At just 14 years old committed to Oregon State, joined 7 years later, and had a lifetime of experience! Jade Carey, when asked, ‘Why OSU?’ The two-time Olympian simply replied, “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.” She felt more connected to her teenage self at OSU than ever before. The 13th NCAA Gymnast All-Time to Complete GymSlam not only learned about the sports but also about herself. She won so many accolades that she herself never knew were possible! But as they say, ‘every good thing comes to an end,’ and her time at OSU is over. With more than 117 event titles it’s time for her to bid farewell to the Beavers Nation! Emotions are high, and words are heartfelt, and a message has been delivered!
“All the love in the world to Beaver Nation, and as always, go Beavs. ,” with those words, Jade Carey took to Instagram today to express her gratitude, marking a moment of reflection on what has been an incredible final NCAA season. From posting a career-best all-around score of 39.925 with perfect 10s on beam and floor to becoming a finalist for the prestigious AAI Award, the Olympic gold medalist is thriving.
As she reflected on her journey, Carey took a moment to acknowledge the community that has been with her every step of the way. “Beaver Nation, I can’t thank you enough for your love, support, passion, and energy. Every time in Gill is a special one, and every time I put on that orange and black, I am reminded of how lucky I am to be a part of this family.” These words hit even harder considering her latest performance in front of a record-breaking crowd of 9,042 fans at Gill Coliseum on March 15.
With a near-perfect 39.925 all-around score, just 0.075 shy of the elusive 40.00 on March 15 in the meet against Air Force. She delivered one of the most historic performances in NCAA gymnastics with two perfect 10s, on the same day in the beams as well as on the floor. Carey’s connection to Beaver Nation goes beyond the numbers. It’s about the energy, the unwavering support, and the bond she’s built with the fans who have cheered her on, whether in Corvallis or on the world’s biggest stages. “You all have been by my side, supporting me through the good and the bad, whether it’s at home in Gill or on the world’s biggest stage. I am forever grateful to be a part of this amazing community.” This isn’t just about one meet or one season. It’s about a legacy she’s creating with every routine!
Just look at what she did yesterday in the meet against Fisk University. A 9.900 on the vault, 9.975 on the bars, and the beams, and a SOLID 10 on the floors. Also, a no-brainer, she won the All-Around title with a whopping 39.850.
With her college career winding down, Carey’s future remains an open book. But one thing is certain. No matter where she goes next, the impact she’s left at Oregon State and the love she’s received in return will stay with her forever. And she’s not the only one bidding an emotional farewell. One of Carey’s teammates has also shared a heartfelt message with Beaver Nation.
Jade Carey’s teammate Kaitlin Garcia’s message to Beaver Nation
On March 9 in San José, Kaitlin Garcia delivered a performance to remember by delivering 9.900 on the floor. She then topped it up with a 9.950 in the same apparatus on the March 15 meet. And as if it wasn’t enough, she further raised her floor scores to 9.975 on March 21. But beyond the scores, it was her emotional farewell to Oregon State that truly resonated. The Pac-12 Conference shared a video tribute on X, highlighting “ Kaitlin Garcia’s parting words for Beaver Nation & what @BeaverGym means to her .” And when asked what the program meant to her, Garcia didn’t hold back. “Oh my gosh, it has meant so, so much to me. It’s not only a sisterhood. These are just girls that, you know, I do gymnastics with. I go home, and I live with them, and, you know, we go through so many ups and downs together.”
For the 2023 Pac-12 Winter Academic Honor Roll, Oregon State wasn’t just a team. It was a family, one that shaped her both inside and outside the gym. She credited the coaching staff for their unwavering support, emphasizing, “The staff has just been so supportive and amazing over the years that I’ve not just only grown into a gymnast, but they’ve set me up to succeed for the future.” Her gratitude extended beyond her teammates and coaches to the fans who showed up year after year. “Thank you, thank you so, so much. Beaver Gymnastics would not be what it is without you guys. You show up all the time. You come with love and support, and not just for us, but the other teams that are here. You guys mean so much to us, and I just want to say thank you.”
Garcia’s words echo a familiar sentiment. One shared by another Oregon State legend, Jade Carey. Today both of them leave the Beavers with a legacy that will inspire generations to come!
The post Jade Carey Pens Down Emotional Note While Oregon State Teammate Bids Tearful NCAA Gymnastics Farewell appeared first on EssentiallySports.