The stakes couldn’t be higher for the UCLA Bruins as they gear up for the NCAA Gymnastics Semi-Finals, riding a rollercoaster of emotions after a gritty performance in the Regionals. The team’s recent showdown against Utah was a nail-biter with the third rotation serving as a gut-check moment that tested their resolve and showcased their fight. Jordan Chiles, the Olympic medalist and UCLA standout, summed up the triumph on X with an electrifying post: “WE MADE IT TO THE ELITE EIGHT!!!!!”—a victory shout that echoed the squad’s resilience.

Yet, amid the celebration, head coach Janelle McDonald dropped a bold message about what it takes to compete at this level. She emphasized on the delicate dance between physical prowess and mental toughness. “One of the most nerve-wracking competitions that we get to go to and so you know today the team just really wanted to stay dialed….” McDonald said.  She reflected on the intensity of the meet. “They wanted to stay focused and intentional about everything we were doing and I thought they did that beautifully. It wasn’t a perfect day for us but they just really stayed in it and stayed fighting each and every step of the way”. How does a team channel that emotional chaos into a winning edge?

Transitioning to the nitty-gritty, the third rotation against Utah was a turning point that nearly flipped the script. McDonald didn’t sugarcoat it: “The third rotation I would say was definitely not our best. I don’t think we stuck any bar landings which is not what you want to do especially in a meet like this.” Utah seized the momentum as UCLA faltered on dismounts, opening the door for a shift in the meet’s flow.

Yet, McDonald highlighted the team’s ability to stay in the fight, noting, “They hit the routines really clean and really I think where they opened the door was on those dismounts.” As coaches tracked the scores, the gymnasts were urged to stay in their bubble—some fueled by the numbers, others tightened by them. “One thing I always say is that it’s 50% physical and 50% mental,”  underscoring how mental grit separates the good from the great when momentum swings. So, how does this mental game plan evolve as the Bruins eye nationals?

Looking ahead, McDonald’s message is crystal clear: focus and intention are non-negotiable. “Heading to nationals, it’s that same mentality—you got to really stay focused and intentional every step of the way, she said. “Otherwise you’re going to open the door for somebody to run through it,” she warned. The Utah meet was a proving ground, a chance to face top-tier competition and learn from the miscues.

“We know what we need to do to really lock in and have a cleaner performance at nationals,” McDonald added, confident the team can sharpen their execution in Fort Worth. The Bruins didn’t just survive the Regional. In fact, they emerged battle-tested, with Chiles and company ready to elevate their game. But what role will UCLA’s veteran leaders play in keeping the squad steady under the national spotlight?

That’s where the seniors come in, providing a backbone of calm and confidence when it matters most. McDonald praised their impact: “That steadiness allows you to stay calm and confident in the moments that you need to the most and so I feel like our seniors really have just really encompassed that in every step of the way all season long.”

From the competition floor to the gym, their leadership shines through—proof that perfection isn’t the goal, but trust in the next teammate is. “Couldn’t be more proud of our seniors and the leadership that they provide,” McDonald beamed, crediting them for setting a standard the whole team leans into. With the NCAA Semi-Finals looming, can this blend of senior savvy and Chiles’ star power propel UCLA to the top?

UCLA Gymnastics Carries Big Ten Momentum into NCAA Regionals

The UCLA Bruins gymnastics team is charging into the NCAA Regionals with both swagger and momentum. That energy comes after a standout showing at the inaugural Big Ten Championships on March 23, 2025. Competing in their new conference home, the Bruins made an immediate impact. They snagged a runner-up finish with a score of 197.850—just behind Michigan’s 198.225. Although they didn’t take the top spot, their performance still made a strong statement. It proved they’re a force to be reckoned with as they head into the postseason.

Superstar Jordan Chiles led the charge, tying for the all-around title with a 39.675 alongside Michigan’s Sierra Brooks. At the same time, nabbing a share of the bars crown at 9.950. Coach Janelle McDonald couldn’t hide her excitement post-meet, saying, “This team has shown they can rise to any challenge, and tonight was a testament to their grit and talent.” With the Regionals kicking off in early April, UCLA’s Big Ten performance has fans buzzing about a deep postseason run. How did this squad turn a new conference stage into a springboard for success?

Digging into the details, the Big Ten Championships showcased UCLA’s depth and resilience against a stacked field. The Bruins posted a season-high 49.625 on beam, showcasing their precision and consistency. Jordan Chiles anchored the rotation with a strong 9.925. Then, they carried that momentum onto floor. There, they scored a 49.525—another impressive mark. Freshman Katelyn Rosen stepped up in a big moment, delivering a clutch 9.925 in her debut title meet.

Vault and bars weren’t far behind, with scores of 49.375 and 49.325, respectively—numbers that signal this team’s all-around firepower. Michigan may have edged them out, but UCLA outshone third-place Michigan State (197.150) and fourth-place Minnesota (196.675), cementing their status as a top contender. “They stayed locked in from start to finish,” McDonald noted, praising the team’s focus in a high-stakes environment. What does this mean for their NCAA Regional showdown?

Shifting gears to the postseason, UCLA’s Big Ten momentum couldn’t have come at a better time. Drawn into the Ann Arbor Regional—hosted April 2–6, 2025—the Bruins face a loaded bracket. The competition includes No. 7 Michigan, No. 10 Alabama, and No. 23 Ohio State. With only the top two teams advancing to the Regional Final, every routine counts.

Looking back, UCLA reached the NCAA Championships last year and finished sixth with a score of 197.1375. This season, their 12-5-1 record suggests they’re primed to go even further. Leading the way is Jordan Chiles, a 2020 Olympic silver medalist, who brings valuable experience under pressure. Meanwhile, seniors like Margzetta Frazier provide leadership and stability to a roster hungry for redemption. “We’re building something special here,” Chiles said after the Big Ten meet, her confidence radiating. Can this blend of star power and team depth carry them past a brutal Regional field?

Now, the Bruins are eyeing a trip to Fort Worth for the NCAA Championships. As they prepare, the focus shifts to execution. Just as importantly, consistency will be key. After all, the Ann Arbor Regional is no cakewalk. Michigan’s home advantage and Alabama’s championship pedigree loom large. Even so, UCLA’s recent form suggests they’re ready to tangle with anyone. Head coach Janelle McDonald emphasized the necessary mindset shift: “It’s about staying in our bubble and hitting our routines like we know we can.” Meanwhile, Jordan Chiles added fuel to the fire. After the Big Ten runner-up finish, she posted on X: “This is just the beginning.” That message has Bruins faithful dreaming of a national title push.

If they can pull off a win at Regionals, it would mark their third straight trip to nationals. But the question remains: Will UCLA’s Big Ten momentum translate into a championship-caliber performance?