UCLA Gymnastics Completes Coaching Staff
June 28, 2022 | Gymnastics
"In the search for developing a staff that will build the next chapter of UCLA Gymnastics, I wanted to bring on coaches who see our athletes as people first and will celebrate each person's character and individuality," said McDonald. "Building a culture full of integrity, hard work, inclusivity and empathy for our student-athletes needed to come second nature to the coaches on this staff. Additionally, I wanted coaches that have the technical knowledge to match the skill level and talent of the student-athletes on our team. With this staff, I am more confident than ever that together with our student-athletes we can create something really special in this next chapter of UCLA Gymnastics."
Das returns to the Bruins in a full-time role after serving three seasons as a volunteer assistant from 2020-22. Each year as the Bruins' choreographer, Das created floor exercise routines that went viral, including two routines from Nia Dennis that each amassed over 11 million views just on Twitter alone. Das also put together two routines that won Pac-12 floor exercise championships (Chae Campbell and Pauline Tratz in 2021) and three routines that scored perfect 10s (Gracie Kramer in 2020, Campbell twice in 2022 and Jordan Chiles twice in 2022). UCLA's floor exercise squad ranked first in the nation at the conclusion of the 2020 season. In addition to her volunteer coaching role, Das assisted the Bruins in marketing and fundraising efforts and culture and team building. She also directed the Bruin Gymnastics Academy recreational program and summer camps. Prior to her appointment at UCLA, Das was the volunteer assistant coach and choreographer at Utah in 2019.
A professional dancer and choreographer, Das has performed live and in music videos with musicians such as Beyonce, P!nk, Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande and choreographed for TV shows and award shows. She also worked as an assistant choreographer for Simone Biles' Gold Over America Tour in 2021.
"Over the past three years, BJ has demonstrated that she is one of the most innovative choreographers and coaches in our sport," McDonald said. "She has a gift of bringing out the very best in our student-athletes by creating and coaching routines that showcase each individual's strengths and personality. She builds strong connections with the student-athletes and seeks to celebrate each individual and the unique qualities they possess. Her character, energy and passion are exactly the example I want in the gym every day for the young women on our team."
The Grables come to UCLA from Jaycie Phelps Athletic Center (JPAC) in Indianapolis, where they have served as co-head coach for elite development the last five years. Under their guidance, JPAC was awarded J.O. Club of the Year honors nationally in 2019 and in Region 5 in 2021. Kyle coached uneven bars for Levels 6-10, while Autumn coached balance beam and floor exercise. Together, they coached a Level 10 national all-around champion in 2019, three Level 10 uneven bars national champions, a 2021 Level 10 National beam champion, two Level 10 national all-around runners-up and qualified athletes to the Nastia Liukin Cup the past four years.
Kyle previously coached at Gym-Nation in Mason, Ohio from 2007-17, assisting in the rebuilding of the gymnastics team program. As the primary vault and uneven bars coach, he helped qualify athletes to Level 9 Easterns and Level 10 Nationals.
"The success Kyle has had with his club team and athletes over the years shows his ability to coach high- level and technical gymnastics," said McDonald. "He has a great reputation in the gymnastics community because of the positivity and enthusiasm that he brings into each day. He is someone who carries a growth mindset into everything he does and works extremely hard to bring out the best in everyone around him. In our conversations, I could feel the passion he has to help build a culture of integrity, hard work, inclusivity and fun, and I am very excited for the positive impact Kyle will make on our program."
Autumn also coached at Gym-Nation from 2011-17, working as the beam and floor coach for all levels from compulsory through Level 10 and planning the gym's strength and conditioning program. She annually helped coach athletes to Level 9 Easterns and Level 10 Nationals, with many earning Top 5 finishes.
"Autumn possesses a strong ability to lead, coach and motivate in a positive way," McDonald said. "She has a passion for team-building and making connections with her athletes. Autumn's coaching experience, paired with her ability to be organized and creative in her approach, makes her the perfect fit to lead our beam team."
Jaycie Phelps, 1996 Olympic gold medalist and owner of JPAC said, "Kyle and Autumn have been a huge part of the growth of team JPAC over the last five years. They stepped in and stepped up immediately and have always been eager to learn. They are both very competitive and love to set big goals for themselves and the athletes. They bring a level of energy to the room that is so important for performance. I am extremely proud of the two of them for all they have accomplished and look forward to cheering them on as they continue their journey at UCLA."
Season tickets for the 2023 UCLA Gymnastics season are now available at uclabruins.com/tickets. Secure the very best seats by placing a $50 deposit for new season tickets today. Existing season ticket holders will receive renewal information in July.
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