The end of the “Fab Five” era comes at a time when
the Bruins are the most dominant team in collegiate gymnastics. The
No. 1 Bruins continue to lead the nation in every single event.
Though UCLA gymnastics has always had an elite program, its five
seniors Malia Jones, Kristen Parker, Carly Raab, Doni Thompson and
Onnie Willis have helped solidify Bruin greatness. From day one,
they have been referred to as the “Fab Five.”
The Bruins will host the 26th UCLA Invitational this Sunday and
have won the event the past 11 years. This year, the Bruins will
compete against No. 14 Oklahoma, North Carolina and Rhode
Island.
Head coach Valorie Kondos Field recognizes the importance of
resting her top lineup late in the season. Kondos Field has led
UCLA (11-1-1) to three NCAA titles in the last seven years and
seeks yet another.
“Hopefully giving some of our key people a rest will give
us a break,” Kondos Field said. “It’s going to be
exciting to see a new lineup. It’s always nice to see what
your second-string can do. I feel very confident that we’ll
be able to go out there and get the job done.”
Four years ago, Kondos Field knew that she had recruited special
athletes. All five gymnasts came on the recruiting trip together
and Kondos Field would not let them leave without all five of them
committing.
“You couldn’t have asked for better freshman because
they were hungry to be led,” Kondos Field said. “They
did everything they were asked to do and have developed into
tremendous seniors and leaders.”
Kristen Parker, a UCLA record-holder on floor, recognizes that
ending her gymnastics career with so many friends will be
tough.
“It will be really hard for me,” Parker said.
“We know so much about each other and ending the season will
definitely be difficult. This team is really unique in how close it
is and I think that there are a lot of people here that I hope to
stay in touch with.”
Carly Raab, the undergraduate assistant coach of the Bruins, had
to end her competitive career early, but decided to still be a part
of the team. As the Bruins get ready to head into the Pac-10
tournament later this month, Raab feels confident in her
team’s ability to overcome any adversity.
“We’ve got a lot of fight in us. I’m not too
concerned that any injury will really hold us back,” Raab
said.
For the UCLA Invitational, senior Onnie Willis will be out with
a foot injury, but this allows Doni Thompson to compete for the
first time this season.
“One of the most exciting things to look for this weekend
is Doni Thompson,” said Kondos Field. “She is one of
the best bar workers in the world.”
The “Fab Five,” have certainly not let their coach
down. They have won two NCAA titles and have shown leadership.
Kondos Field sees the underclassmen following the same formula of
success.
“It is because of (the seniors) that our team gets its job
done in the classroom and in the gym and on the competition
floor,” Kondos Field said.
“They’re just exceptional human beings and to have
five of them in one class is really something special.”
The conclusion to the careers of the “Fab Five” has
left UCLA in the middle of what could be another great Bruin sports
dynasty. Thanks to the seniors, the formula has been ingrained.