She had the courage to become a perfect 10.

Danusia Francis

Class of 2016

In 2014, gymnast Danusia Francis made history in Pauley Pavilion. On the last meet of the year, the sophomore from Kenilworth, England, pivoted and stood sideways on the balance beam. She then did a first-of-its-kind side aerial — essentially, a cartwheel with no hands — into a stunning dismount. The effort earned the three-time All-American a score of perfect 10 from judges. It was an emotional moment for a girl who left home for boarding school at 9 years old in order to pursue her passion for gymnastics. In recalling that day in Pauley, Francis says, “I still can’t believe I actually did that.” In her last NCAA Championships in 2016, she tied for the individual title in balance beam.