Selena Harris-Miranda’s recent recognition as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Gymnast of the Week is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to gymnastics.
This accolade highlights her significant contributions to the University of Florida’s gymnastics team and underscores her journey from a promising young athlete to a collegiate standout.
Early Life and Introduction to Gymnastics
Born on November 5, 2003, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Selena Harris-Miranda began her gymnastics journey at a young age. A school field trip introduced her to the sport, and she soon enrolled in classes at Gymcats Gymnastics in Henderson, Nevada, under the guidance of coaches Jill Preston and Cassie Rice. Her early dedication laid the foundation for a remarkable career.
Club Career Achievements
During her time with Gymcats, Harris-Miranda distinguished herself as a formidable competitor. She became an eight-time Level 10 national champion, securing titles in events such as vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. Notably, she clinched the all-around championship in both 2021 and 2022, showcasing her versatility and consistency across all apparatuses. Her performance at the 2022 Nastia Liukin Cup further solidified her reputation, where she emerged as the uneven bars champion and placed fourth in the all-around.
Collegiate Success at UCLA
In 2023, Harris-Miranda joined the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) gymnastics team. Her freshman year was nothing short of spectacular. She earned 12 All-American honors—eight from the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) regular season and four from NCAA competitions. Demonstrating her prowess, she achieved five perfect 10.0 scores: four on vault and one on uneven bars. In 2024, she led the nation with three perfect scores on vault. Her exceptional performances earned her the title of 2024 Pac-12 Gymnast of the Year. Additionally, she secured individual championships in the all-around, vault, and uneven bars at the Pac-12 Conference. At the 2024 NCAA Championships, she tied for third place on the balance beam with a score of 9.95. Her collegiate-high all-around score of 39.90 ranked as the nation’s third-highest in 2024. Throughout the season, she led the Bruins with 29 event wins and was recognized as the 2024 College Gym News’ Most Valuable Gymnast.
Transition to the University of Florida
In the summer of 2024, Harris-Miranda transferred to the University of Florida, bringing her exceptional talent to the Gators’ gymnastics program. Standing at 5-foot-1, she continues to compete as a junior and has quickly become an integral part of the team. Her contributions have been pivotal in the Gators’ performances, and her recent recognition as SEC Gymnast of the Week underscores her immediate impact in the Southeastern Conference.
Beyond the Gym
Off the mat, Harris-Miranda is pursuing a major in Education Sciences. She has a passion for sewing, drawing, and painting, and enjoys listening to R&B music. Her favorite books include the “Fablehaven” series, and she is a fan of movies like “Little Rascals” and “The Sandlot.” In her free time, she volunteers at her gym to assist children with special needs, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community.
Looking Ahead
Selena Harris-Miranda’s journey is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for gymnastics. Her recent accolade as SEC Gymnast of the Week is a significant milestone, but it is evident that her trajectory in the sport is still on the rise. As she continues to compete and inspire, the gymnastics community eagerly anticipates her future achievements and contributions to the sport.
