FORT WORTH, Texas — Beauty. Grace. Power. These are the attributes that define Chae Campbell. 

What You Need To Know

  • Chae Campbell is a four-time All-American gymnast for the UCLA Bruins

  • She is a Carrollton, Texas, native and grew up watching the 2010 UCLA national championship team, which inspired her to compete for the Bruins herself

  • Campbell was a main contributor to UCLA’s success this season, reaching the national stage at Dickie’s Arena in Fort Worth

“[Chae] started doing cartwheels and flips off the couch and off the bed,” her mother Leila said. “She was bumping into walls and our television set. So, I’m like, what am I going to do with all this energy?”

The answer was simple. 

“My mom thought that was all too dangerous. So she put me in a gym where I could dance and I could do gymnastics,” Campbell said with a laugh. “From then on, I started doing classes at 6 years old and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Campbell takes pride in her ability to inspire the future generation of gymnasts.  

“As a Black gymnast, I didn’t see a lot of people like me,” she said. “I think now I’m in a sport where a lot of black gymnasts are excelling. I’m just really proud to be a part of that. I think the inspirational piece of that is really the most rewarding.” 

Campbell draws her inspiration from three-time Olympian Dominique Dawes. 

“When I first started, I watched her a lot,” Campbell said. “So having that inspiration was really important to my career.” 

A career that led her to the West Coast to sport the gold and baby blue threads.  

“I started watching UCLA when I was 8 years old. I was really inspired by the 2010 national championship team,” she said. “UCLA was the only school I was dead set on. When I got that offer to be a part of this team, it was a dream come true. Now that I’m living this life, it’s even more amazing.” 

It’s safe to say no one is prouder than the woman who raised her. 

“It’s always a pure blessing to see your child achieve their dreams,” said Leila. “She’s wanted to compete in nationals for UCLA since she was 8. So, seeing her here with this opportunity, my heart is just filled with joy.” 

As a Carrollton, Texas, native, Campbell competed in nationals in front of friends and family. Although UCLA did not advance to the final, the moment and the achievement were not lost on her. 

“I’m thinking back to the little girl who started gymnastics and looking where I am now, I could not be more proud of myself,” Campbell said. “I’m just going to live and enjoy the moment because I’m never going to get this time back.”