NCAA Champion Jordan Gamboa Returns Home to Join Nebraska Gymnastics Coaching Staff
The University of Nebraska has made a high-profile addition to its women’s gymnastics program, bringing a decorated champion back to her roots. Head Coach Nicole Jones announced on Thursday, May 7, that Jordan (Bowers) Gamboa will join the coaching staff as an assistant coach for the 2026-27 season.
Gamboa arrives in Lincoln not just as a hometown native, but as one of the most accomplished gymnasts in recent collegiate history. Her transition from athlete to coach follows a stellar career at Oklahoma and a recent stint as a student coach, positioning her as a vital asset for the Huskers’ growth.
A Pedigree of Excellence: The Oklahoma Legacy
Before stepping into her role at Nebraska, Gamboa competed as Jordan Bowers at the University of Oklahoma, where she established herself as a dominant force in the sport. Her collegiate career was defined by consistency and elite performance, helping the Sooners secure three NCAA team titles.
Her individual accolades are extensive, highlighting her versatility across different events:
- NCAA All-Around Champion: Capped her competitive career as the 2025 NCAA All-Around Champion.
- National Honors: Recipient of the 2025 Honda Sports Award for women’s gymnastics and a finalist for the prestigious AAI Award.
- Conference Dominance: Named the 2025 SEC Gymnast of the Year and a two-time Big 12 All-Around champion (2023 and 2024).
- Consistency at the Top: A 28-time All-American, eight-time NCAA Regional champion, and seven-time Big 12 Conference individual champion.
Beyond the all-around title, Gamboa excelled in specific events, earning three NCAA runner-up finishes on the floor exercise and two bronze medals on the uneven bars. She also secured a Big 12 floor exercise title during her sophomore year in 2023.
From Student-Athlete to Coach
Gamboa’s path to the Nebraska staff included a strategic transition period. After completing her career at Oklahoma, she spent the 2025-26 season serving as a student coach for the Sooners, gaining foundational experience in collegiate leadership and training.
Her personal life also mirrors her professional trajectory. In June 2025, she married Raydel Gamboa, a former Oklahoma All-America men’s gymnast and the 2022 NCAA All-Around bronze medalist.
Strategic Impact on the Nebraska Program
For Head Coach Nicole Jones, hiring Gamboa is about more than just adding a resume of championships; it’s about culture and connection. Born and raised in Lincoln and a graduate of Southwest High School, Gamboa represents a powerful homecoming story.
“Jordan is a go-getter who elevates everyone around her,” Coach Jones stated. “Her athletic accolades speak for themselves, but what truly sets her apart is the standard she’s lived and the mindset she brings every single day. She understands what it takes to win, and more importantly, how to sustain it.”
Jones believes Gamboa will serve as a critical “bridge” for current student-athletes, providing a relatable model of success. Her status as a local legend and an NCAA champion makes her a formidable tool for recruiting elite talent to Lincoln.
Key Takeaways: Jordan Gamboa’s Arrival
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Assistant Coach, Nebraska Women’s Gymnastics |
| Start Date | 2026-27 Season |
| Major Honors | 2025 NCAA All-Around Champion, 28-time All-American |
| Local Ties | Lincoln native; Southwest High School alumna |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Jordan Gamboa join the Nebraska staff?
The announcement was made on May 7, 2026, with her first full-time season beginning in 2026-27.
What is Jordan Gamboa’s coaching background?
Prior to joining Nebraska, she served as a student coach at the University of Oklahoma for the 2025-26 season.
Who is Raydel Gamboa?
Raydel Gamboa is Jordan’s husband and a former Oklahoma All-America men’s gymnast who won the NCAA All-Around bronze medal in 2022.
As Nebraska continues to build its gymnastics program under Nicole Jones, the addition of a champion with Gamboa’s mindset and local connections signals a clear ambition: to elevate the Huskers to the highest echelon of collegiate gymnastics.