In a nation that is seemingly more divided than ever, the women of the Pac-12 gymnastics programs have demonstrated unity across rival lines with the creation of Gymnastics for Peace, Action and Change, or G-PAC. According to the mission statement, this student-athlete organization strives to create “an authentic space for fellow student athletes” by encouraging diversity and inclusion. Representatives from all eight Pac-12 programs will host webinars, invite guest speakers to their campus and brainstorm meet themes in order to reach these goals.
Representing Cal in this historic union is junior Maya Bordas (All-Around), whose prowess last season was crucial to Cal’s success. In 2020, Bordas earned All-American honors in all-around and uneven bars and was named to the Pac-12 first team in the same events. In recognition of these achievements, she was recognized with the Pac-12 Coaches’ Choice Award and voted the team’s most improved athlete. Bordas, a Texas native, is majoring in business administration.
“G-PAC is unique in that each one of us, while we all share a passion for gymnastics, come from different backgrounds and offer new perspectives to the conversation,” Bordas said. “Our mission closely aligns with Cal’s culture, and my hope is that through G-PAC, we can keep the conversation alive, as well as the spirit of inclusion.”