Vying for 8th NCAA Championships, Jordan Chiles’ Teammate Delivers Strong Message to Gymnastics Community on Managing Pressure

Before March 22, 2025, the question buzzed through UCLA Bruins’ home turf like wildfire:“Who’s going to shine in the Big Ten gymnastics final?” The anticipation was electric, the predictions relentless. Would it be Jordan Chiles, the Olympic powerhouse? Maybe—if her lingering injuries didn’t hold her back. Or perhaps Emily Malabuyo, another Olympian with the talent to dominate? But the all-around performance? That was still uncertain. So, the question remains, who would step up?

When the dust settled, one name stood taller than the rest. One gymnast carried the Bruins on her back, landing a career-high score of 39.725 in the all-around final. One gymnast pushed UCLA over the threshold to claim their first-ever Big Ten title—and their 21st conference title overall. Thanks to her efforts, the Bruins’ 198.450 score was the highest ever team score in Big Ten history! The name? But it wasn’t just her flawless execution that made her unforgettable—it was her mental game. As the pressure built, she didn’t flinch. She thrived in it. In fact, she wore it like chalk on her hands—a natural part of her craft. How did she do that? 

Jordan Chiles’ teammate explains the secret behind her mental game

On March 25, 2025, Chae Campbell took the mic at the Bruin Insider Show, her voice steady, her words honest. The UCLA graduate gymnast shared stories from her remarkable journey—stories packed with motivation, resilience, and wisdom that could light a fire in any budding gymnast. And if there’s one lesson Chae Campbell has mastered in her UCLA career, it’s this: how to perform under pressure. Just look at her recent performance in the Big Ten final. With the stakes sky-high, Chae didn’t flinch. She thrived. In Rotation 1, she took to the vault and delivered a flawless, sky-high routine. She stuck the landing with such precision that the crowd roared even before the score flashed: 9.925. She continued her streak of excellence, securing 9.950 in the floor exercise event. That score didn’t just keep UCLA in the fight—it ignited a spark in her teammates. And Chae? She kept the fire burning. Event after event, she became the anchor—the calm in the chaos. Her scores weren’t just numbers; they were statements, motivating her squad to push harder. So, how does she do it? How does Chae Campbell stay so composed when the spotlight burns the brightest?

In her interview, Jordan Chiles’s mate shared the secret: “I always had this ability to just center myself and, you know, try to never lose who I am and I think that really comes from my community around me.” For Chae, the foundation of her strength lies in her community—the people who ground her. And who makes up that community? The Texas native smiled as she explained: “It’s really just a community like this. It’s no secret that my experience at UCLA has been full of good moments and also really tumultuous moments—a lot of turmoil, I should say. And I think what always helped me is just knowing who I am and never losing what I am at my core.” Her secret weapon? Humility. In the face of both triumph and turbulence, Chae never let gymnastics—or life—shake her authenticity. But what about advice for young gymnasts? How can they build that same mental toughness?

Chae Campbell’s answer was simple but powerful: “I think it’s all about who you surround yourself with. That’s really powerful. Who you surround yourself with speaks to who you are as a person. So I think that was really key.” She just disclosed her best weapon in front of everyone. But still, something is missing in the story. 

Chae Campbell has the all-around capacity 

On Saturday night, the spotlight was ready for Jordan Chiles and Brooklyn Moors. After all, the two gymnasts dropped perfect tens on the floor exercise, their routines nothing short of flawless. But when the dust settled, it wasn’t just the perfect scores that had everyone talking.
It was Chae Campbell—the quiet force who stole the limelight with her all-around brilliance.

While the crowd marveled at the tens, Jordan Chiles’ friend was busy making history—one routine at a time. Her vault? Power-packed. Her bars? Sharp and precise. Her beam? Controlled elegance. And her floor routine? A masterclass in artistry and strength. By the end of the night, Chae’s all-around score stood tall, capturing the attention of not just her teammates but the entire gymnastics world. The performance cemented her as one of the frontrunners for the prestigious AAI Award, given annually to the nation’s top senior gymnast.

And how did Chae feel about her moment of triumph? After the match, she spoke with humility and pride, her voice steady but brimming with emotion: “It’s amazing. I feel like I’ve worked so hard to get myself to a place where I could step up for the team on all the events…it finally came together today when it mattered most.” Her words revealed the heart behind the talent. Because for Chae, this wasn’t just about personal glory—it was about delivering for her team. Ultimately, every stuck landing, every pointed toe, and every controlled dismount was a product of years of grit, dedication, and sacrifice. As the UCLA Bruins celebrated their victory, Chae Campbell stood in the center—the all-around queen who, in the most crucial moment, showed the world what it truly means to rise under pressure. Perfect tens may have lit up the scoreboard, but it was Chae Campbell’s all-around brilliance that truly made the night unforgettable.