A Jordyn Update and Collegiate Gymnastics

Nov 1, 2013

About two years ago this month, Jordyn Wieber made one of the most difficult decisions of her life: to give up her NCAA eligibility to accept a scholarship and compete in college gymnastics. The risk of not making enough money through endorsements and prize money to cover the cost of what a scholarship would provide (out of state tuition, room and board) was a stress- but that was not what made the decision so difficult for Jordyn. Giving up her dream of competing in college, being part of a team, experiencing the camaraderie and loyalty of being part of a collegiate program was the biggest barrier for Jo.

Long before Jordyn dreamed of elite gymnastics and vying for a spot on the U.S. National Team and competing for her country, her ultimate goal was to earn a college scholarship. For many level 9 and 10 gymnasts, that goal can be a reality (And for elite gymnasts, it is almost a given). In 2012 there were 64 Division I gymnastics programs offering a total of 768 NCAA scholarships. If you use an average of 3 new scholarships per school available to freshman in a given year – that could be over 190 scholarships each year. There are an additional 42 scholarships available from 7 Division II colleges with gymnastics teams. Statistically speaking, there is a greater chance of a level 10 gymnasts capable of qualifying to National Championships receiving a college scholarship than most other sports. There were 454 competitors at the 2013 JO Level 10 championships- about ½ of those in the top 4 age divisions (Sr. A-D). Even if you add in those that qualified, or would have qualified and were injured, there is still a large percentage of this group that will potentially receive a college scholarship.

College gymnastics, for many, is the ultimate reward after years of club training. While the team aspect of gymnastics competition is present in club gymnastics, it is more of a priority at the college level. Lifetime friendships are created; school spirit and loyalty are etched for life. It is really the first time the athlete is independent of their parents and family, many times moving away from home- with the gymnastics team becoming their new family.

With many of Jordyn’s club friends being older, she watched them move on to college gymnastics and enjoy this new, exciting life. Jordyn wanted that too. So, it was difficult to make a decision that could never be reversed, taking away her opportunity to compete in college. Jordyn made this decision at age 16, so we never really had the chance to experience college recruitment to the full extent. She did, however, have a short-list of colleges that she wanted to visit when college gymnastics was still an option. One of those was, of course, UCLA. When UCLA head coach, Valorie Kondos-Field, got word that Jordyn did forego her eligibility, she contacted her with an amazing option- to still come to UCLA and be a team manager.

This provided Jordyn with, in her mind, the best of both worlds. She couldn’t compete for the team, but could still be part of the team by supporting them as a manager. Unsure of the timing of beginning college, Jordyn made the last minute decision to go to UCLA in the fall of 2013 and get at least one year of college under her belt before heading back into serious elite training in 2014. While she is not allowed to train with the team (she trains in the early morning before the team), Jordyn feels like a true Bruin helping at practice and living with teammate Peng Peng Lee from Canada.

I have had the opportunity to visit Jordyn twice this fall to meet the team, see the campus and get a taste of her new life. I’ve never seen her happier. The UCLA gymnastics team has an amazing facility, an amazing coaching staff and the best group of girls imaginable.

In my book, Gym Mom, I included chapter on college recruiting along with an interview with Coach Kondos-Field on tips for the recruitment process. It’s a long road sticking with club gymnastics through high school- but from what I have seen and heard from many gymnasts, it’s worth the time, effort and perseverance.

Use the code CODE20 to receive 20% off a Gym Mom book until December 31 at www.gymmom.net.