While on our tour through gymnastics history this summer, we’ve had the pleasure of journeying through the careers of some NCAA gymnastics mainstays. Miss Valorie Kondos-Field has been UCLA’s head coach since 1991, and she was an assistant before that from 1983 to 1990. Kondos-Field has led the Bruins to seven national titles, and won over hearts everywhere with her positive, empowering (if there’s one time to use the word, it’s to describe Miss Val, and we won’t apologize) coaching style that has helped many of her gymnasts rediscover their love of the sport and find their voices. Today we’re going to take a tour down memory lane to look at Miss Val’s varied styles through the years and to appreciate one of the titans of our sport.
1989
The all white, flowy outfit. The glasses. The big hair.
1992
Absolutely rocking that hair.
1993
Still all about that monochrome. This time in the form of an oversized tan pantsuit. We’re disappointed that the hair altitude has decreased.
1994
Is that… Do we see a giant navy scrunchie?!
1995
That is one big collar! Check out the cuffs too. And of course the shirt is tucked into high waisted pants. Very ‘90s stylish.
1996
Some all black this time. This would fly in 2018, honestly. Classic.
1998
Still going wide leg pants, and check out those heels! Pretty sure the top is a sparkly brocade. Classy, as always.
1999
Still the flowy pants. Bonus: The back of this leo.
2000
We’ve graduated to an open jacket and the straight neckline undershirt that was so prevalent in the 2000s.
2001
No jacket!
2002
Tan pants, white shirt this time.
2003
Back to black! And a fancy bun to boot.
2004
The emergence of straight hair Val! Side note: Every J.O. club everywhere had a version of this leo in the ‘00s what are you doing Bruins.
2005
Really breaking away from the monochromatic look here.
2006
Back to some curls this year. Gotta wonder what one of those pep talks is like.
2007
Those bell sleeves!
2008
Those balloon sleeves! Is it just us or did she not enjoy whatever Ms. Judge had to say?
2009
Here’s a new look! Rocking the shorter ‘do.
2010
Not sure what’s happening with that shirt, but she pulls it off. Also, ZAM.
2011
We could have the is it blue/is it grey debate about this number.
2012
She just doesn’t age.
2013
She’s gotten a touch more casual over the years, but always looks regal.
2014
It was a tough year for this lady, but she was tougher.
2015
Sorry, Miss V is still queen, but we have to focus on the leotard.
2016
Her face pretty much exemplifies thoughts on UCLA vaulting for a while now. You know it’s true.
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