ALYSON GROVE/Arizona Daily Wildcat Senior Randi Liljenquist has developed into an All-Pac-10 and All-America honoree in her four years at UA. The Tucson native plans on becoming a gymnastic coach after she graduates.

All-American Liljenquist looks to add to her UA legacy after she steps off the mats

If head coach Bill Ryden decided it was time to leave his post with the Arizona Gymnastics program, he could rest easy knowing that the team would be in good hands.

Senior All-American Randi Liljenquist, who plans to graduate next year with a degree in family studies and human development, has aspirations of her own to become a nationally recognized coach, just as Ryden has done.

"Randi brings a sense of class and elegance to this sport," Ryden said. "I feel she could develop into one of the best choreographers and coaches in the country. I look forward to being able to share with her and teach her how to coach."

After Liljenquist graduates in May, she will stay with the team as the undergraduate assistant coach.

Liljenquist, who was born and raised in Tucson, was first introduced to the sport when she was 3 years old. She started competing locally at the age of 10 and was competing nationally at age 14.

She led the team in 2001 with 12 individual event titles, including three all-around championships. She finished her junior season with 35 Top 5 finishes, to follow up a sophomore campaign in which she was named first-team All-Pac-10 and notched second-team All-American honors. Her perfect score of 10.000 on floor is also an Arizona record.

So far this season, she has tallied 12 individual titles, along with adding 39 Top 5 finishes to her credit. Last week, she celebrated her 23rd birthday with arguably the most impressive individual performance in school history. She won four individual titles and set school records in both the all-around (39.775) and on the beam, with a perfect score of 10.000.

However, the rise to the top was not always so clear for this blond-haired beauty with the girl-next-door smile.

After growing up in Tucson and attending Amphitheater High School her freshman year, the Liljenquist family moved to Phoenix. There, she went to Horizon High School but then decided to come back to Tucson to complete her high school and club gymnastic careers at Canyon Del Oro High School.

The senior is also no stranger to injury, having undergone four surgeries in her career. She has had to endure major injuries to both elbows and both wrists since she began high school competition.

Two hometowns, three high schools and four surgeries later, Randi is well aware of her place in Tucson and at UA.

"ASU, Boise, BYU and Arizona were my top choices out of high school. I love this town though. I was born and raised here, and I'm familiar with it," Liljenquist said. "I've been coming to UA meets since I was 10, and couldn't see myself anywhere else."

Her hard work and dedication have always been second-to-none, as she had her most recent surgery in May of 1999 to correct wrist problems. The results of the surgery have allowed her to compete in the vault and all-around events for the Arizona squad ever since.

"She competed in three events as a freshman, but had that determination to compete in the vault and all-around as well," Ryden said. "I went on record saying that I didn't feel she should go on with the surgery, but look at where she is now. It's incredible."

Despite all of the individual records and achievements, Randi knows that the crowning moment of her career as a Wildcat would be a Pacific 10 Conference championship for the team, along with a trip to nationals.

This year's team might have the best chance to succeed in the postseason of any for which Liljenquist has competed for. The Gymcats are currently ranked No. 12 nationally with an 8-3 record overall and a 3-2 record in Pac-10 competition.

Liljenquist keeps in perspective how hard it will be to leave the mat for good after this season. She expects her last home meet on March 14 to be emotional, but said that doesn't mean it makes her sad or depressed.

She will soon be able to find pleasure and smile when her current Gymcat teammates start to call her "coach," instead of just captain.

"The girls on the team are like family," Liljenquist said. "Ask around on campus - everyone knows how close we are and that we are always the life of the party. That will still be the case, even if I can't put on a leotard and compete myself."