When Jennifer McMillian had her first recruitment call with head and assistant coaches Tanya and Michael Chaplin at Oregon State University, she felt something special. 

For the junior gymnast, choosing OSU was not just about finding a program where she could compete but a place where she could belong. 

“I absolutely love Michael (Chaplin) and Tanya (Chaplin),” McMillan said “They just felt like home the first time I talked to them, they were super welcoming and really friendly, and honest too, which again, you do not find a lot in recruiting because a lot of coaches kind of take the back road to get to their recruits.” 

As a prominent athlete on the OSU gymnastics team, McMillan is fulfilling her childhood dream and proving that her journey to collegiate athletics was worth every step. 

McMillan’s journey in gymnastics started early. Born in the Dominican Republic, she moved to North Carolina with her family when she was just four years old. At six years old, McMillan was introduced to gymnastics and quickly developed a love for the sport. 

By age eight, she was training seriously, with hopes of one day competing on a college team. 

“For gymnastics, you usually kind of decide if you want to go more of the Olympics route or the more collegiate route, because for a long time you could only do one or the other, but now you can do both,” McMillan said. 

Her dedication paid off, and by age eleven, she started the college recruitment process – a rarity in gymnastics, but a testament to her determination and talent. 

McMillan wanted not only to perform but to experience the unique team atmosphere that college gymnastics offers. 

“I always knew that I wanted to go to college. I wanted to compete for my school and compete for a school sport,” McMillan said.

Jennifer’s recruitment process eventually led her to OSU, where she felt an immediate connection. 

She admired the way OSU prioritized a holistic approach to athletics, taking the time to nurture student-athletes both inside and outside the gym. 

“I have noticed it amongst all the sports and all of the staff. Everybody cares a lot about you as a person, and that is not something that is found at a lot of other schools,” McMillan said.

This supportive environment was what ultimately solidified her decision to commit to OSU.

One of her most memorable moments came during her freshman year in 2022, when OSU competed against the Utah Utes in front of a sold-out crowd in Gill Coliseum.

“Being in Gill with that many people, and me just being a little freshman not really knowing what I was doing,“ McMillan explains, “And like in high school you are lucky if your parents show up. So having that many people show up to watch you and your team is crazy” 

The OSU gymnastics team has been a strong bond for McMillan. She describes the team as being a “sisterhood”, and emphasizes the unity between herself and her teammates. 

“Something that stayed super consistent is that it is a sisterhood,” McMillan said. “No matter what, everybody’s got your back, and you can trust everybody on the team.”

From shared victories to quiet moments of encouragement, Jennifer and her teammates have created a support system that has made all the little moments even more enjoyable from her past few years. 

In addition to her athletic commitments, Jennifer is a dedicated student majoring in political science with a double minor in Spanish and sports business. Balancing her academic pursuits with the demands of collegiate gymnastics requires discipline, but it is a challenge she has embraced. 

Beyond academics and gymnastics, McMillan has taken on leadership roles within OSU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Currently serving as the Vice President for OSU and representing the Pac-12 D1 SAAC, McMillan is passionate about using her position to advocate for student-athletes.

“I am extremely thankful for both opportunities, and they have been so life changing, just being able to be in those spaces and be in those conversations and learn as much as I have. 

Learning how the PAC-12 operates and what their government structure is – as well as just all the legislation that is going through, especially with the house and with a bunch of different issues that are affecting student athletes right now,” McMillan said. 

McMillan’s success would not have been possible without her family’s support. While her mother and brother live in the Dominican Republic, they cheer her on from afar. Her aunt, Carol McMillan, has been a particularly influential figure in her life, providing both a business perspective and a valuable “reality check” when needed. 

“She has been extremely helpful, just with keeping me grounded, and being my reality check for some days,” McMillan said in regard to her aunt. 

This close-knit family dynamic has been a constant source of strength and encouragement.

“She’s an IT director, so she is pretty prominent in the business world, so having her input on stuff concerning team projects or emails, and her being involved in the business world, is helpful” 

Reflecting on her own journey, McMillan has advice for younger athletes aspiring to reach the collegiate level: “develop a good work ethic and learn to love hard work,” McMillan says, “I think a lot of the times, especially when you are talented, it is easy to rely on talent.” 

For her fellow collegiate athletes, she encourages them to savor every moment and make the most of their opportunities.

“I am only a junior, but I feel like it’s flying by,” McMillan emphasizes, “You have so many opportunities as a student athlete, learning how to take advantage of those and to manage your time is probably the best thing you can do to set yourself up for the future.”

As McMillan continues her athletic and academic journey at OSU, she remains focused on her goals. She plans to use her remaining years to develop her skills, continue leading within SAAC, and set the stage for her future after college. Gymnastics has been a lifelong passion, but it has also been a stepping stone to leadership and a vision for what is possible beyond the mat. 

McMillan and the Beaver gymnastics team begin their season in a little under a month on December 13, 2024 in the Orange and Black meet at Gill Coliseum.