Valorie Kondos Field

Valorie Kondos Field. Often known as "Miss Val," she is a legendary figure in collegiate gymnastics, renowned for her transformative leadership as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins women's gymnastics team. Her career, which spanned from 1991 to 2019, is distinguished by a philosophy that prioritized athlete well-being and artistic expression over winning, fundamentally reshaping the sport's culture. Under her guidance, UCLA won seven NCAA national championships and produced numerous Olympic medalists and individual champions.

Early life and education

Born in Seattle, her early training was not in gymnastics but in classical ballet, studying at prestigious institutions like the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the School of American Ballet in New York City. She attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) on a ballet scholarship, initially intending to pursue a professional dance career. While at UCLA, she began choreographing routines for the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team, a role that unexpectedly steered her toward coaching. She graduated from UCLA with a degree in history, laying an unconventional foundation for her future in athletics.

Gymnastics coaching career

Kondos Field joined the UCLA gymnastics staff as an assistant coach and choreographer in 1991 under head coach Jerry Tomlinson. She was appointed head coach in 1993, despite having no competitive gymnastics background—a rarity in the sport. Her coaching tenure is marked by an unprecedented seven NCAA team titles (1997, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2018, 2019). She coached iconic athletes such as Jamie Dantzscher, Kate Richardson, Vanessa Zamarripa, and Kyla Ross, the latter being a member of the "Fierce Five" at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Her teams were celebrated for their innovative choreography, particularly on the balance beam and floor exercise, blending athleticism with theatrical performance.

Leadership and advocacy

Kondos Field became a national voice for reforming the culture of gymnastics, advocating fiercely against abusive coaching practices long before the Larry Nassar scandal. She emphasized mental health, joy, and the development of the whole person, principles detailed in her book, Life Is Short, Don't Wait to Dance. She served on the USA Gymnastics Board of Directors and was a vocal critic of the organization's leadership during its crisis. Her advocacy extended to broader issues in NCAA sports, promoting educational values and life skills over mere athletic achievement.

Personal life

She married former UCLA Bruins football player Bobby Field in 1997. The couple has been deeply involved in the Los Angeles community, supporting various charitable causes. After retiring from coaching, she has remained active as a motivational speaker, author, and leadership consultant, often focusing on themes of empowerment and purposeful living. Her personal journey from ballet to coaching leadership is a central narrative in her public talks and writings.

Legacy and honors

Valorie Kondos Field's legacy is that of a coaching pioneer who redefined success in her sport. She is a multi-time winner of the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women (NACGC/W) Coach of the Year award and was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame. Her most enduring impact is the "Bruin philosophy" that inspired a generation of athletes and coaches to prioritize well-being. This influence was nationally recognized when she received the NCAA Gerald R. Ford Award in 2020, honoring her significant contributions to intercollegiate athletics.

Category:American women's gymnastics coaches Category:UCLA Bruins coaches Category:1959 births Category:Living people