“OSU has been more than a university. It’s been my home, my family, and my source of strength.” Jade Carey has been that superstar for Oregon State. Well, no surprise there! But here’s something you might not know: She committed to OSU 11 years ago, when she was just 14! Wild, right?

Back then, she had no clue how her journey would unfold. After all, she had an Olympic dream to chase first. So, she waited, through deferrals, a pandemic, and a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, before finally stepping on campus as a freshman. And ever since? She’s been all in. Two-time Pac-12 Gymnast of the Year, world champion, and the face of OSU gymnastics. But what’s next?

In an honest reflection, the 24-year-old finally hinted at what her post-retirement chapter could be. “Just a few days ago, I was talking to Michael [Chaplin, associate head coach] about how I committed here when I was 14, almost 11 years ago. Actually, already 11 years ago in March,” Jade Carey said at the NCAA Championships press conference on April 11, shaking her head with a smile. “So it’s just crazy that we’re here now, still 11 years later. I feel like that’s pretty rare to say.”

Carey didn’t take a conventional path to college. She deferred her NCAA debut while training for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and then began classes online from Arizona when the Games were postponed due to COVID-19. After clinching an Olympic gold on the floor in 2021, she finally arrived in Corvallis. “To be involved with a program for so long, I wouldn’t trade my decision for the world,” she added. “It’s been one of the best experiences of my life. To be able to grow as a person, as an athlete, be part of a team, become family with every person I’m surrounded by every single day… I know that we’ll have those bonds for the rest of my life.”

When asked about her post-competition plans and whether coaching could be a part of them, she leaned in thoughtfully. “I think about that a lot actually. I don’t know because I’ve never really, obviously, coached before. But I definitely love to help the girls out in the gym and give them little pointers.”

It’s not just a passing thought. Carey, who is pursuing a degree in Digital Communication Arts, has long expressed her passion for making an impact in women’s sports. “So I think that it definitely could be a possibility,” she added. “And I think it would be really cool to like come back here someday and do that.” Whether she returns or not is something that only the future can tell. But till then, let’s take a look at Jade Carey’s time at Oregon.

Jade Carey’s time at Oregon

When you’ve already got world-class potential at 14, it makes sense. She’d go on to win Olympic gold and become a household name before even stepping onto a college mat. But it wasn’t until 2021-22, yeah, seven years later, that she finally suited up for the Beavers. And honestly? She made it worth the wait.

In her freshman season, she didn’t just meet expectations—she flipped over them. Carey hit 48-for-48 routines, scored three perfect 10s, and claimed 48 event titles. Obviously, she was Pac-12 All-Around Champion and an All-American across multiple events.

Then came 2023. Wow. Carey delivered seven perfect 10s, nailed every one of her 55 routines, and walked away with 46 event wins. She finished the season ranked No. 1 in the nation in the all-around. Remarkably, she also set 14 of the top all-around scores in program history!  Fast forward to 2024, and she just kept leveling up. Two more perfect 10s on floor, 23 more event titles, and silver in the NCAA all-around and floor. Notably, she hit all 46 routines again and led the NCAA in bars and beam throughout much of the season. And now, 2025. Yep, Jade Carey is still very much the headline

Despite Oregon State falling short at the Alabama Regional as a team, Carey? She’s once again standing tall as one of just four individuals to qualify for the all-around at the NCAA Championships. Naturally, because when has she ever not delivered? She has already added four perfect 10s, and it’s Jade Carey doing Jade Carey things. She finished the regular season ranked No. 1 in the nation in the all-around and on beam, which, frankly, isn’t even surprising anymore. It’s just her standard!