U.S. National Team Member Nia Dennis has committed to UCLA and announced it on her Instagram. Dennis trains at Buckeye Gymnastics under head coach Kittia Carpenter. 

 

It's a huge honor that my dream school has taken interest in me! I'm proud to announce that I have verbally committed to UCLAðŸÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ’™ðŸÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ’› I'm beyond excited to be a BRU-WIN🐻

A photo posted by ðŸÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ’‹NiaðŸÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ’‹ (@niaadennis) on Feb 17, 2015 at 12:50pm PST

Dennis is currently on the U.S. Junior National Team although she became a senior as of Jan. 1 2015. Dennis has been on the National Team the past three years. 

In 2014, Dennis made her international debut at the Jesolo Trophy in Italy. She contributed to Team USA's gold and earned silver in all-around and on bars. Watch her bar routine from Jesolo event finals here (Gold). Dennis then went on to compete for USA at the Pacific Rim Championships where, again, USA won gold and Dennis won silver all-around. She also earned silver on vault. At the Secret Classic and P&G Championships Dennis earned silver all-around. 

Dennis is known for her impressive power and difficulty. Bars is one of her best events and fans love her high flying release moves. Dennis also shines on floor executing difficult tumbling passes with ease including a double layout and an arabian double front. 

In her first year as a senior, Dennis will likely upgrade many routines this year and will bring high quality depth to Team USA. She is definitely one of the most exciting new seniors to watch for. 

Watch her floor routine from 2014 P&G Championships below.



World Champions Simone Biles and Madison Kocian have signed national letters of intent with UCLA for this coming year, however, both will likely defer in hopes of making the 2016 Olympic team. Joining the UCLA team in the fall of 2015 will be Macy Toronjo and Katelyn Ohashi. Also committed to UCLA is Senior National Team Member Felicia Hano and elite gymnast Nica Hults.


Related:
Off The Mat with Nia Dennis
Katelyn Ohashi Commits to UCLA
Simone Biles Commits to UCLA