Former women’s basketball player works to redefine herself outside of the sport

Almost everyone has a rehearsed way they introduce themselves when they meet someone new. It’s those few words that follow a person’s name and explain what they do – a job, a major, a sport. For Chrissy Baird, those words were, “I play basketball at UCLA.” Until she didn’t. “I was meeting all these new […]

Local barber cuts out place in Westwood as the go-to for renowned Bruin athletes

The Rose Bowl. Pauley Pavillion. Adalberto “Albert” Duran’s station in Oakley’s Barber Shop. All have hosted some of UCLA’s most legendary athletes and coaches. Duran has been working at Oakley’s, a barbershop on Gayley Avenue in Westwood, for over 40 years and has cut the hair of widely recognized Bruin athletes and coaches such as […]

Lisa Fernandez shifts focus to pitchers in 12th year as assistant softball coach

This post was updated June 10 at 12:20 a.m. Lisa Fernandez first met Rachel Garcia at a game in Garcia’s hometown when the redshirt junior pitcher was just a kid. “I was lucky enough to be a bat girl, and I ended up on (Fernandez)’s team, and I got to run out her jacket when […]

Long snapper’s unique role requires careful technique and a strong mentality

Aggressive traps and a stifling attack – that’s how Johnny Den Bleyker said he likes to play chess. Set to graduate a year early and pursue a master’s degree, the junior long snapper for UCLA football has been playing chess since elementary school. He took it up again this offseason when coach Chip Kelly brought […]

Hockey player-turned-golfer follows in footsteps of favorite movie character

Patrick Murphy used to spend more time on the ice than he did on the links. Just like his favorite movie character, Happy Gilmore. The senior UCLA men’s golfer, who was raised in Crossfield, Alberta, noted some similarities between himself and the fictional hockey player-turned-golfer. “I admire Happy because he’s kind of this unpolished figure, […]

The Centennial Issue: Miss Val

Valorie Kondos Field tells her athletes that changed plans aren’t scary – they’re exciting. And she would know. Kondos Field, whom the nation has nicknamed “Miss Val,” has captained seven national championship-winning teams during her time with UCLA gymnastics. She has also garnered 19 Pac-12 titles in her 36 years as a Bruin. But that […]

How Katelyn Ohashi became the star of a sport she nearly despised

Joy. That is on senior Katelyn Ohashi’s face as she grins and dances throughout her floor routine. Her teammates beam as she tumbles through the air and the crowd cheers with every completed skill. Ohashi’s smile only widens once she finishes. “(Ohashi) just has so much joy and love when she competes,” said junior Felicia […]