UCLA Gymnastics may not have started the NCAA fight on the right note, but they’ve surely caught up. And part of the reason is none other than their top performer, Jordan Chiles. This season, she’s turned out to be ‘that girl’ on every apparatus she’s stepped onto. And those results are paying off, not just in terms of team success but in stacking up those accolades for herself too. Also, the fact that even her coach is throwing in some high praise? That’s just the cherry on the top!

When the UCLA Bruins competed against Maryland on January 18, Jordan Chiles emerged as the star of the show thanks to her perfect ten on the bar, which officially became the second one this season. Moreover, she has tied for spot number 6 on UCLA’s all-time list after amassing 9 perfect 10 scores. But what’s the secret behind these exceptional performances? Well, that’s something her coach recently spilled.

Speaking to UCLA Athletics on the Bruins’ Insider Show, the UCLA Gymnastics head coach, Janelle McDonald, commented on how Jordan Chiles holds herself accountable through her exceptional NCAA journey. She remarked, “Jordan has this amazing energy that she brings to the room every day; it’s just who she is.” McDonald even opened up about Chiles’ star quality: “You know she has this really cool ability in gymnastics to work really hard and be intentional about what she’s doing but also not take it so seriously, you know.”

Per Janelle McDonald, Jordan Chiles is great at striking this balance. “She has fun in training. She has fun in what she does, and it creates this atmosphere where you don’t need to be such a perfectionist about everything you are doing. You just need to be intentional and love what you are doing.” Well, this is the quality that distinguishes Jordan Chiles and allows her to shine. Also, per McDonald, when athletes have such a mentality, it brings out the best in their performances. And that’s exactly the deal with Jordan Chiles this NCAA season.

The spotlight’s starting to shine on Jordan Chiles in the NCAA scene now. Sports Illustrated presented her with the rookie model title for the 2025 Swimsuit issue. Also, if we see her last meet against Maryland, the Bruins had a bit of a rough start on bars, but Jordan Chiles came through with a flawless 10, sticking her full-twisting double back dismount. And that’s when she declared, “I want an all-around title and an NCAA title as a team.” No wonder she’s also garnered praise from a veteran in the field.

Jordan Chiles gets a pat on the back from a pro

Dominique Dawes, who competed in the 1992 gymnastics trials, had some seriously glowing praise for Jordan Chiles, and it’s clear she’s a huge fan. She said, “I can’t wait to see the inspiring @ChilesJordan shine on the mat this Saturday at the @UofMaryland!I love watching her perform; her hard work, passion, and dedication truly stand out, empowering the next generation of gymnasts.”

Dominique continues, “Her floor routine features a medley of Prince hits, which is such a nostalgic throwback! It reminds me of when I performed in a music video for Betcha By Golly Wow.”

She even wrote, “It was a surreal experience to receive a phone call from Prince. And soon after, I was at Paisley Park shooting the video! Good luck this weekend, Jordan! We’re all cheering for you, even though you’re competing against my alma mater.” With it, she also shared her beautiful video of her floor routine. Jordan Chiles is emerging as the new favorite in gym town!