Oregon State Q&A: Jennifer McMillan

Jennifer McMillan is coming off a highly successful sophomore season as a member of the Oregon State gymnastics team. Having joined the team after competing for Southeastern Gymnastics (Weddington, N.C.) during her high school career, she has developed into a key piece in OSU's top-ranked bars lineup.

After putting together 10 routines of 9.800 or better across 13 appearances as a freshman, McMillan competed on both bars and beam in every single meet during her sophomore season, starting the year strong with a 9.950 in the season-opening meet on Jan. 6. With 9.925 or higher scores on the uneven bars in five of OSU's final seven meets, she finished the season with a perfect hit percentage.

McMillan recently participated in a Q&A with OSUBeavers.com about her path to Corvallis and the gymnastics program.

Do you remember the first time you stepped on the Oregon State campus and what it meant to you?
Jennifer McMillan: The first time I stepped on the Oregon State campus was on a personal visit to decide if this is where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life. I remember my mom being dubious because we mainly saw farmland and open space around the campus, and I come from a larger city (Charlotte, N.C.). It was towards the end of peak COVID in 2021, and there were not many people in Corvallis or the surrounding area because of it. Many places were closed and the town looked somewhat deserted. I remember my mom asking me before we had even arrived to campus, "Are you sure this is where you want to be?" And I remember answering enthusiastically, "Yep, this is where I'm going to college!" That first time on campus represented a world of excitement and new opportunities for me, and I will never forget that.

When did you know you wanted to be a student-athlete at the college level? What drew you to it?
JM: I knew when I was about 11 years old. I always loved the idea of being on a school sponsored team and being able to be one of the "big girls." I looked up to the college girls that would come back to my club gym and train over the summers and from a young age I wanted to be just like them. I wanted the camaraderie, the higher level of competition and the sparkly leos.

What's one thing you wish more people knew about your sport and what it takes to be competitive?
JM: I wish more people realized how much work goes in behind the scenes. Many people see sparkly leos, the smiles at the end of a successful routine, and think that is all there is to our sport. It's pretty, it's entertaining and it's feminine. However, I wish more people realized all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. The days in the weight room, the days at practice, training through injuries and fatigue. While I wouldn't give any of it up for the world, it is always nice when people acknowledge how much time and effort we put into this sport.

What does it mean to you to wear the Orange and Black?
JM: Wearing orange and black means the world to me. Being able to represent Oregon State and the people that make up this community is such a privilege and I am beyond blessed to do so, and to call this family my own.

If you could pick any other sport to play, what would it be and why?
JM: I think I would run track. I like running, and I'm not very fast or a great runner now, however I think after gymnastics I might start running for fun. One time in high school I considered switching sports to track. I'm glad I didn't because I would not be where I am today without gymnastics but it has always been a sport that fascinates me.

What drives you to succeed?
JM: On our team we talk a lot about what kind of legacy we are leaving, and looking at all the amazing women that have represented this team before pushes me to work hard every day.

What makes you want to be successful outside of gymnastics? What drives your success in the classroom?
JM: Off the field and in the classroom, my family and friends are huge motivators. My family has sacrificed a lot to get me to where I am today, and I have had so many friends supporting me every step of the way. Without them I could have never done what I have so every day I strive to make them proud.

If you could have dinner with three athletes, dead or alive, who would they be?
JM: I would love to have dinner with Usain Bolt, Kobe Bryant and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

Who did you look up to growing up? What made you look up to them?
JM: A gymnast I looked up to was Gabby Douglas. She was on the 2012 team around the time I started taking gymnastics seriously, and I loved how she was named the flying squirrel and known for bars. I've always loved bars so I wanted to be just like her when I as little.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
JM: I have absolutely no clue. Ideally, I'd be married with a couple kids. Hopefully traveling the world and making memories with my family. I want to have a Bernese Mountain dog at some point in the future as well. Maybe I'll be a lawyer at that point, or some sort of sports agent or coach, or maybe I'll just be a stay-at-home mom. No matter what I do in the next 20 years, I hope 40-year-old me will still be pursuing my faith, staying fit, traveling, and prioritizing her happiness and the happiness of those around her.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? And who gave it to you?
JM: (Head Coach Tanya Chaplin) has always said to stay in the moment and while she is usually talking about gymnastics, I think it applies well to life as well. You make the best memories and have the most smiles when you are truly present with those around you. Whether that means turning your phone off for a little bit or getting out of the house to go visit a friend, staying present in the moment will help you cherish and appreciate your life so much more.

What kind of mark do you want to leave from your time in Corvallis?
JM: I want to leave an impact on the people I've been around. Everyone here has been so welcoming and friendly, and my hope is that I can not only be an inspiration to the little girls that watch us every weekend, but that I can bring joy to every person that I come across.

Name your top three things to do in Oregon when you're not playing or studying.
JM: I love spending time with my dog going to the park or on hikes. I also love going to the coast with my friends and having cooking and game nights at my house.

What are your favorite topping(s) on a hot dog?
JM: Controversial, but I only like mustard on my hot dogs.

How about ice cream. What do you have to put on it?
JM: I absolutely love ice cream! I don't usually put toppings on regular ice cream but if I get frozen yogurt I have a bunch. I put a scoop of mini marshmallows, a scoop of mochi, a scoop of waffle cone pieces, and a single gummy shark.

Your preferred pre-competition meal?
JM: I used to be superstitious and had to have pasta but now it ranges from spaghetti and meatballs to steak, eggs and toast depending on the time and menu of where we are at.

What are your top-three favorite movies?
JM: No contest and in no specific order: Lilo and Stitch, Home, and A Journal for Jordan.

What's in your pre-event playlist?
JM: I have a few different Christian artists such as KB, Lecrae, Hulvey but I also have a couple songs by Pop Smoke, Kanye, and Kendrick Lamar. It really is just anything that gets me hyped in the moment because sometimes I'll listen to classical or artist like OneRepublic and OneDirection that calm me down but still put me in a good mood.

Players Mentioned

Jennifer McMillan

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