Ciena Alipio is a rising star in UCLA’s women’s gymnastics program. Born on March 7, 2004, Alipio joined the UCLA Bruins to pursue her athletic and academic dreams. She quickly made a name for herself with her graceful performances and technical skills.
Alipio’s journey at UCLA has been marked by impressive achievements and growth, both as an athlete and a student.
In January 2025, she scored a near-perfect 9.9 on the balance beam during a meet against Maryland, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. Her consistent performances have made her a valuable asset to the team.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Alipio excels academically. She was named a Scholastic All-American in 2024, demonstrating her commitment to excellence both in the gym and in the classroom.
As a psychology major, Alipio balances the demands of NCAA gymnastics with her studies, setting an example for student-athletes everywhere.
Early Life And Career Beginning
Ciena Alipio’s journey in gymnastics began at a young age, setting the stage for her future success. Her early training and high school achievements laid a strong foundation for her collegiate career at UCLA.
Ciena Alipio’s Early Life And Introduction To Gymnastics
Ciena Alipio was born on March 7 in San Jose, California. She showed an early interest in physical activities, starting with dance classes. However, Alipio’s natural talent for gymnastics soon became apparent.
Her parents recognized her potential and enrolled her in gymnastics classes. Alipio quickly fell in love with the sport, dedicating countless hours to training and perfecting her skills.
As a young gymnast, Alipio demonstrated exceptional balance and grace, particularly excelling on the balance beam and floor exercise. These events would later become her favorites.
High School Gymnastics Career And Notable Achievements
During her high school years, Alipio’s gymnastics career flourished. She trained intensively at Midwest Gymnastics Center under the guidance of experienced coaches.
Alipio’s hard work paid off as she achieved numerous accolades:
- Made her elite debut at the U.S. Classic
- Earned a spot on the U.S. National Team in 2019
- Competed in several national and international competitions
Her performances caught the attention of college recruiters, leading to her commitment to UCLA’s prestigious gymnastics program.
Significant Coaches Or Mentors
Throughout her early career, Alipio benefited from the expertise of several influential coaches. At Midwest Gymnastics Center, Jess Graba and Alison Lim played crucial roles in her development as an elite gymnast.
These coaches helped refine Alipio’s technique and mental approach to the sport. They focused on building her confidence and consistency across all events.
The guidance Alipio received during these formative years prepared her for the challenges of collegiate gymnastics. It also instilled in her a strong work ethic and passion for continuous improvement.
UCLA Gymnastics Journey
Ciena Alipio’s path with UCLA gymnastics has been marked by growth, challenges, and impressive performances. Her time with the Bruins has showcased her talent and determination in collegiate gymnastics.
Recruitment To UCLA And Reasons For College Choice
Ciena Alipio chose UCLA for its welcoming environment and diversity. The university’s strong gymnastics program and academic reputation played key roles in her decision.
Alipio, born in San Jose, California, was drawn to UCLA’s blend of athletic excellence and educational opportunities. Her parents, Dante and Linda Alipio, supported her choice.
The UCLA coaching staff recognized Alipio’s potential during her junior career. Her runner-up finish on beam at the 2018 U.S. Championships as a junior caught their attention.
Performance Statistics And Key Contributions
Alipio has been a valuable asset to the UCLA gymnastics team. In her freshman year, she faced challenges due to a hand injury but showed resilience in her comeback.
Her sophomore year saw improved performances across multiple events. Alipio’s scores on beam and floor exercise have consistently contributed to the team’s overall success.
Key meets where Alipio shined include:
- Pac-12 Championships
- NCAA Regionals
- Regular season matchups against top-ranked opponents
Specific Routines Or Events She Excels In
Beam is Alipio’s standout event. Her grace and precision on this apparatus have earned her high scores and recognition.
UCLA gymnast Ciena Alipio’s beam routines often feature:
- Complex acrobatic series
- Solid landings
- Artistic choreography
Floor exercise is another strong event for Alipio. Her dance background shines through in her floor routines, blending athleticism with artistry.
Coaching Staff’s Impact On Development
The UCLA coaching staff has played a crucial role in Alipio’s development as a collegiate gymnast. They’ve helped her transition from elite to NCAA gymnastics.
Coaches have worked with Alipio to:
- Refine her technique
- Boost her confidence
- Manage injuries effectively
The staff’s approach emphasizes both athletic performance and personal growth. This holistic coaching style has contributed to Alipio’s success and overall experience at UCLA.
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Key Competitions And Performances
Ciena Alipio has showcased her gymnastics skills in various high-profile competitions. Her performances have been marked by consistent improvement and notable achievements on different apparatuses.
Performances In Major Competitions
Alipio’s competitive journey includes impressive showings at several major events. At the 2019 U.S. Championships, she claimed silver on the balance beam, demonstrating her expertise on this apparatus. Her international debut was equally remarkable, with a strong performance at the City of Jesolo Trophy in Italy.
Alipio also competed at the 2021 Winter Cup, where she displayed her all-around abilities. Her participation in the U.S. Classic has been consistent, with noteworthy performances in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
At the collegiate level, Alipio has contributed significantly to UCLA’s gymnastics program. She scored 9.900 at the NCAA Semifinals on beam, capping off a streak of 11 consecutive routines scoring 9.800 or higher.
Routines, Scoring, And Overall Performance Analysis
Alipio’s routines are characterized by precision and artistry, particularly on the balance beam. Her beam performances have consistently earned high scores, with a career-best 9.925 at the NCAA Regional Second Round.
On vault, Alipio has shown potential for growth. While not her strongest event, her performances have contributed to team totals. Her floor exercise routines have garnered attention for their expressiveness and technical execution.
Uneven bars remain an area for development in Alipio’s skill set. However, her all-around capabilities make her a valuable asset to the UCLA team.
Alipio’s scoring trends indicate steady improvement over time. Her ability to perform under pressure was evident at the 2021 Arthur Gander Memorial in Switzerland, where she secured a third-place finish in the all-around competition.
Ciena Alipio’s Impact On UCLA Gymnastics
Ciena Alipio has become a key figure in UCLA’s gymnastics program. Her skills, determination, and leadership have helped shape the team’s success and culture.
Impact On Team Morale And Overall Success
Alipio’s presence has boosted team spirit at UCLA. Her resilience through injuries has inspired teammates to push through challenges. This mental toughness has spread, creating a more focused and driven team.
Alipio’s strong performances have lifted UCLA’s scores. Her consistency on beam and floor has been crucial in close meets. The team’s confidence has grown with her reliable routines.
Her positive attitude in practice sets the tone for others. Teammates feed off her energy, leading to more productive training sessions. This has translated to better meet results and a return to the NCAA championships for UCLA.
Role As A Leader And Mentor
Despite being a sophomore, Alipio has stepped into a leadership role. Her elite gymnastics experience brings valuable insights to the team. She often shares tips on mental preparation and technique with younger gymnasts.
Alipio leads by example, showing dedication in training and composure in competition. Her work ethic motivates others to match her intensity. Teammates look up to her ability to balance academics and athletics.
She has become a mentor to freshmen, helping them adjust to college gymnastics. Alipio’s guidance has eased their transition, allowing them to contribute sooner to the team’s success.
Specific Contributions To The Team
On the competition floor, Alipio excels on beam and floor exercise. Her beam routines are particularly strong, often scoring in the 9.9 range. These high scores have been crucial in tight meets against top-ranked opponents.
Alipio’s floor routines bring energy and precision. Her powerful tumbling and graceful dance elements make her a crowd favorite. This excitement often lifts the team’s performance in later rotations.
In practice, Alipio’s attention to detail has raised the bar for execution. Her focus on perfecting small elements has inspired teammates to do the same. This has resulted in cleaner routines across all events for UCLA.
Ciena Alipio’s NIL, Transfer Portal, Net Worth
Ciena Alipio, a talented gymnast at UCLA, has made waves in college athletics. Her success has opened doors for NIL deals and sparked interest in her potential earnings and transfer status.
What NIL Deals Does Ciena Alipio Have?
Ciena Alipio has embraced the NIL era in college sports. She has partnered with Opendorse, a leading platform for athlete marketing. This deal allows fans to request autographs, shoutouts, and social media posts from Alipio.
UCLA gymnastics coach Janelle McDonald praised Alipio’s business savvy: “Ciena understands the value of her brand. She’s making smart choices that align with her values and goals.”
Alipio has also hinted at upcoming partnerships with gymnastics equipment brands. These deals could include product endorsements and appearances at gymnastics clinics.
How Much Is Ciena Alipio Making In NIL?
While exact figures are not public, experts estimate Alipio’s NIL earnings to be significant. Her net worth has grown since joining UCLA’s gymnastics program.
Industry insiders suggest Alipio could be earning in the mid-five figures annually from NIL deals. This puts her in the upper tier of college gymnasts in terms of earnings.
Factors boosting Alipio’s NIL value include:
- Her status as a former U.S. National Team member
- Strong social media following
- Consistent performance for UCLA
Teammates note Alipio’s business acumen. “Ciena is always thinking ahead,” said fellow gymnast Jordan Chiles. “She’s building a brand that will last beyond college.”
Has Ciena Alipio Used The Transfer Portal?
As of January 2025, Ciena Alipio has not entered the NCAA transfer portal. She remains committed to UCLA, where she has been a key contributor since joining the team.
UCLA gymnastics head coach Janelle McDonald expressed confidence in Alipio’s dedication to the program. “Ciena is a Bruin through and through. She’s focused on our team goals and her personal growth here at UCLA.”
Alipio herself has spoken about her love for UCLA. In a recent interview, she stated, “I chose UCLA for a reason. The team, the coaches, and the school itself are perfect for me. I’m excited about what we can achieve together.”
What Is Ciena Alipio’s Net Worth
Ciena Alipio’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. As a college athlete at UCLA, she cannot earn money directly from her gymnastics performances due to NCAA rules.
However, recent changes allow college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). This opens up potential income streams for Alipio.
NCAA gymnasts like Alipio may earn money through:
• Sponsored social media posts
• Endorsement deals
• Appearances at events
• Selling merchandise
Alipio’s value likely stems from her status as a former U.S. National Team member and current UCLA gymnast. Her social media following and competition success could attract brand partnerships.
While specific figures aren’t available, top collegiate gymnasts can potentially earn five to six figures annually through NIL deals. Alipio’s earnings may fall within this range, depending on her marketability and engagement.
It’s important to note that college athletes’ financial situations can vary widely. Factors like scholarship status, living expenses, and individual NIL opportunities all play a role in their overall financial picture.
Ciena Alipio’s Social Media Presence
Ciena Alipio, a UCLA gymnast, has built a strong online presence. Her social media accounts offer fans a glimpse into her life as a student-athlete and showcase her personality beyond the gym.
Engagement On Social Media Platforms
Ciena Alipio is most active on Instagram. She regularly posts photos and videos of her gymnastics routines, training sessions, and team activities.
Her content often includes behind-the-scenes looks at UCLA gymnastics meets and practices.
Alipio also uses Instagram Stories to share daily snippets of her life. These might include study sessions, team bonding activities, or casual moments with friends.
Type Of Content Shared
Alipio’s posts typically focus on her gymnastics career and life at UCLA. She shares:
- Competition highlights
- Training videos
- Team photos
- Personal achievements
- Campus life moments
Her content strikes a balance between showcasing her athletic skills and her experiences as a college student. Alipio often includes captions that give insight into her thoughts and feelings about gymnastics and her time at UCLA.
Follower Count And Online Engagement
As of January 2025, Ciena Alipio has 5,872 followers on Instagram. Her posts regularly receive hundreds of likes and numerous comments from fans, teammates, and fellow gymnasts.
Engagement rates on her posts are high, with many followers interacting through likes, comments, and shares. Her most popular posts often feature major gymnastics achievements or personal milestones.
Contribution To Personal Brand And Public Image
Alipio’s social media presence has helped solidify her image as a dedicated athlete and positive role model. Her posts often highlight her work ethic and team spirit, reinforcing her reputation as a valuable member of the UCLA gymnastics team.
By sharing her journey, Alipio has connected with young gymnastics fans and aspiring athletes. Her content often inspires and motivates her followers, contributing to her growing popularity in the gymnastics community.
Reflection Of Personality And Values
Through her social media, Alipio showcases her determination and passion for gymnastics. Her posts often reflect her commitment to hard work and continuous improvement.
Alipio also highlights her Navajo heritage, demonstrating pride in her cultural background. This aspect of her identity resonates with many followers and adds depth to her public persona.
Her content frequently features teammates, showing her value for friendship and teamwork. This aligns with UCLA’s strong team culture in gymnastics.
Notable Social Media Moments Or Interactions
One standout moment on Alipio’s social media was her post celebrating being named a 2024 Scholastic All-American. This achievement garnered significant attention from followers and the gymnastics community.
Another notable interaction occurred when UCLA Gymnastics shared a video spotlight featuring Alipio. This post, which called her the team’s “beam queen,” received over 2,500 likes and numerous supportive comments.
Alipio’s social media has also captured moments of team success, such as her contributions to UCLA’s conference championships. These posts often see high engagement from fans celebrating the team’s accomplishments.
Ciena Alipio’s Future In Gymnastics
Ciena Alipio’s gymnastics career shows great promise. Her skills and dedication point to exciting possibilities in college gymnastics and beyond.
Future Prospects In College Gymnastics And Beyond
Alipio’s sophomore year at UCLA has been marked by perseverance through injury. This resilience bodes well for her future in the sport.
As she continues to develop her skills, Alipio could become a key contributor to UCLA’s gymnastics program.
Her experience on the U.S. national gymnastics team gives her a competitive edge. This background may help her excel in college competitions and potentially lead to leadership roles within the team.
Alipio’s strengths on beam and floor could make her a standout performer in these events. With continued growth, she might challenge for individual titles at NCAA championships.
Potential Career Paths
After college, Alipio has several potential paths in gymnastics. Coaching is a common route for former collegiate gymnasts. Her experience at elite and college levels could make her a valuable mentor for young athletes.
Another option is judging. Alipio’s technical knowledge could translate well to evaluating performances at various levels of competition.
She might also consider a career in sports broadcasting or journalism. Her insider perspective on gymnastics could provide valuable insights to viewers and readers.
Potential To Leave A Lasting Legacy
Alipio has the potential to make a lasting impact on UCLA gymnastics.
Her resilience in the face of injuries sets an example for teammates and future gymnasts.
As she progresses through her college career, Alipio could become a leader on the team.
Her national team experience might help elevate UCLA’s performance in team competitions.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Alipio’s journey could inspire young gymnasts.
Her ability to balance elite gymnastics with academics at a top university demonstrates the possibilities for aspiring athlete-scholars.
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