March 22 was nothing short of magical for the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team. Under the bright lights of the Big Ten Championships in Ann Arbor, the Bruins delivered a jaw-dropping team score of 198.450, leaving their competition trailing in chalk dust. But this wasn’t just a win built on the backs of stars—it was a collective masterpiece.  After clinching the title, the freshman Macy McGowan and Jordan were seen side by side—posing, smiling, cracking jokes like old friends. Then, on March 24, the freshman made her presence known loud and clear on social media. With boldness that echoed through the gymnastics world, Macy posted: “Just the warmup. #B1GCHAMPS.” A celebration. Now Macy is celebrating something. And Jordan isn’t keeping her calm!

On April 13, in a touching moment that shows the camaraderie blossoming in Westwood, Jordan Chiles took to Instagram to celebrate Macy McGowan’s birthday. Sharing sweet photos of the two, she wrote: “Happy Birthday to this beauty right here!!! Love you and couldn’t be more proud of you!! To many more years and memories ❤️” From championship routines to heartfelt shoutouts, one thing’s clear: the Bruin bond is built differently.

Jordan Chiles’ Instagram story was a compilation of three pictures. The first picture, which occupied the entire screen, was a black and white image of Jordan and Macy embracing each other in a heartwarming hug, with Jordan’s eyes closed while she is giving a big smile. It looked like the picture was from one of their gymnastics meets as the Olympian was in her leos. And what about the other two pictures?

The other two pictures were smaller and added on the sides. One of these showed an intense moment between the two teammates on the mats. They were sharing double fist bumps. In the third picture, they were holding hands and laughing on mats. Truly, the story captured the bond they share!

And speaking about the bond in the Bruins’ gymnastics factory, Chiles has received a few reactions from her teammates. Enter Emma Malabuyo. As the countdown begins on Emma’s collegiate gymnastics career, the senior star is soaking up every last moment with her UCLA Bruins family. 

Fresh from the global spotlight of the Paris Olympics, Chiles didn’t walk into the UCLA gym with just medals—she brought momentum, maturity, and magic. For Emma, watching Jordan lead with joy has been inspiring. “All practice, I hear her like, ‘I want you to smile! I want you to celebrate that stick—enjoy it!’” Emma gushed. And it’s not just talk.

Jordan lives it. Every session, every routine—she’s right there, lifting others up. “She always makes sure to walk up to the gymnasts and give them compliments. Right after practice—without fail,” Emma added, visibly moved. “Along this difficult road to nationals, she wants us to enjoy the process and recognize the small wins.” And, now, see what Jordan has done for Macy McGowan.

However, all these gymnasts know that the gymnastics fight is waiting on the road. But would this bond help them to win the contest? 

Despite Jordan Chiles’s mate missing the key matches, the squad stood 

When Macy McGowan wasn’t seen on the mat during both days of the NCAA Regional Salt Lake finals, Bruins fans couldn’t help but ask—Where’s Macy? After all, the freshman sensation has been a consistent force in UCLA’s lineup all season long. However, will she return to the Championship matches? The Bruins’ coach, Janelle McDonald, said yes. But something should be noted here. Despite missing McGowan’s clean hit both days, the Bruins stood tall. Courtesy? Jordan Chiles? No, the bonding. Example? 

On April 3, the Bruins posted a massive 49.500 in the floor exercise event, despite McGowan’s absence. In the uneven bars event, the Bruins posted 49.275. In that event, Jordan Chiles contributed with a score in the range of 9.900. Also, in the vault event, the freshman Mika Webster-Longin came with her career high 9.950 on Saturday to help the Bruins cross the finish line comfortably. So, it wasn’t about one name. It wasn’t about one performance. It was about the core—a culture of belief, empowerment, and pure Bruin bonding.

So yes, Macy McGowan will be back. But if the last two days have proven anything, it’s this: UCLA is built differently. They don’t just have talent. They have trust. They have depth. They have each other. And with the Nationals on the horizon, the Bruins aren’t just contenders—they’re a unit with purpose. And when Macy rejoins them? Let’s just say the rest of the field better be ready.