Strug vaults to new position as UCLA volunteer coach

Sunday, August 18, 1996

Although ineligible to compete, gymnast adds to blue ‘n’ goldBy
Christopher Isidro

Summer Bruin Senior Staff

UCLA’s newest coach brings with her a wealth of international
competitive experience, a pair of Olympic medals and a proven
ability to battle adversity.

She will also carry to work her reg card and student ID.

Kerri Strug, whose final vault on a severely sprained ankle in
the 1996 Olympics secured the gold for the U.S. women’s gymnastics
team, was named as a volunteer assistant coach for the UCLA
gymnastics team in a Friday press conference.

Strug, who signed a letter of intent with UCLA last year, gave
up her NCAA eligibility soon after winning the gold medal.

Under the announced arrangement, Strug is allowed to train,
travel, and perform exhibitions with the team while also
entertaining professional and commercial opportunities.

With her agent Leigh Steinberg and Bruin head coach Valorie
Kondos by her side, the 18-year-old incoming freshman said coming
to Westwood fulfilled a longtime goal.

"It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to attend UCLA," Strug said.
"I’m looking forward to meeting new people and exploring other
areas of life."

As one of the most recognizable figures from the Olympic Games,
Strug has already caught up a whirlwind of endorsements and
appearances, including Jay Leno’s "Tonight Show" and an invitation
to President Clinton’s birthday party this weekend.

However, Strug feels that college will provide other valuable
experiences, especially in terms of gymnastics.

"College gymnastics has always been different than
(international) gymnastics because it is more team oriented and a
lot more fun," she said. "My whole life, I’ve been in a little
box."

Strug’s addition gives UCLA gymnastics a boost, even though she
is barred from competing for the school.

"UCLA is thrilled to have Kerri finally become a part of our
program," Kondos said. "I know the athletes that are in the program
have a tremendous amount of respect for Kerri and fell in love with
her when she came on her recruiting trip."

The new UCLA coach will be looked upon to give the gymnasts help
and advice, and perform exhibitions at select home meets.

"I really think of Kerri as a non-competitive team player ­
not just the star that shows up for workouts," Kondos said. "It’s
very, very important for Kerri to be part of the family."

The desire to be part of a family caused Strug to deliberate
long and hard about going pro. But in the end, Strug’s decision to
forgo her eligibility was driven by keeping her current team
together.

"It was definitely a really tough decision for me because going
into the Games, I kept my eligibility," Strug said. "All of my
other teammates, besides Amy Chow, had already been pro for quite a
while.

"They had decided to go in as a team together," Strug added, "So
that’s why I made my decision."

Meanwhile, the Bruins will miss Strug’s presence in a lineup
that grabbed a runner-up finish at the 1996 NCAA Championships.

"I’d be lying to say I’m not disappointed," Kondos said. "She’d
be one of many greats on this program that finished second last
year. Having Kerri Strug on our team, wow!"

"It is unfair for female gymnasts in particular to have to make
that decision," Kondos added. "I wish there was a way for her to
reap the benefits of all worlds because she has earned them."

Gymnastics at the collegiate level traditionally has been a
venue for the older athletes to continue competition. However, it
is an option Strug cannot afford to take.

"Collegiate gymnastics is that arena for more mature gymnasts to
compete under a different set of rules," Kondos added. "But she
shouldn’t have to give up all the other opportunities to do
that."

JUSTIN WARREN/Daily Bruin

Kerri Strug, left, with her mother at her side, announced she
will become a volunteer assistant coach for the UCLA gymnastics
team.