The journey that officially began with a college football sideline debut at the Rose Bowl Stadium came to an end on 2 May for former gymnast-turned University of California, Los Angeles cheerleader Jaiden Gilbert.
Gilbert, now 20 years old, made history as the first Caymanian to join the UCLA Bruins cheerleading squad, stepping onto the field on 30 Aug. 2025 for a season-opening matchup against the Utah Utes.
After two intensive semesters representing one of the most prestigious athletic programmes in the United States, Gilbert is closing her chapter as a student-athlete as she prepares to graduate this June with a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies.
Entering new territory
Transitioning from a background in competitive gymnastics, Gilbert who started attending UCLA in September 2024, arrived with a foundation of discipline but no traditional cheerleading experience.
“Coming in, I didn’t have a traditional cheer background, so it wasn’t exactly what I expected at first, but in the best way. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and gave me the opportunity to learn and grow quickly,” Gilbert said.
Her entry into the sport was a result of sheer initiative. After being inspired “by the talent, energy and stage presence of the cheerleaders” at her first college football game while at UCLA, she quickly recognised the overlapping elements between cheerleading and her former sport.
This led to her attending open gym sessions “for fun”, meeting some of the UCLA cheerleaders and speaking with them personally about their experience on the cheer team.
These conversations further fuelled Gilbert’s interest, resulting in her participation of a six-hour evaluation tryout day and the exciting news that she had earned her spot on the UCLA cheer team.
Over the course of the next two semesters since beginning her cheer journey, she evolved from a newcomer into a confident performer capable of managing the immense pressure of major collegiate athletics.
“This experience truly transformed me as a person and stands out as one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had. Coming from a gymnastics background, I was used to relying on natural ability, but stepping into cheer without prior experience challenged me in a completely different way,” Gilbert said.
“It required me to develop a deeper, more authentic sense of confidence that was built on lots of preparation, trust, and belief in myself,” she added.
Unforgettable moments
The highlights of her tenure were marked by significant milestones in UCLA sports history.
Gilbert cites the September 2025 American football game against Penn State as her “favourite game to cheer at” during her time at UCLA.
Cheering from the sidelines of the Rose Bowl, she witnessed the Bruins secure a 42-37 upset victory over the third-ranked team in the Big Ten conference, an experience she described as unforgettable due to the sheer energy of the crowd and the shift in momentum it provided for the programme.
“The celebration was unforgettable, with confetti falling and fans storming the field. It was exciting to witness such a pivotal moment for the team,” she said.
“Performing at the Rose Bowl Stadium in front of crowds so large they could hold the entire population of Cayman … also taught me how to manage pressure in a very real way. Learning to stay composed, perform in front of intense crowds, and recover quickly from mistakes in such a public environment strengthened both my resilience and self-assurance,” she added.
A multi-sport sideline presence
Beyond the football field, Gilbert found a particular affinity for the courtside atmosphere of women’s basketball.
She cheered for the team throughout a historic campaign that culminated in a national championship and a number one national ranking.
“My favourite sport to cheer for was women’s basketball. Being courtside creates a uniquely immersive experience; you’re right on the floor which makes the energy feel more intense, and at times it almost feels like you’re part of the game itself,” Gilbert said.
“UCLA has a strong basketball culture, and both the men’s and women’s teams draw highly engaged crowds, which adds to the overall excitement of the game.”
Gilbert also had the unique opportunity to return to her roots by cheering for the UCLA gymnastics team which included elite athletes and Olympians like Jordan Chiles.
In her role she cheered at all home games for American football, men’s and women’s basketball, as well as several other sports including gymnastics, tennis, and the occasional men’s volleyball.
It also took her across the US, including travel to Indiana for American football and postseason trips to Chicago for the Big Ten Championships and Philadelphia for March Madness.
Beyond the limitations
Gilbert views her time at UCLA as proof that young Caymanian athletes can succeed in unconventional arenas through consistency and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones.
“While there are many opportunities to get involved in sports locally, the size of Cayman naturally means that certain pathways, such as cheer at a high level, can be more limited,” Gilbert said.
She added, “This [experience] reinforced for me that those limitations don’t have to define what you can achieve. With dedication, consistency, and a willingness to seek out opportunities, it is still possible to pursue your goals and succeed at a high level.”
Looking ahead, Gilbert said, “While I won’t be continuing cheer after this season, it has been an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience that I will always value.”
“The lessons I’ve gained particularly in discipline, confidence and resilience, are ones I plan to carry with me moving forward, and I hope to use my experience to inspire younger athletes to pursue their goals.”
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