‘She Understands’: Jordan Chiles Reveals Secret Sauce to No. 4 Ucla’s Success

Bijoya “BJ” Das hit it off with the Bruins in 2020, joining the UCLA gymnastics team as a volunteer assistant coach and choreographer. In 2023, she became a full-time assistant coach before starting as the Associate Head Coach in 2025.

Das helped the Bruins earn 3 conference titles and finish as the 2025 NCAA runner-up. She knows her players’ rhythm and helps them bring out their individuality. And Chiles isn’t the only one to admit this.

The Bruins’ Head Coach and Others on BJ

As someone who has had a thriving career with names like Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber, Beyoncé, and Ariana Grande, BJ brings together artistic expression and out-of-the-box thinking. And no one knows that better than the HC.

“She always uses her perspectives to challenge me, to push me to learn and grow and look at things differently”, said Head Coach Janelle McDonald about Das. “That’s absolutely who you want in your corner in this job.”

Moreover, Sophomore Katelyn Rosen echoed Chiles’ remarks, mentioning that Das “is able to look at each individual athlete, see who they are…  and she’s able to blend that really well out on the competition floor.”