Bruins fans, let’s talk about a star athlete—the UCLA gymnastics firecracker who’s not ready to hang up her leotard just yet. This standout gymnast is back for a fifth and final season in 2025, and she’s bringing that same electric energy that’s made her a fan favorite since she stepped onto the Pauley Pavilion floor in 2021. A teammate of Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles got a resume that screams talent—think vibrant floor routines that light up the arena and a clutch factor that’s delivered perfect 10s. But after four years of grinding, she’s still got something to prove, and she’s not shy about it. With the NCAA Gymnastics Championship on the horizon, this is her last shot to go out on her terms. So, what’s fueling this comeback?
Chae Campbell’s motivation is straight-up real—she’s got unfinished business, and she’s not afraid to say last season left a sour taste. “Being at Nationals as an individual, it stinks. It’s fun and I am very grateful that I get to be there because it’s definitely a privilege, but it is way more fun being there with your team,” she said. “I definitely think there is some unfinished business.”
After competing solo at Nationals last year, she’s hungry to rewrite the script. It’s not just about personal glory—Campbell’s all in for that team vibe, admitting it’s a “different feeling” to have her squad hyping her up. Plus, she believes this UCLA crew has earned their shot, saying, “The work that this team has put in, like, we deserve that spot, and I feel like we really showed that today.” But how does that team goal tie into her own journey? Campbell’s got her eyes on pushing the boundaries in her final run, promising to bring some next-level skills to the table. What’s she cooking up to cap off this wild ride?
Here’s where it gets spicy—Campbell’s dropping hints about an upgraded vault that’s got us buzzing. “I’m working on a 10.0 vault. I don’t want to share what it is yet, but I’m working on it,” she teased. “I’ve been wanting to do this for three years, and I’m very certain that it’s going to happen this year.” A 10.0 vault? That’s the kind of bold move that could send shockwaves through the NCAA. She’s been grinding on this in the preseason, setting the stage for a season that could redefine her legacy. With her all-around program already stacked, this mystery vault might just be the cherry on top. So, Bruins faithful, as you are getting ready for Chae Campbell to light up the Nationals for the last time—team style—with a performance we won’t forget, let’s dive into her career growth since she joined UCLA.
Campbell’s Growth as an All-Around Gymnast Since Joining UCLA in 2021
Bruins fans, let’s raise the roof for Chae Campbell—she rolled into UCLA in 2021 with floor routines that could spark a party anywhere, but she’s since morphed into an all-around juggernaut that’s got us all buzzing. Back as a freshman, she was already flexing serious chops, averaging 39.313 in the all-around across nearly every meet. Her standout?
A 39.625 at Cal on March 6, tying for the nation’s top freshman score that year—talk about a debut! She snagged All-America honors at the NCAA Championships: first-team on beam, second-team on floor with a 9.9375 (seventh overall), and all-around with a 39.550 (14th place). Vault popped off with a career-high 9.950—hit seven times in her career—and she co-won the Pac-12 floor title with a 9.950, earning Pac-12 Freshman/Newcomer of the Year. Bars and beam? Solid, with a beam height of 9.925, but the floor was her kingdom. So how’d she turn that spark into a full-on fire?
By 2024, Campbell wasn’t just surviving injuries—she was rewriting her story. Career highs rolled in like a victory parade: vault at 9.950 (January 27), bars at 9.950 (February 25), beam at 9.925 (same day), and floor at a perfect 10.0, nailed three times, last on March 16. Two of those 10s came in 2024 alone, and she posted a 39.700 all-around against Cal on March 6.
She owned the all-around against Washington with a 39.575, then co-won floor at the NCAA Regional with a 9.950, punching her ticket to Nationals. Injuries could’ve dimmed her shine, but nah—four straight floor scores of 9.900 or better, including Nationals, proved she’s tougher than steel. What’s the next chapter in this epic climb?
Cue 2025, and Campbell’s hitting her prime like a champ. At the Big Ten Championships, she claimed the all-around crown with a career-best-tying 39.725, dropped a new beam high of 9.950, and snagged third on vault (9.925) and beam, plus fourth on floor (9.950). Against Washington, she posted a season-high 39.625, winning vault (9.925) and tying her beam peak. Clutch moment?
After a teammate stumbled on beam against Illinois, Campbell stepped up with a 9.850 to lock it down. Bars, once her quiet event, soared to 9.950 in 2024 and held strong at 9.900 in 2025. With seven career 9.950s on vault and three perfect 10s on floor, she’s a scoring machine. How’s she planning to top this? Can she land it and cement her legacy as a Bruin legend? Let’s cheer her on—Campbell’s ready to soar!
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