Jordan Chiles Drops 7-Word Message as UCLA Looks Forward to First NCAA National Title in 7 Years

It’s been a while since UCLA Gymnastics stood on the edge of something this big. But it didn’t come without its twists and turns and what finally cemented UCLA’s spot was the unseeded Denver’s 48.900 on vault. Though it was the lowest the Denver squad had registered since March 14, it revived UCLA’s season and saved them the grief of sitting out for the second consecutive season. With the NCAA Championships now in sight, the buzz is undeniable—and so is the belief. And when the cheers echoed in the room, their star gymnast joined in as well.

Back in March, history was made in style. In their first-ever Big Ten season, UCLA Gymnastics didn’t just show up—they dominated. With a jaw-dropping 198.450, they clinched the 2025 Big Ten Championship in Ann Arbor, completing a perfect conference sweep. It’s not just a title—it’s a statement. And now, the No. 5 seeded UCLA has confirmed its tickets to the NCAA Gymnastics after finishing in second place at the NCAA Regional Final.

Utah is comfortably seated in the first spot with Denver placed third at a score of 197.350 and Minnesota placed fourth with 196.825. After each rotation, UCLA managed its hold on the Top 2 throughout and finally made it through to the NCAA berth after scoring 49.425 on the balance beam in the final rotation. And well, it was a moment of big relief and euphoria for the UCLA ladies. Echoing the same, Jordan Chiles re-shared the Instagram post of UCLA Gymnastics on her stories, writing, “Couldn’t be more proud of this team! Natty Bound!!!”

​UCLA is headed to the NCAA championship at Dickies Arena from April 17-19—and they didn’t get there quietly. UCLA Gymnastics secured their spot at the Salt Lake City Regional Final with a score of 197.625, just two-tenths behind the first-place and No. 4 seed Utah. Jordan Chiles did what she does best—showed up when it mattered most. Her 9.900s on bars and beam helped UCLA lock in a season-high 49.475 on bars. But the real breakout?

Freshman Mika Webster-Longin. She wowed with a career-best 9.950 on vault and followed it up with a 9.900 on the floor, pushing the Bruins to another season-high of 49.450 on the floor. Chae Campbell brought the heat too, landing a 9.925 on the vault and a 9.900 on the floor. The motivation behind the performance, you ask? Campbell answered it: “A big theme of the John Wooden Pyramid at UCLA and at the top is competitive greatness. That’s what I kept telling myself. We are that team that can make it to nationals, and if we’re going to be competing with the best of the best, we have to show that we are competitively great.”

From vets to newcomers, the team’s firing on all cylinders. And with Nationals around the corner, it’s clear—UCLA isn’t just showing up, they’re charging in, hungry to bring home their first NCAA title since 2018.

With Jordan Chiles leading the charge, Bruins eye long-awaited redemption at 2025 nationals

UCLA’s last taste of national glory came in 2018 when the Bruins pulled off one of the most iconic comebacks in NCAA gymnastics history. Led by a jaw-dropping final floor routine from Peng-Peng Lee, they edged out Oklahoma by just 0.0375 points. It wasn’t just a win—it was a moment that defined UCLA’s legacy. But since then, the path back to that mountaintop has been full of close calls and rebuilding seasons.

Fast forward to 2025, and the Bruins have flipped the script. After all, we all saw them dominate the Big Ten Championship. This team isn’t clinging to history—they’re building their own. And with Jordan Chiles in the mix, the belief feels real. Her Olympic pedigree and calm under pressure have elevated the Bruins when it’s mattered most. Remember her scoring 39.550 to help the Bruins win the quad meet and secure the Big Ten regular season championship with an unbeaten conference record?

Not only Jordan Chiles, but the team is also excited about the next chapter. While they celebrate their current win, UCLA coach Janelle McDonald has not failed to recognize that the mistakes have been made in the Regionals. Reflecting on the same, she said, “It’s one of the most nerve-wracking competitions that we get to go to, so today the team wanted to stay dialed in and stay focused and intentional about everything we were doing. 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. I couldn’t be more proud of them. I’m really excited to have this box checked and be heading to Fort Worth.”

Now, with Nationals just days away, UCLA’s momentum is undeniable. Chiles, steady and sharp, is leading a roster that blends breakout talent like Mika Webster-Longin with experienced anchors like Chae Campbell. This team knows the weight of seven dry years—but they’re not chasing the past, they’re chasing what’s next.