Fifth-year senior Nicki Shapiro has rejoined the UCLA gymnastics team after earning a spot on the team following a tryout period.

Shapiro competed for the Bruins as a freshman in 2016, recording career-high marks of 9.925 on balance beam and 9.725 on uneven bars. She helped UCLA win the 2016 Pac-12 Championships and earn a Top 5 finish at the NCAA Championships. Prior to competing at UCLA, she was an eight-time Regional champion and a 15-time State champion.

After her freshman season, Shapiro quit the sport to pursue other performing interests but resumed training gymnastics again early this summer.

"Being back on the team is the reality of a dream I've had since I was a little girl," Shapiro said. "Taking a step away from the sport deepened my desire to return and be part of this community again. I'm really thankful to the coaching staff and team for welcoming me back, believing in me, and giving me the opportunity to contribute in new ways. I'm excited to finish what I started four years ago and so blessed to be a Bruin."

"Because of her unique college experience, Nicki brings a fresh perspective to being a UCLA Bruin that is truly different," said UCLA head coach Chris Waller . "Stepping away from the sport, she has an appreciation for everything that is UCLA Gymnastics – the team, the grind, the competition, the camaraderie. She is on the team with a clear and mature purpose. While she has some work to do, we believe in the intangibles she brings daily and the potential for the season."

UCLA's 2020 season begins on Jan. 4 at the Collegiate Challenge in Anaheim against Oklahoma, California and Stanford.

Season tickets for UCLA's home meets are on sale now at uclabruins.com/tickets.