UCLA Gymnastics Shines in Pride Meet Victory Over Penn State
Photo by: Antoine Belote
Los Angeles, CA - The No. 5 UCLA Bruins delivered a dazzling performance Thursday night at Pauley Pavilion, defeating No. 25 Penn State 197.675-195.450 in a meet filled with high-flying routines, personal bests, and a celebration of inclusivity at their annual Pride Meet.
UCLA’s Championship-Caliber Display
UCLA’s team was in top form across all four events, with star gymnast Jordan Chiles leading the way. Chiles, fresh off a successful season, posted an all-around score of 39.600, earning first-place finishes on both the uneven bars and floor exercise.
Photo by: Antoine Belote
“It felt amazing to perform at my best tonight,” Chiles said after the competition. “The team has been pushing each other in practice, and it’s incredible to see it all come together in such a big meet. We’re really focused on continuing to get better as the season goes on.”
The Bruins’ uneven bars performance was one of the evening’s highlights, as Chiles and teammate Frida Esparza each earned a career-best 9.975. Esparza, known for her calm and controlled routines, couldn’t hide her excitement after the performance.
“Scoring a 9.975 tonight was just the cherry on top,” Esparza explained. “I’ve been working so hard, and it feels so rewarding to see all that effort pay off in front of our home crowd. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates pushing me every step of the way.”
Another key moment came on floor exercise, where Chiles and freshman Brooklyn Moors shared the top spot with scores of 9.950. Moors, making waves as a rookie, delivered a powerful routine full of energy and precision.
“Performing on floor feels like an out-of-body experience,” Moors said with a smile. “To share the win with Jordan, someone I look up to, was an amazing feeling. We’ve built such great chemistry this season, and it shows in our routines.”
Emily Lee, UCLA’s reliable balance beam specialist, also shone brightly, posting a 9.925 to claim first place in the event. Lee, known for her poise and composure, spoke about her mental preparation before the beam routine.
“I always try to stay in the moment and block out the noise,” Lee shared. “Balance beam is all about confidence. I just trust my training, and it felt great to nail that routine tonight.”
Penn State’s Tenacity and Resilience
Although Penn State was unable to outscore the Bruins, they showed plenty of heart in a spirited performance. The Nittany Lions, ranked No. 25, were led by sophomore Kalea McElligott, who earned a career-high all-around score of 39.275. McElligott’s consistent effort across all four events was a bright spot for Penn State.
“It was a tough competition, but I’m proud of how we all performed,” McElligott said after the meet. “We’re a team that’s getting better each week, and tonight, we showed we can compete with some of the best in the country.”
Senior Maddie Johnston, a seasoned competitor for Penn State, also had an impressive showing with scores of 9.85 on both vault and uneven bars. Johnston’s leadership and experience were invaluable for the Nittany Lions, as they continue to strive for improvement.
“The competition was fierce, but I’m always focused on doing my best for the team,” Johnston said. “There’s always room to grow, and we’re going to keep working hard to close that gap with the top teams.”
UCLA’s Focus on the Bigger Picture
While UCLA’s victory was a statement of their strength, the Bruins remained focused on their goals for the season. Head coach Janelle McDonald reflected on the team’s performance, highlighting their commitment to constant improvement.
“I’m proud of the team’s performance tonight, but we’re not satisfied yet,” McDonald said. “Every meet is an opportunity for us to grow, and that’s what we’re focused on. We know what we’re capable of, and we’re always looking for ways to elevate our game.”
Looking ahead, UCLA has their sights set on their next matchup against Michigan on February 23, 2025, a showdown that promises to be one of the most exciting of the season.
“We’re taking it one step at a time,” Chiles explained. “We’ll enjoy this win for a little while, but then it’s back to work. We’ve got big goals, and we’re ready to keep pushing toward them.”
Penn State Eyes Future Success
For Penn State, the competition served as another opportunity to gauge their progress as they aim to climb the rankings. With a tough schedule ahead, including a matchup with No. 20 Ohio State on February 22, the Nittany Lions are focused on fine-tuning their routines and continuing to build momentum.
“We know we have work to do, but we’re excited about where we’re headed,” McElligott said. “We’re a young team, and every meet is a learning experience. We’re going to keep building and improving.”
Photo by Antoine Belote