As the 2025 gymnastics season kicks off, the Oregon State Beavers are set to face formidable competition in Oceanside, California. This season opener will see the Beavers, ranked 19th in the WCGA preseason poll, go head-to-head with No. 4 California and No. 10 UCLA.
The meet promises to be an exciting start to the season, showcasing both seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Let’s dive into what makes this matchup one to watch and the key players to keep an eye on.
The Matchup: Oregon State vs. California and UCLA
The Oregon State Beavers will open their 2025 season on Saturday, January 4th, at the American Gold Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Classic in Oceanside, California. Competing at Frontwave Arena, the Beavers will face off against two highly-ranked opponents: California, ranked 4th, and UCLA, ranked 10th.
This meet is a significant test for the Beavers, who are looking to build on their 49th consecutive trip to an NCAA Regional last season.
California’s Strengths
California enters the meet with high expectations, returning key athletes like eMjae Frazier and Mya Lauzon from their squad that finished second at the 2024 NCAA Championships. Their experience and skill make them a tough competitor right out of the gate.
UCLA’s Talent
UCLA, ranked 10th, is another formidable opponent. The Bruins have the added advantage of having Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles back on their team. Chiles’ presence is sure to boost their performance and add an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
Oregon State’s Key Players
The Beavers are not without their own stars. The team returns several key members from last year’s group, including Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey, last season’s Pac-12 Freshman of the Year Sophia Esposito, and All Pac-12 Honorable Mention selection on bars Sage Thompson.
Veteran Talent
The 2025 Gym Beavs are loaded with veteran talent. Graduate student Sydney Gonzales returns for her fifth season and is joined by seven other seniors:
Find the best accommodations
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
- Carley Beeman
- Natalie Briones
- Jade Carey
- Karlie Chavez
- Kaitlin Garcia
- Lauren Letzsch
- Sage Thompson
These eight athletes alone combined to hit 155 routines last year, averaging a hit rate of 94.5%, with four of them achieving perfection throughout the season.
Promising Newcomers
Four new student-athletes joined the program during the offseason, bringing fresh talent and potential to the team:
- Guilianna Fiorillo from San Jose, Calif., who excelled at the 2024 Development Program National Championships.
- Sophia Kaloudis from Huntington, N.Y., a three-time state champion.
- Reina Marchal from Las Vegas, Nev., daughter of an Olympian and majoring in marketing.
- Paulina Vargas from Mexico City, a member of the Mexican Senior National Team.
Jade Carey’s Olympic Glory
July 30, 2024, is a date that will remain etched in Jade Carey’s memory. Already a gold medalist from Tokyo, Carey added another gold to her collection in the Team Final with Team USA at the Paris Olympics. She also secured a bronze medal in the Vault Final, bringing her career tally to three Olympic medals.
Just days after her Olympic success, Carey announced her return to Oregon State for a final season, cementing her status as a key leader for the Beavers.
Carey’s Record-Breaking Career
Carey leads the Beavers into the 2025 season as the program’s all-time leader in event titles (117) and 10.000 scores, accounting for 12 of the program’s 33 perfect 10s. Her experience and skill will be invaluable as the team navigates the challenges of the new season.
Season Opener in California
This season opener marks a rare occasion for the Beavers, as it’s the first time since 2005 that they have started their season in California. The team has previously opened in diverse locations, including Cancun, Mexico, and Kailua, Hawaii. This return to the Golden State is a significant event for the team and its fans.
California: A Key Recruiting Ground
California has proven to be a crucial recruiting ground for the Beavers. Six members of the current roster hail from California, making up 30% of the team. The next closest states represented are Arizona, Colorado, and New York, each with two gymnasts.
Bars Lineup: A Strong Contender
The Beaver bars lineup was among the nation’s best in 2024, finishing the regular season ranked seventh and never dropping below eighth.
Every gymnast who completed a bars routine in 2024 is back for the 2025 season, ensuring continuity and strength in this event.
Consistent Performers
The lineup, which includes Sophia Esposito, Natalie Briones, Taylor DeVries, Jennifer McMillan, Sage Thompson, and Jade Carey, earned 48 scores of 9.850 or higher last season. This consistency will be crucial as they aim to maintain their high standards in 2025.
Returning from Injury
Two key members of the Beaver beam lineup, Lauren Letzsch and Sydney Gonzales, have returned after long-term injuries. Both made their comeback during the Orange & Black meet on December 13, 2024.
Letzsch’s Comeback
Letzsch last competed in the 2023 season, setting a career-high on beam with a 9.925. Her return adds depth and experience to the team.
Gonzales’ Return
Gonzales, who suffered a season-ending injury midway through last season, brings valuable experience and skill back to the lineup. Her career high on beam is an impressive 9.975.
Looking Ahead: Next Meet
After their season opener, the Beavers will return home to welcome BYU into Gill Coliseum on Saturday, January 11.
Fans can look forward to an exciting season with plenty of opportunities to support the team.
Season ticket options start as low as $35. They can be purchased by clicking here or by calling the Beaver Ticket Office at 1-800-GO-BEAVS.
Single-meet tickets are also available and can be purchased here.
Oregon State Athletics strives to Build Excellent Authentic Visionary Student-Athletes (Go BEAVS).
Get the latest sent right to your inbox
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews