UCLA Gymnast Ciena Alipio Emerges as Key Piece in Championship Push

Senior has expanded role to three events, providing leadership as Bruins clinch Big Ten title

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Ciena Alipio, a senior on the UCLA gymnastics team, has emerged as a key contributor this season, expanding her role to three events and providing valuable leadership as the Bruins clinched their second consecutive Big Ten regular-season title. Alipio has been nominated for the prestigious AAI Award, given to the most outstanding senior female gymnast of the season, and is currently ranked 4th nationally on the balance beam.

Why it matters

Alipio's growth and leadership have been crucial for the Bruins as they make a push for a national championship. Her ability to excel on multiple events and serve as a steady, calming presence for the team has been instrumental in their success this season.

The details

After primarily competing on balance beam in her first three years, Alipio has added the uneven bars and floor exercise to her repertoire this season. She is currently averaging over 9.800 on beam, bars, and floor, and has won six individual event titles on beam. Alipio has also been named Big Ten Event Specialist of the Week three times this season.

  • Alipio clinched the Big Ten regular-season title on Friday, March 5, 2026.
  • The Bruins have two meets remaining in the regular season - against Stanford on March 11 and Utah on March 14 (senior night).

The players

Ciena Alipio

A senior on the UCLA gymnastics team who has emerged as a key contributor this season, expanding her role to three events and providing valuable leadership as the Bruins clinched their second consecutive Big Ten regular-season title.

Janelle McDonald

The head coach of the UCLA gymnastics team, who has praised Alipio's growth mindset, leadership, and ability to support her teammates.

Jordan Chiles

Alipio's UCLA teammate, who was also nominated for the 2026 AAI Award along with Alipio.

Katelyn Rosen

A UCLA gymnast who suffered a foot injury during the team's meet on Friday, March 5, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Ciena Alipio (latimes.com)

“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.”

— Janelle McDonald, UCLA Gymnastics Head Coach (latimes.com)

“To see somebody always trying to show up and get better with that growth mindset is so great. Ciena really has leveled up in her leadership in that she's somebody that continually checks in on people.”

— Janelle McDonald, UCLA Gymnastics Head Coach (latimes.com)

What’s next

The Bruins have two meets remaining in the regular season - against Stanford on March 11 and Utah on March 14 (senior night). The coaching staff will take a conservative approach with Katelyn Rosen's foot injury, prioritizing her recovery for the Big Ten championships.

The takeaway

Ciena Alipio's growth and leadership have been instrumental in UCLA's championship push this season. Her ability to excel on multiple events and serve as a steady, calming presence for the team has helped the Bruins clinch their second consecutive Big Ten regular-season title and put them in a strong position to contend for a national championship.