UCLA Signs Pair of Elite Gymnasts for 2022 Season

Senior elite gymnasts Emily Lee and Alexis Jeffrey have signed national letters of intent and will join the UCLA Gymnastics team for the 2022 season.

Lee, who hails from Los Gatos, Calif. and West Valley Gymnastics, had a strong 2019 season, finishing in the Top 10 at the World Team selection camp after placing sixth on balance beam, eighth on floor exercise and 11th all-around at the U.S. Championships. Additionally, Lee won floor exercise, placed second in the all-around and third on vault and uneven bars at the 2019 American Classic. She made her international debut at the 2020 Gymnix International in Montreal, winning team gold and earning a silver medal on floor exercise. In 2016, Lee won the Level 10 floor exercise title and then finished seventh on balance beam in the junior division at the U.S. Championships.

"Emily Lee brings a depth of character and resolve that is unique for a senior in high school," said UCLA head coach Chris Waller. "She is intrinsically motivated, grounded, yet fun and will contribute to the culture of the team by her example, her work ethic, and her kindness. While Emily found herself on top of the podium on floor exercise the most, she is a strong all-arounder."

Jeffrey, who trains at GAGE and resides in Warrensburg, Mo., made her elite debut in 2018 and finished in ninth place in the all-around and seventh on floor exercise in the junior division at the U.S. Championships. She also placed 11th in the all-around and ninth on uneven bars at the 2018 GK U.S. Classic. In her senior debut in 2019, she earned a Top 15 all-around finish at the 2019 GK U.S. Classic. Prior to qualifying elite, Jeffrey was a three-time Level 10 champion, winning the all-around and uneven bars in 2018 and uneven bars in 2017.

"Alexis Jeffrey has a big personality and the gymnastics to back it up," Waller said. "She is fiercely competitive and an ardent team player who will likely grow into a vocal leader during her career as a Bruin. A strong all-arounder, Alexis will be a stand-out on bars, where her height will separate her from the crowd."

Lee and Jeffrey will be joined at UCLA in Fall 2021 by previously-signed Olympic hopefuls Jordan Chiles, Emma Malabuyo, Brooklyn Moors and Ana Padurariu.