Jade Carey is considered one of the most accomplished gymnasts to represent Oregon State University. After graduating from the program, the 25-year-old has returned to the Beavers in a new role as a student assistant coach.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist has recently shared her thoughts on embracing this next chapter of her journey.
Jade Carey Talks Coaching at Oregon State
Carey shared her delight while speaking about her life as a coach, describing it as “truly feeling like a full circle moment.” She said she has enjoyed being part of the coaching staff, adding, “I have loved helping the girls grow and succeed. It’s been amazing to learn from some of my biggest role models.”
She also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to give back to Oregon State, noting, “I am so grateful to be able to give back to the program and people that gave so much to me.”
Before taking on the role, the three-time world champion competed for Oregon State from 2022 to 2025 as a student-athlete. During this period, she earned some of the sport’s most prestigious recognitions, including the AAI Award in 2025, along with four runner-up finishes and two third-place finishes at the NCAA Championships across various apparatus and the individual all-around.
MORE: Olympic Champion Jade Carey Addresses Possible Return to Elite Gymnastics While Serving on Oregon State’s Coaching Staff
Although she faced heartbreak at last season’s NCAA Championships by falling short of the all-around title, her legacy extends well beyond trophies, cementing her place among the greatest athletes in the program’s history.
Carey on Coaching Friends and Finding Fulfillment in a New Role
Transitioning from teammate to coach has been a rewarding adjustment for Carey, reshaping relationships she built inside the gym. Reflecting on the experience, Carey described it simply, adding (via All Things Gymnastics Podcast), “It’s been fun.”
The Arizona-born athlete acknowledged that the biggest change has been redefining her role among people she once trained alongside, saying, “It’s a little different obviously because I now have a different role than just the teammate and the friendship role that I had with them last year.” “I feel like I’ve always been a little bit of a natural leader in the gym,” she added, noting how this has helped the transition feel natural.
“We’re all pretty used to it,” she explained, highlighting that the environment has remained comfortable and positive despite the change in dynamics. For Carey, the most fulfilling aspect has been staying closely connected to the athletes and seeing them grow in different ways as she helps them work toward their goals.