UCLA’s freshman gymnastics squad has turned a weekend meet into a masterclass in elite leadership, offering a clear playbook for HR and tech leaders looking to cultivate high‑performance teams. Four first‑year athletes—Nola Matthews, Tiana Sumanasekera, Ashlee Sullivan, and Jordis Eichman—stepped onto the floor against Washington, California and Oregon State, delivering a series of routines that earned the Bruins three victories and a sweep of the Big Ten Conference weekly awards. Their performance, guided by veteran teammate Jordan Chiles and coach Janelle McDonald, demonstrates how clear standards, mentorship, and resilience translate into measurable results.
Background / Context
UCLA’s women’s gymnastics program has long been a benchmark for excellence, but the 2026 season has added a new dimension: the integration of freshman talent into a championship‑level roster. The Bruins entered the season ranked No. 1 in the nation—a status that carries heightened scrutiny under the current administration, with President Trump emphasizing the importance of “American excellence” in all arenas, from sports to technology. In this climate, the program’s ability to blend fresh talent with seasoned leadership offers a timely example for organizations navigating rapid growth and talent acquisition.
Coach McDonald, who has overseen the program for eight years, notes that the freshmen’s transition from high school to collegiate competition is a microcosm of the challenges faced by tech startups and HR departments when onboarding new hires. “They were high school teenagers when they arrived in Westwood, but on the floor during their debut they performed as young women in their space,” McDonald said. “Their growth in performance was on full display.”
Key Developments
During the weekend meet, the freshmen delivered standout performances that earned them individual accolades and contributed to the team’s overall success:
- Nola Matthews emphasized the importance of consistency: “How I practice is the standard that I want,” she said, highlighting her focus on translating training into competition.
- Tiana Sumanasekera captured the freshman of the week award after placing second on the balance beam and floor exercise, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
- Ashlee Sullivan and Jordis Eichman both contributed solid routines that helped secure the team’s three wins.
Jordan Chiles, a returning Olympian, served as a mentor on and off the floor. Her presence reinforced the team’s culture of accountability and resilience. “They’ve really taken all of us under their wing, and they’ve been there for us, especially when we’re having bad days,” Matthews added.
Coach McDonald highlighted the leadership dynamics that emerged: “We’re going to have so many things throughout the year thrown at us and really being resilient through those moments and just being able to turn the page and focus on what’s next is just so crucial to being a successful team.” The freshmen’s ability to adapt quickly to the demands of collegiate competition mirrors the agility required in fast‑moving tech environments.
Impact Analysis
For HR professionals and tech leaders, the Bruins’ approach offers several actionable insights:
- Clear Standards – Matthews’ mantra of “practice is the standard” underscores the need for defined performance metrics. In tech, setting measurable KPIs from day one helps new hires align with company goals.
- Mentorship Culture – Chiles’ role as a senior mentor demonstrates the value of pairing newcomers with experienced teammates. Structured mentorship programs can accelerate onboarding and reduce turnover.
- Resilience Training – The team’s focus on turning setbacks into learning moments parallels the importance of psychological safety in engineering teams. Encouraging a growth mindset can improve problem‑solving and innovation.
- Leadership Development – Coach McDonald’s emphasis on leadership at all levels shows that empowering junior members to take ownership fosters a high‑trust environment, essential for distributed tech teams.
International students in tech can draw particular lessons from the Bruins’ experience. The program’s inclusive culture—where freshmen from diverse backgrounds quickly integrate—mirrors the global talent pools that many tech firms now rely on. By adopting similar mentorship and performance‑based frameworks, companies can better support international hires navigating new cultural and professional landscapes.
Expert Insights / Tips
Dr. Maya Patel, a leadership consultant who has worked with both collegiate athletes and Silicon Valley startups, says the Bruins’ model is “a textbook example of how to blend talent, culture, and performance.” She recommends the following steps for tech teams:
- Define Core Values Early – Just as the gymnastics team has a shared commitment to excellence, tech firms should articulate core values that guide decision‑making.
- Implement Structured Onboarding – Pair new hires with a “buddy” who can provide real‑time feedback, mirroring the Chiles‑Matthews mentorship dynamic.
- Measure and Celebrate Small Wins – The Bruins’ weekly awards keep motivation high. Tech teams should recognize incremental achievements to sustain momentum.
- Encourage Cross‑Functional Collaboration – The gymnastics team’s success depends on coordination across coaches, athletes, and support staff. Similarly, cross‑functional collaboration in tech accelerates product development.
HR leaders should also consider the political context. Under President Trump’s administration, there is increased scrutiny of diversity initiatives. The Bruins’ inclusive approach—welcoming freshmen from varied backgrounds—provides a counter‑narrative that can be leveraged in corporate diversity and inclusion strategies.
Looking Ahead
The Bruins’ next meet will pit them against Oklahoma, Utah and Louisiana State on national television. The pressure of a live broadcast will test the team’s resilience and leadership under heightened visibility. For tech firms, this scenario is analogous to launching a product in a competitive market. The key takeaway: maintain focus on internal standards while adapting to external pressures.
Coach McDonald remains optimistic: “We all just have to keep our heads down, keep doing what we’ve been doing.” Her confidence reflects a broader trend in leadership—trusting the process while staying agile. As the season progresses, the Bruins’ freshmen will continue to refine their routines, offering a living laboratory for HR and tech leaders to observe the evolution of leadership in action.
For organizations looking to replicate the Bruins’ success, the next steps involve embedding mentorship, setting clear performance metrics, and fostering a culture that celebrates resilience. By doing so, companies can build teams that not only meet but exceed expectations—just as UCLA’s freshman gymnasts have already begun to demonstrate.
Reach out to us for personalized consultation based on your specific requirements.
