‘Fab Five’ era ending on high note

top lineup takes a break as No. 1 Bruins look to win ucla invitational for twelfth time in a row

Marcus Anderson
Published: Thursday, March 13, 2003

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.