Emma Malabuyo Returns to UCLA as Graduate Student Assistant Coach
UCLA Gymnastics is welcoming back a decorated athlete,as All-American and Olympian Emma Malabuyo will join the 2026 team as a graduate student assistant coach. Malabuyo recently concluded her collegiate career with the Bruins in 2025, earning four All-American honors and contributing to three conference team championships.During her final season, Malabuyo achieved a runner-up finish on the NCAA balance beam and was nominated for the prestigious AAI Award. She also received first-team All-Big Ten recognition and was UCLAS recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Demonstrating excellence both on and off the competition floor, Malabuyo was named a first-team Academic All-American and a finalist for the Arthur ashe Jr. Sports Scholar award, ultimately winning the sport-specific honor.
Malabuyo’s accomplishments extend beyond the collegiate level. In 2024, she represented the Philippines at the Olympic Games, qualifying after a third-place all-around finish at the Asian Championships. She made history that same year by becoming the first Filipina woman to win a gold medal at the Asian Championships, claiming the title on floor exercise. Prior to this, she achieved the highest-ever placement by a Filipina gymnast at the 2023 Asian Championships, earning a silver medal on floor exercise.
“We’re thrilled to announce Emma as our new Graduate Student Assistant Coach,” said UCLA Head Gymnastics Coach Janelle McDonald. “Over the past four years, Emma has exemplified dedication, resilience and leadership as a student-athlete. Her passion for the team, unwavering drive and deep Bruin pride have left a lasting impact on our program. I’m genuinely excited for her to bring that same energy and insight to this year’s team in a new and elevated role.”
while serving as a coach, Malabuyo will also continue her academic pursuits, working towards a postgraduate certificate in marketing. She remains committed to international competition, training and preparing to represent the Philippines at the upcoming World Championships and Southeast asian Games.
“This is a full circle moment, from competing as a Bruin to now serving as a graduate student assistant coach,” Malabuyo stated. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this exceptional program and help cultivate the next generation of Bruins to reach their full potential while contributing to the legacy of UCLA Gymnastics. I’m so excited for this new chapter!”
