#006 How to Get Recruited for College Gymnastics: Insights from UW Coach Gibran Campos

Dreaming of competing in college gymnastics? The University of Washington women’s gymnastics team is one of the top programs in the country, known for its mix of athletic excellence and academic rigor. With a new assistant coach, Gibran Campos, joining the staff, the Huskies are doubling down on building a team that thrives both on the competition floor and in the classroom.

In this interview, Coach Campos shares what he looks for in recruits, the biggest differences between club and NCAA gymnastics, and why the Washington coaching staff values watching practices just as much as competition results. Whether you’re aiming for a scholarship or simply want to understand how to stand out in the recruiting process, his insights offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to succeed at the next level.

From Club Coach to the NCAA

Campos didn’t start out aiming for a coaching career. In high school, he began helping at his sister’s gym just to earn service hours. That experience sparked a passion that grew into coaching recreational classes, then competitive teams, and eventually running club programs in California and Washington.

When an opportunity with the University of Washington opened, the transition to college coaching “just kind of happened,” he explained.

Now nearing his first full year with the Huskies, Campos says the sport is “the same, but different” at the NCAA level. The fundamentals of gymnastics remain, but the culture shifts—athletes balance academics, performance, and teamwork on a whole new scale.

Recruiting: What Coaches Really Look For

One of Campos’ biggest roles at UW is recruiting, and his insights may surprise many aspiring gymnasts:

• Academics Come First – Washington is one of the top-ranked universities in the world. Campos notes that most recruits need at least a 3.5 GPA to be competitive. “If you don’t enjoy the academic challenge, it’s probably not the best fit,” he said.

• Consistency Over Difficulty – Unlike club gymnastics where pushing difficulty is common, college coaches prioritize routines that can be hit week after week. “You need something you can compete when you’re sick, tired, or stressed,” Campos explained.

• Character Matters – Leadership, positivity, and being a good teammate can set an athlete apart. Coaches notice the small things: cheering for teammates, helping move mats, or maintaining energy even on tough days.

• Specialization Can Help – While all-arounders are valuable, Campos acknowledged that event specialists can sometimes gain an edge if their strengths fill a team’s needs.

• Practices Speak Volumes – Beyond scores and highlight reels, Campos emphasized that watching practices in person is one of the most valuable tools for recruiting. While meet results show consistency, practices reveal so much more: how an athlete warms up, how they handle corrections, and how they support teammates. “I don’t think you can replace going in and watching practice,” Campos explained. “You get the full picture, not just the highlight video.”

Adjusting to College Gymnastics

For incoming freshmen, Campos emphasizes adaptability as the key trait for success. The NCAA caps training time at 20 hours per week, which means athletes must learn to be efficient and disciplined. The balance of school, travel, and independence also presents new challenges.

Burnout, he explained, is less common at this stage since those who make it to college gymnastics have already pushed through the toughest years. Instead, the bigger adjustment often comes with managing academics and daily life without the structure of home.

Campos’ Advice for Future College Gymnasts

For younger athletes hoping to compete in college, Campos offered three key takeaways:

1. Trust the process – Everyone’s recruiting timeline is different, and social media can create unnecessary pressure. “Not everyone commits on June 15,” he reminded.

2. Keep your options open – Dream schools are great, but staying flexible opens more opportunities.

3. Have a plan and stick to it – Consistency in training, academics, and preparation pays off over time.

At the end of the day, Campos believes that if you combine discipline with passion, the right opportunity will come. For gymnasts balancing big dreams with the daily grind, his perspective is a reminder: success in college gymnastics isn’t just about skills, it’s about mindset, adaptability, and staying true to the process.

Closing Call-to-Action

Ready to chase your college gymnastics dreams? Train smart, stay consistent, and don’t overlook the little details coaches are watching in practice. And when it comes to gear, WolfWear grips and wrist supports are designed to help you perform with confidence; whether you’re in the gym, on the competition floor, or working toward that next big opportunity.