Paige Anastasi's transfer from UCLA to Clemson during Jordan Chiles final season came with a reality check. The former Bruin took to Instagram with a powerful message for athletes in the transfer portal.

Highlighted the deep personal side of her transfer from UCLA to Clemson. Despite spending two seasons with the NCAA gymnastics powerhouse, Ainstasi revealed why she chose Clemson.

"Clemson gave me everything I could've ever asked for and more
To anyone in the portal... I know it's not easy, but stay patient and trust the process," Anastasi wrote in her Instagram story, that Gymanstcs Now shared on April 11.

"The right place is out there waiting for you, one that truly feels like home. You deserve that, so don't settle," she added.

For Jordan Chiles' former teammate, the UCLA gymnastics program did guarantee exposure. After all, sharing the locker room with an Olympic gold medalist can be intimidating for any young athlete.

With the Bruins, Paige Anastasi often found herself waiting on the bench. However, transferring to the Clemson Tigers on July 2, 2025, helped her secure a spot on the starting roster.

Rising Power of Clemson's Culture

From a transfer from powerhouse UCLA, Anastasi is the new focal point of Clemson's rapidly growing $37 million revolutionary gymnastics legacy.

The rapid growth is the result of massive investment to provide world-class facilities, such as a 10,000-square-foot Athlete Recovery Center overlooking Lake Hartwell.

The Clemson Gymnastics Operations Facility is also massive. The 21000 sq. ft. dedicated operations centre contains a practice gym, locker rooms, and coaches' offices.

Today, Clemson has turned into a super team with pioneers like Rebecca Wells, the first-ever Clemson gymnast to win the 2026 ACC Championship title on March 21, 2026.

Clemson has shown it can offer the same experiences as a high-pressure powerhouse but with a culture that feels more like a home.

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Written by

Sebi Mehta

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi