2019,UCLA Gymnastics went through a rollercoaster last season on many levels. But one thing that truly felt gut-wrenching was Autumn Grable’s illness. The Bruin Assistant Coach has come a long way—from teaching toddlers tumbling to leading UCLA to its first NCAA Championship since 2019. However, things have drastically changed over the past year, as she now looks to fundraise for her medical expenses. Grable shared a glimpse of what a typical week has looked like for her since battling her illness.
Since the age of twelve, Autumn Grable has been battling an autoimmune liver disease known as Autoimmune Hepatitis. Over the years, the disease has progressed to the point where she now requires a liver transplant to survive. Her symptoms initially began with extreme chronic fatigue and headaches, but by the time she turned 26, flare-ups became more regular and severe. Now, it has become critical—she needs a liver transplant to live.
Fortunately, it looks like she has found a liver donor and is preparing for the transplant. To help cover the overwhelming medical expenses and post-surgery care, Grable has started a fundraiser. On her fundraising account on Spotfund.com, she shared the struggles she has faced while dealing with the illness. She wrote, “Within two weeks, I can easily be in the hospital for visits, labs, or transfusions at least two to five times. So with that and all the hospital stays and just the inability to stay healthy long enough. I haven’t been able to work, and it has been very challenging for me. This has been a completely new change for me. And something that was not necessarily wanted or welcomed.” That can be truly challenging for anyone.
Grable’s achievements in gymnastics coaching speak for themselves. In her first season, the WCGA honored her as Co-Assistant Coach of the Year in the West Region. She also led the balance beam squad to a No. 5 regular-season ranking in 2023. Indeed, she helped improve the team’s NQS by +0.205 from the previous season. In 2024, she continued to make an impact, coaching Harris to a third-place finish on the beam at the NCAA Championships. Given her excellent resume, it’s unfortunate that she’s had to endure such illness and raise funds for a liver transplant.
The fundraiser is a testament to the support she has garnered from the gymnastics community and beyond. With her determination and the generosity of those rallying behind her, Grable is facing this challenge head-on, hoping for a healthier future. As Autumn Grable prepares for this life-changing procedure, her resilience and strength continue to inspire those around her. Can the good news inspire UCLA Gymnastics to compete and win against No. 15 Michigan on Sunday?
UCLA Gymnastics Head to compete against No. 15 Michigan
No. 2 UCLA gymnastics will head to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to compete against No. 15 Michigan on Sunday. UCLA now boasts its highest national ranking since 2019 which was less than one year after it found team glory at the NCAA championships. The Bruins jumped up three spots in the rankings from last week thanks to the switch from using averages to national qualifying scores to rank teams. The two-time Olympian and Olympic gold medallist, Jordan Chiles, has again transitioned from Olympic medallist to UCLA Bruin with ease. After missing a year to prepare for and eventually win gold and bronze at the 2024 Olympics, Chiles finally returned to UCLA.
Junior Jordan Chiles took over the reins from graduate student Brooklyn Moors to claim the top spot in the national floor rankings, boasting a 9.955 NQS. Moors, who hasn’t dipped below a 9.900 on the floor this year, is tied at No. 2 in the country. While senior Emma Malabuyo and graduate student Chae Campbell also rank in the nation’s top 25. Freshman Jahzara Ranger is the only gymnast who has competed in the all-around this year, showcasing all four events in the first five meets of the season. She peaked at 39.325 on Jan. 11 against Michigan State. It was the third-highest total from a Big Ten freshman this year, indeed.
Michigan is strongest on beam, featuring the nation’s No. 7 beam team. Graduate student Carly Bauman was rock solid on the beam throughout the season. However, she fell during her last routine against both Kent State and Rutgers. But not to worry. Newcomers and veterans would occupy most of Michigan’s lineups. Hence, a variety of experiences could play to its advantage come Sunday. With both teams boasting top-tier talent and recent successes, this meet promises to be a thrilling showdown. UCLA aims to continue its upward momentum, while Michigan will look to capitalize on its strong beam performances and home advantage.
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