Gymnast Honored with National YMCA Outstanding Athlete Award

YMCA of Greater Long Beach announced that Cienna Rylman, a dedicated member of its Lakewood Family YMCA Gymnastics Team, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Outstanding Athlete Award July 7, at the 2026 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship in Greensboro, NC. This national recognition, presented by YMCA of the USA, is awarded annually to two exceptional student-athletes who exemplify academic excellence, strong character, and a commitment to their community through YMCA competitive gymnastics.

 

Cienna Rydman is a graduating senior at Millikan High School and has been a member of Lakewood YMCA Gymnastics Center’s gymnastics program for 10 years. In addition to her success on the mat, she has demonstrated leadership, sportsmanship, and a dedication to upholding the core values of the YMCA, including caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

 

As part of this recognition, Rydman will receive a $2,000 scholarship, which will be applied toward her education at Manhattan University for the 2026-2027 academic year.

 

“We are incredibly proud of Cienna for receiving this national honor,” said George Cobb, Gymnastics Coach, Lakewood YMCA Gymnastic Center. “This award reflects not only her hard work and dedication to the sport of gymnastics but also her positive impact on our Y and the broader Long Beach community.”

 

“YMCA gymnastics provided a supportive second home and taught me many life lessons for over a decade, leaving me thankful to the coaches, teammates, and family who supported my journey,” said Cienna. “It is truly special to experience a full-circle moment by realizing I have become one of the gymnasts I used to look up to as a pre-team athlete.”

 

For more information about Lakewood Family YMCA Gymnastics Center and its competitive gymnastics program, visit www.lbymca.org/gymnastics or contact Monica Wong, 562-279-1679, monica.wong@lbymca.org.