Jordan Chiles‘s 2025 NCAA run has been simply electrifying so far. From filling the Pauley Pavilion with 12,000 fans to getting those elusive perfect 10s in vaults, Jordan has been on a roll. But if her mat excellence wasn’t enough, she also took her time to publish her debut Memoir in the meantime on March 4th. But with the NCAA finals looming and the chance of being champions on the sidestep, Jordan has some words to say before the war for mat supremacy resumes. So, what did she say?

Jordan Chiles has been a driving force for UCLA in the 2025 NCAA gymnastics season, delivering one electrifying performance after another. She set the tone early, achieving a perfect 10 on the uneven bars during a meet against Maryland on January 18. Just weeks later, she dazzled once again, scoring another perfect 10 on February 1 in the floor exercise, helping UCLA secure a narrow victory over Michigan State.

As Jordan Chiles’ NCAA final season comes to a close, she reflects on her journey, the team dynamic, and what makes college gymnastics so special. For Chiles, the transition from elite to college gymnastics was eye-opening but deeply rewarding. “Big Ten Gymnastics” posted a video on X with the caption, “This is Jordan Chiles’ story: 𝗢𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗺.” The meaning of the video was clear: Jordan is a powerhouse.

Chiles went on to say, “I like college. I mean, I wouldn’t change the world for it. That’s why I came back,” she shared. “In college gymnastics, it’s a little different compared to elite.” She also took her time to appreciate her team in college. She mentioned, “And with elite, we’re still a team, but we’re also more individual. But with college, you’re mostly a team. Everything comes down to the team.”

On one hand, the NCAA gymnastics team’s score displays the results achieved through individual performances and the team’s overall performance, which are crucial for success. Unlike elite gymnastics, where individual achievements often take center stage, college competitions emphasize teamwork, camaraderie, and shared victories.

That team-first mentality has defined Chiles’ collegiate career, where execution is paramount. “With college, it’s mainly focused on execution. Winning is hard. It’s harder to continue to win and win and win because it’s an expectation at that rate,” she explained. It’s not just performances on the gymnastics mat. One key highlight of her time at UCLA has been the electrifying atmosphere they bring to competitions.

“We are known to have one of the greatest floor parties ever,” Chiles said. “Everybody loves to come and watch us. Specifically four floors, because we give them a world tour.” One of the instances can be an homage to American singer-songwriter and actress Beyoncé in January. For Chiles, gymnastics isn’t just about scoring high—it’s about artistry and self-expression.

“We’re all about artistic gymnastics, right? There’s art in a lot of us. We’re all creative, so being able to bring that creativity out is a lot of fun. I think that’s what we do as a team. And I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of that.” After scoring a perfect 10 on her vault in 2025 and becoming an established figure in both elite and college gymnastics, Chiles is triumphantly finishing this book. It will be one final floor party before the next big stage. But before that, her teammates and coach have something to say about Jordan Chiles.

Coach & teammates rave about Jordan Chiles’ impact at UCLA

Jordan Chiles’ impact on UCLA gymnastics goes beyond her skills. Her energy, leadership, and charisma have made her a standout presence on the team. Head coach Janelle McDonald couldn’t be prouder, describing her as the kind of athlete who elevates those around her. “Jordan is energy. I think that’s the best way to describe her. She just really has this presence that lifts people.”

Transitioning from Olympic competition to NCAA gymnastics was a shift, but one that Chiles has embraced wholeheartedly. “The rules are a little easier than what she did at the Olympic Games, like that. NCAA gymnastics is all about perfection. There is a different mentality behind it. I think that what’s so fun for Jordan is that the pressure is different. But it makes it fun, and it makes it a new challenge to dive into and get excited about,” McDonald explained.

Unlike elite gymnastics, where athletes compete more individually, college gymnastics thrives on team spirit. “When you’re competing for your team, you want to support that person that’s out on the competition floor any way you possibly can”. And Chiles embodies that camaraderie, with her teammates rallying behind her. Sydney Barros, one of her teammates, highlighted the joy Chiles brings to the squad.

According to Sydney, “She brings a lot of fun to the team. A lot of energy and a lot of experience.” Senior gymnast Emma Malabuyo echoed that sentiment, adding, “You just kind of forget she’s this celebrity… It’s just really cool to have her as a teammate.” McDonald sees Chiles’ presence as an opportunity to grow the sport, with her fan base drawing more eyes to NCAA gymnastics. “Once you can get people to come and watch NCAA competition and what we do, it’s just such a fun experience,” she said.

And with Chiles at the center of it all, UCLA gymnastics is thriving. UCLA has firmly established itself among the nation’s top gymnastics programs. They are currently ranked No. 5 with a National Qualifying Score (NQS) of 197.600. With standout performances from stars like Jordan Chiles, the Bruins continue to push the bar higher, proving themselves as serious contenders in the NCAA gymnastics race.