This post was updated April 22 at 4:27 p.m.
Chae Campbell went to the national championships as an individual competitor in her first year as a Bruin.
Three years later, the senior returned to the spotlight – this time on the floor exercise.
In what could be her final meet with UCLA gymnastics, Campbell executed a clean floor routine, posting a 9.900 figure. The score marked her sixth straight 9.900-plus mark on the event.
“It was definitely one of my best routines that I’ve done in my career,” Campbell said, despite not placing on floor. “When I finished my routine, and the crowd was so loud, that just really made me so happy. … Despite scoring or whatever, I will remember that moment for a long, long time.”
Campbell only competed floor five times in the regular season, sitting out because of injury in six meets. She added that her comeback made her appearance at nationals more meaningful.
“Being out for a while was really, really frustrating,” Campbell said. “But it all worked out for the good, and I was really, really proud that I was able to do that routine for my Bruin sisters back in LA.”
Campbell was joined by sophomore Selena Harris on their flight to Fort Worth, Texas, as well, competing as an individual on beam.
Following a strong beam rotation against Utah, Harris executed a wobble-free, stuck beam routine for a 9.950 – her fourth such mark on the event in as many meets.
“The biggest thing that I wanted to do was not do too much,” Harris said. “Instead of going into the gym and doing so many numbers, I was really training for 15 minutes. … It’s honestly muscle memory at this point.”
Harris’ score earned her third place at the championships and First-Team All-American honors, an improvement from her Second-Team recognition last season.
With the curtains drawn on UCLA’s 2024 campaign, the team’s focus has already redirected to next year.
In what will be her third season as head coach, Janelle McDonald said the team is eyeing a return to the national stage.
“It is difficult to come to this competition without the team,” McDonald said. “We have such an incredible team that I know would show up and compete their hearts out on this national stage, and we’re going to do everything that we can to be dialed in and confident and consistent and ready to get back here next year.”
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