Sharing My Story - Jade Carey
October 31, 2023 | Women's Gymnastics
I committed to Oregon State at just 14-years-old and waited a whole seven years to finally start my journey here. I chose Oregon State for so many reasons but one that sticks out in particular is the family environment. From the minute I stepped on campus and met the gymnastics coaches, I felt connected and cared for. I know that no matter what, my team, coaches, athletic trainer, support staff and professors have my back.
My journey at OSU hasn't been what most would call the "normal" experience. I started off my journey deferring because of training for the 2020 Olympics and then eventually starting online classes from Arizona when the Olympics got postponed due to Covid. I just couldn't wait to get started in any way. After the Olympics in Tokyo, where I became an Olympic Champion on the floor exercise, is when I finally started my journey at OSU on campus. Coming in as a freshman with the accolades I had was super exciting but also different. It felt as if everybody already knew who I was. It was overwhelming but also very special to have such a wonderful community showing me their love and support.
My freshman year was stellar. I was so anxious to live up to the expectations and be as good as what others anticipated. My coaches did a great job helping me just be myself and really enjoy the sport. Competing at the highest level can be very stressful, so to have a blast doing the sport I love with such an amazing family throughout my freshman year was incredible. I learned so much about myself and won accolades I didn't even think were possible as a freshman. After the elite season I made the 2022 USA Gymnastics senior national team and competed at the World Championships in Liverpool. We won team gold, and I won the gold medal on vault and the bronze medal on floor. It was such an honor to be able to not only represent my country on the world's biggest stage, but also Oregon State University.
I then began my sophomore year at OSU, which was also incredible. Throughout my sophomore year I learned a lot about myself while juggling college gymnastics, elite gymnastics and school. I learned how much I can push myself and how to not be so hard on myself. What I am doing has never been done before in gymnastics, so I had to learn to give myself some grace and keep pushing for myself. This past year, I have felt more connected to my teammates than ever before, and it truly is a blessing to be able to have them on this journey. They are my sisters and my family, and it is exciting to get in the gym with them every single day and get better together. We have big aspirations as a team and I'm excited to go after them this year.
I am currently pursuing a degree in Digital Communication Arts. I don't have any specific plans for after college, but I know that I want to be involved with women's sports. I want to impact the lives of women in sports and make a difference.
Being a student-athlete here at Oregon State is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The lessons I have learned will stay with me throughout my entire life and the connections I have made will last forever. I can't thank Beaver Nation enough for all of the continued love and support. It means the world to me to see you all at gymnastics meets supporting this wonderful team. I am excited for the rest of my journey at Oregon State and as always Go Beavs!
My journey at OSU hasn't been what most would call the "normal" experience. I started off my journey deferring because of training for the 2020 Olympics and then eventually starting online classes from Arizona when the Olympics got postponed due to Covid. I just couldn't wait to get started in any way. After the Olympics in Tokyo, where I became an Olympic Champion on the floor exercise, is when I finally started my journey at OSU on campus. Coming in as a freshman with the accolades I had was super exciting but also different. It felt as if everybody already knew who I was. It was overwhelming but also very special to have such a wonderful community showing me their love and support.
My freshman year was stellar. I was so anxious to live up to the expectations and be as good as what others anticipated. My coaches did a great job helping me just be myself and really enjoy the sport. Competing at the highest level can be very stressful, so to have a blast doing the sport I love with such an amazing family throughout my freshman year was incredible. I learned so much about myself and won accolades I didn't even think were possible as a freshman. After the elite season I made the 2022 USA Gymnastics senior national team and competed at the World Championships in Liverpool. We won team gold, and I won the gold medal on vault and the bronze medal on floor. It was such an honor to be able to not only represent my country on the world's biggest stage, but also Oregon State University.
I then began my sophomore year at OSU, which was also incredible. Throughout my sophomore year I learned a lot about myself while juggling college gymnastics, elite gymnastics and school. I learned how much I can push myself and how to not be so hard on myself. What I am doing has never been done before in gymnastics, so I had to learn to give myself some grace and keep pushing for myself. This past year, I have felt more connected to my teammates than ever before, and it truly is a blessing to be able to have them on this journey. They are my sisters and my family, and it is exciting to get in the gym with them every single day and get better together. We have big aspirations as a team and I'm excited to go after them this year.
I am currently pursuing a degree in Digital Communication Arts. I don't have any specific plans for after college, but I know that I want to be involved with women's sports. I want to impact the lives of women in sports and make a difference.
Being a student-athlete here at Oregon State is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The lessons I have learned will stay with me throughout my entire life and the connections I have made will last forever. I can't thank Beaver Nation enough for all of the continued love and support. It means the world to me to see you all at gymnastics meets supporting this wonderful team. I am excited for the rest of my journey at Oregon State and as always Go Beavs!
