Jade Carey's Academic Journey: Balancing Olympic Gold with Collegiate Studies

Jade Carey, an Olympic and world gold medalist, has successfully navigated the demanding worlds of elite and collegiate gymnastics while pursuing her academic goals at Oregon State University (OSU). This article delves into Carey's college major choice, her experiences as a student-athlete, and how she balances her rigorous training schedule with her studies.

Choosing a Major: Digital Communication Arts and Beyond

Carey initially chose to major in digital communication arts (DCA) during her sophomore year's winter term. Her interest in how people connect through media, fueled by her own experiences as an elite gymnast with a significant social media presence, drove this decision.

The Allure of Digital Communication Arts

Carey found the DCA program appealing due to its hands-on approach. She particularly enjoyed classes where she could work on real projects such as designing content and video editing. One of her favorite classes was Motion Design Foundations (NMC 385), taught by instructor Carmen Tiffany. This class allowed her to transform her gymnastics content into unique and engaging projects.

Support from the School of Communication

Carey praised the School of Communication for being incredibly understanding, supportive, and flexible with her athletic commitments. Her professors and advisors worked with her to ensure she stayed on track academically, whether she was traveling for collegiate competitions or training intensely for the Olympics.

Skills Beyond the Sport

The DCA program provided Carey with valuable skills that extend beyond gymnastics, such as connecting with audiences, telling stories, and utilizing digital platforms creatively. As a student-athlete, she considered choosing DCA as one of the best decisions she made, enabling her to grow outside of gymnastics and express herself in new and creative ways.

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Transition to Business Administration

While initially drawn to digital communication arts, Carey later transitioned to a major in business administration. She expressed uncertainty about her specific career path but indicated a desire to remain involved with gymnastics or sports in some capacity.

The Balancing Act: Elite Gymnastics and NCAA Competition

Carey's ability to manage her dual-track career in elite and college gymnastics has been remarkable. She acknowledges the challenges but credits open communication with her coaches for her success.

Communication is Key

Carey emphasizes the importance of communication with her coaches. She has a supportive team that understands her needs and helps her stay focused on one season at a time. While still training elite skills and combinations, she doesn't do it every day, allowing her body to recover.

Restraining from Overexertion

As a gymnast known for her all-out approach, Carey has learned to restrain herself from adding more content to her college routines. She understands that doing fewer passes in college will benefit her body in the long run and prepare her for elite competitions.

Transitioning Back to Elite

After the NCAA season, Carey takes a short break to rest before resuming elite training. She primarily stays in Oregon but returns to Arizona for a few weeks during the summer. Her father, Brian Carey, frequently visits Oregon to assist with her training, and they maintain constant communication through videos and discussions.

Academic Life at Oregon State University

Carey's commitment to her education is evident in her decision to attend Oregon State University and pursue a degree while maintaining her elite gymnastics career.

Choosing Oregon State

Carey verbally committed to Oregon State during a visit to Corvallis with her father in 2015. She felt it was the perfect fit and was impressed by the university's philosophy of helping athletes achieve their goals academically, athletically, and professionally.

The Holistic Approach

Oregon State's coaches focus on the holistic development of their athletes, emphasizing their growth as individuals rather than solely as athletes. This approach resonated with Carey, who sought a program that would support her in all aspects of her life.

Online Courses

During her winter term, Carey took courses online to accommodate her gym schedule. This flexibility allowed her to balance her academic pursuits with her rigorous training regimen.

The Impact of NIL Rules

The NCAA's implementation of NIL (name, image, and likeness) rules has significantly impacted Carey's ability to pursue both her athletic and business aspirations.

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Living in Both Worlds

The NIL rules allow Carey and other Olympians competing in college programs to profit from endorsements and business arrangements, enabling them to thrive in both the athletic and commercial realms.

Endorsement Deals

Carey's endorsement deals have been estimated to be substantial, making her one of the highest-earning athletes at Oregon State. While she has declined to disclose specific details, she is affiliated with AthleteSpeakers.com, which offers her services for speaking engagements and appearances.

A Role Model and Team Player

Carey's presence at Oregon State has had a positive impact on her teammates and the university as a whole.

Inspiration and Awe

Carey's teammates are inspired by her work ethic, talent, and accomplishments. They often marvel at her Olympic-quality performances during training and competitions.

Humility and Teamwork

Despite her success, Carey remains humble and focused on helping her team. She is a team player who encourages and supports her teammates, contributing to a positive and uplifting environment.

Adjusting to College Gymnastics

Carey has seamlessly transitioned to college gymnastics, adapting to the different scoring system and focusing on execution and precision. She appreciates the support of her coaches, who prioritize her well-being and development as both an athlete and a person.

Future Aspirations

Carey intends to earn a degree at Oregon State and hopes to compete for the Beavers for four seasons. She also has ambitions to win a medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Focusing on the Present

While Carey has long-term goals, she remains focused on the present, taking one meet at a time and striving to improve her performance.

Enjoying the College Experience

Carey is enjoying her first taste of college life, appreciating the camaraderie of her team and the support of the fans at Oregon State.

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