Sydney Jelen grows into bigger role for USU Gymnastics

Sydney Jelen began the first meet of the 2026 Utah State University Gymnastics with a career high on the balance beam, getting a score of 9.875. This is a score both her and head coach Kristin White are excited about moving forward.  

“We have had a really great start to the season. Our athletes have worked incredibly hard,” White said. “We’re really encouraged to see all of the hard work we’ve put in in the pre-season to be ready for season. I think we’re just looking to continue with the momentum and build off of that this year.”  

Before coming to USU, Jelen was an all-around gymnast, getting awards in all four events: uneven bars, floor, vault and balance beam. Since starting college, she has narrowed her trade to balance beam and the uneven bars.  

“I think it’s a very controlled event. You can still show your personality on beam, and you show your strength on bars,” Jelen said. “I just think it’s really exciting being able to land and stick your dismount on each event. It feels very rewarding.”  

Although she is getting slightly higher points in beam, Jelen said the points don’t affect her personal efforts in each event.  

“Right now, I’m really liking bars because I’ve come so far from last year and I feel more confident in myself doing that event,” Jelen said.  

For Jelen, gymnastics is something that she has been working toward her entire life. She started gymnastics at four years old because of her love for competition. 

“Competing has always been one of my favorite things to do. I like being under pressure,” Jelen said.  

According to Jelen, her competitive drive has supported her career through her adolescence all the way to her collegiate years.  

From an outside perspective, White said she has been able to see Jelen’s drive for many years.  

“She thrives in competition,” White said. “When we were recruiting her and watching her, you could tell she really enjoyed gymnastics.” According to White, Jelen’s drive and enjoyment of the sport, has helped push her to be at the level she is currently.  

Sydney Jelen celebrates after her routine on the beam at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum on Jan. 10.

Jelen said she loves gymnastics in part for the competition but also for the energy and fun times she and her teammates have.  

“She just has a very infectious personality. She’s a blast to be around,” White said. “We were really excited when she chose to be an Aggie.” 

Jelen said she is interested in gymnastics for more than just the competition. 

“I’ve always wanted to compete for a school and represent a school,” Jelen said. 

She added her desire to be a collegiate athlete and her love for gymnastics brought her from Chicago to USU. 

“I knew when I came to this campus I wanted to be here,” Jelen said. “The team environment was so cool, and I just really loved it here.”  

Jelen said a good team dynamic is something she values and that USU has one she feels like she can fit in.  

“I like being able to be with a team and make friendships throughout the way,” Jelen said.  

Even as the team has changed over her years in the program, with seniors graduating and new recruits joining the team, Jelen said she is always excited to be with her team.  

“The team always changes in a good way,” Jelen said. “The new coaching staff that came in this year is great. It’s been an amazing experience each year.”  

Jelen, her coach and many others are excited to see what this season holds for her.  

“She really competes at the highest level,” White said.