New conference. New rivals. Same swagger. That’s the Jordan Chiles and UCLA vibe! But this time, there’s something different in the air. As the Bruins tear through their first season in the Big Ten on March 22nd, reality is starting to hit—Jordan Chiles and her fellow seniors are nearing the end of their UCLA journey. They’re not done just yet, but the finish line is closed. And if their latest performance is any sign, they’re determined to go out with a bang.
Up against No. 9 Michigan State, UCLA claims their first-ever Big Ten Championship. The Bruins dropped a record-breaking 198.450, the highest score in Big Ten Championship history, and casually threw in three perfect 10s to seal the deal. Junior Ciena Alipio nailed her first career 10.0 on the beam, while Olympians Brooklyn Moors and Jordan Chiles delivered back-to-back routines on the floor. Oh, and their beam and floor scores? Best in the nation this season.
But even with all the confetti and celebrations, there’s a bittersweet vibe. Jordan Chiles, soon to be a senior, knows the clock is ticking. After taking a break to chase Olympic glory in Paris 2024, she returned for one final ride with the Bruins in 2025–2026. But with the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships (April 17-19 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX) just around the corner, it’s hard not to feel the weight of what’s coming. Every meeting now feels like a “last” moment.
But before that final bow, her teammates have something to say about their latest triumph. Yes! Chae Campbell quietly stole the show. The fifth-year senior didn’t just show up, she showed out, becoming UCLA’s first-ever Big Ten all-around champion. After the meet, Campbell was still glowing from the moment. “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,” she said, her excitement shining through.
And Head Coach Janelle McDonald? She couldn’t stop smiling. “To see them just come together and be present…was honestly one of the best coaching moments I’ve had,” she said, still soaking it all in. But McDonald knows the job isn’t done yet. As for Chiles and the other seniors? They’re savoring every second. The journey isn’t over yet, but the finish line is close enough to see. And while they’re living in the moment, their biggest supporter, the one who’s been cheering them on since day one has a few things to say about this epic win!
Holding her breath but still cheering loudly for Jordan Chiles
When it comes to Jordan Chiles, no one brings the energy like her mom, Gina Chiles. She’s been there through it all—screaming in the stands, breaking down every routine like a commentator at home, and never missing a beat. So when Jordan officially became a Big Ten champion, Gina’s reaction was priceless: “All is right in the world!” UCLA’s dominant sweep through the conference wasn’t just another win.
No, it was straight-up history in the making. And for Gina, seeing her daughter lead the Bruins to their first Big Ten title? That was a moment she’ll never forget. Mama Chiles was all over X, and her excitement was next-level. She couldn’t keep her joy to herself, posting, “My voice is rough from all that screaming. Literally cheered THE WHOLE time.” And honestly? Who could blame her?
Watching Jordan and the Bruins dominate from start to finish had her hyped beyond belief. But Gina didn’t stop there—she reposted UCLA Gymnastics’ official championship announcement with an extra dose of love, adding, “Love this TEAM!!!! LET’S GOOOOOO!!!!” But behind all that hype, a mom was holding her breath.
Just a few weeks before this historic moment, Jordan had a little scare. What happened? Well, she suffered a tailbone injury after a scooter mishap in the rain. Yeah, not exactly what you want before championship season. But Jordan pushed through like a champ, showing up strong in warm-ups and podium training leading up to the Big Ten showdown.
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