Welcome to senior-season Jordan Chiles – and an upcoming season where a new-look UCLA gymnastic team greets a potentially impactful freshman class.

Following a 2025 campaign, in which now-fourth-year coach Janelle McDonald led the Bruins to her best finish as runner-up to Oklahoma by four-tenths in the national championship – UCLA has to replace longtime veterans Chae Campbell, Emma Malabuyo (now a graduate student assistant coach) and Emily Lee.

Six incoming freshmen – three of whom have competed for the United States national team – will attempt to fill that void.

The Southern California News Group sat down with McDonald ahead of Saturday’s Meet the Bruins intrasquad meet at 1 p.m. at Pauley Pavilion to talk about the 2026 season, before the Bruins officially begin the season Jan. 3 a

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