Gymnasts Share How Staying Calm and Confident Helps Their Quest for a National Title
The UCLA women’s gymnastics team is set to compete in the NCAA regionals on Friday in Corvallis, Oregon, with a focus on three key principles: calm, confidence, and commitment to one another. This mantra has been instrumental in their recent success, including clinching the Big Ten tournament title, according to team member Mika Webster-Longin.
With heightened anticipation, the Bruins aim to leverage their recent victories as they seek to qualify for the NCAA championship. “The Big Ten win really feels good and helps our confidence going into NCAA regionals,” Webster-Longin stated, emphasizing the team spirit that propelled their performance. Teammate Tiana Sumanasekera echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism that the momentum from their recent successes would carry them further.
At the NCAA Corvallis Regional, UCLA, holding the No. 4 seed, will compete during one of two sessions scheduled for 7 p.m. against No. 13 seed Minnesota, Iowa, and the winner of the preliminary contest between San José State and Washington. The top two teams from this session will advance to the regional final on Sunday, facing off against the leading squads from another regional pool, which includes No. 5 seed Alabama, No. 12 seed Utah, Denver, and host Oregon State.
To qualify for the NCAA championship, teams must secure a top-two finish in the regional final, along with individual all-around performers and top event finishers not part of qualifying teams. Last year, UCLA excelled in their opening regional matchup, finishing first and subsequently placing second in the finals, thus advancing to the championship meet.
Head coach Janelle McDonald highlighted the importance of intent and precision in their performances. “The best teams that have the most success at these competitions are the ones that really leave no doubt out there,” she noted. The Bruins are prioritizing focus and detail in their routines, while also committing to recovery practices to ensure peak performance over the two-day competition.
McDonald remarked, “That’s really been our mentality—to be efficient, confident, present, and intentional about what we’re doing.”
UCLA’s season has reinforced a winning mentality that the team plans to carry into this crucial weekend. Sumanasekera emphasized the depth of the team as a significant asset, saying, “We’re really excited; we have incredible depth on this team, so I think that really helped us in the long run.”
One athlete, Webster-Longin, is making a noteworthy comeback after an illness left her sidelined for three competitions. Since her return, she has consistently improved her performance, showcasing her commitment to the team and the sport.
Meanwhile, teammate Ciena Alipio has shown resilience after a fall during a recent routine, adopting a lessons-learned approach to her training. “She’s just really been able to turn the page and get back into training,” McDonald noted, complimenting Alipio’s focus and determination.
As the Bruins prepare for this pivotal weekend, their blend of skill, teamwork, and resilience will be on full display as they aim for success in the NCAA regionals.
