UCLA Gymnastics Aims for Big Ten Title in Key Meet

Bruins focused on consistency ahead of postseason push

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The UCLA gymnastics team is preparing for a key Big Ten meet on Friday that could clinch their second consecutive regular-season conference title. Despite having a young roster, the Bruins have shown steady growth throughout the season and are looking to use this meet as a primer for the upcoming postseason.

Why it matters

Winning the Big Ten regular-season title would be a significant accomplishment for UCLA, especially with a relatively inexperienced team. The meet will also serve as valuable preparation for the postseason, as the Bruins look to build confidence and momentum heading into the most important part of the season.

The details

UCLA is currently ranked No. 4 nationally and is one win away from claiming the Big Ten regular-season championship. The Bruins will face tough competition from No. 18 Iowa, No. 19 Ohio State, and No. 25 Maryland in the Big Four Meet on Friday. Head coach Janelle McDonald has been focused on keeping her young team grounded and focused on their own performance, rather than worrying about the opponent or the stakes of the meet.

  • The Big Four Meet is scheduled for Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • UCLA is coming off a season-high road score against Illinois in their last competition.

The players

Janelle McDonald

The head coach of the UCLA gymnastics team, who is working to keep her young squad focused on their own performance ahead of the key Big Ten meet.

Jordan Chiles

An Olympic gold medalist who has anchored the Bruins' lineup this season, earning a conference-record eight Big Ten Gymnast of the Week awards.

Ashlee Sullivan

A UCLA freshman who has earned three Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors after posting new career-highs on vault and floor.

Emma Malabuyo

A graduate student assistant coach who has provided valuable insight to the Bruins' athletes, having recently completed her own collegiate career as a four-time All-American and three-time conference champion.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal is to go out there and just do what we've been doing all season long. Hitting great gymnastics and continuing to just build the confidence on the competition floor before we head into [the] postseason.”

— Janelle McDonald, Head Coach (latimes.com)

“Last year, when we came into the Big Ten, we really wanted to make a statement and I think we did just that. Coming in this year with a younger team, hungry to just continue that has just been really special.”

— Janelle McDonald, Head Coach (latimes.com)

“It's very helpful for our athletes to be able to talk through things with her because she is now able to understand what they're going through, but also see it from a coach's perspective. Her [coaching] style is just typical of who she is and that's really just supportive, caring and really hungry to be great.”

— Janelle McDonald, Head Coach (latimes.com)

What’s next

The Bruins will face their toughest competition since their last quad meet, where they placed third behind Oklahoma and LSU. A win on Friday would clinch their second consecutive Big Ten regular-season title.

The takeaway

UCLA's focus on consistency and building confidence ahead of the postseason, combined with the steady growth of their young roster, has put them in position to defend their Big Ten title and make a strong push for a national championship.