Simone Biles stands as a titan in the world of gymnastics, boasting an astounding 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals. Her journey to becoming the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast is a tale of dedication and strategic decisions, including those concerning her higher education. Many fans wonder, Where Did Simone Biles Go To College amidst her demanding athletic career? The answer is not as straightforward as a typical college enrollment story.
Initially, the celebrated gymnast had her sights set on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), a dream for many aspiring athletes. However, her path took a turn as she prioritized professional gymnastics. Ultimately, Biles pursued her academic aspirations through online education, enrolling at the University of the People. Let’s delve into the details of Simone Biles’ college journey and understand the choices she made.
From UCLA Commitment to Professional Gymnastics
Simone Biles’ connection with gymnastics began at a young age, setting the stage for her extraordinary career. By 2014, at just 17, she had already achieved significant recognition and committed to attend UCLA. This decision was a significant milestone, symbolized by her signing a national letter of intent to join the UCLA Bruins gymnastics team. The plan was to defer her enrollment until after the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. This strategy would allow her to compete in the Olympics and then transition into collegiate gymnastics.
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However, the trajectory shifted in 2015. Recognizing the immense potential of her professional gymnastics career, Simone Biles made a pivotal decision: she would forgo attending UCLA and turn professional. This meant forfeiting her NCAA eligibility but opening doors to greater opportunities in the professional gymnastics arena. Her rigorous training schedule and aspirations to reach the pinnacle of her sport led her to this difficult but ultimately rewarding choice.
Simone Biles, renowned Olympic gymnast, smiles. Discover where this decorated athlete pursued her college education.
In a statement to NBC Sports in 2015, Biles articulated her reasoning: “While I am grateful for the opportunity to compete collegiately, I feel that the chance to make my dream come true is right in front of me.” She emphasized the need for dedicated support and guidance to manage both training and external demands, crucial for achieving her Olympic aspirations. This decision proved incredibly successful as she went on to win five medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, solidifying her status as a global gymnastics icon.
Embracing Online Education with University of the People
After her triumphant performance in Rio, Simone Biles took a break from competitive gymnastics and explored other interests, including writing her autobiography. However, her pursuit of higher education remained a priority. In February 2018, Biles announced her enrollment at the University of the People (UoPeople).
The University of the People offered a unique solution for Biles. As a tuition-free, online, accredited university, UoPeople provided the flexibility she needed to balance her studies with her demanding career and training schedule. She chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration, a field that could complement her entrepreneurial endeavors and broader interests beyond gymnastics.
In a press release from UoPeople in 2018, Biles explained her choice: “I had planned to attend UCLA but had to defer because of my training schedule. I still want to pursue a college degree, and the University of the People offers me the flexibility I need to fit in my studies around my career.” Her decision highlighted the growing accessibility and recognition of online education, particularly for individuals with unconventional schedules and global ambitions.
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Beyond her personal academic goals, Simone Biles also became a global ambassador for UoPeople. Recognizing her influence and commitment to education, the university established the Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund. This scholarship aims to support UoPeople students, particularly those from foster care backgrounds, in covering assessment fees, making education more accessible to underserved communities. Biles’ personal experience in foster care fueled her passion for this initiative, as she stated, “Being a foster child myself, and knowing what it means to have the odds stacked against you, I decided to give a hand in opening this scholarship fund for foster kids and others.”
University of the People Alumna?
While it remains unclear whether Simone Biles officially graduated from the University of the People, the institution proudly refers to her as an alum. Regardless of her graduation status, her enrollment at UoPeople underscores her commitment to higher education despite her extraordinary athletic career.
In conclusion, where did Simone Biles go to college? While she initially planned to attend UCLA, Simone Biles ultimately chose the University of the People to pursue her bachelor’s degree online. This decision reflects her strategic approach to balancing elite athletics with academic aspirations, making her journey an inspiring example for aspiring athletes and anyone seeking flexible education pathways. Her story highlights that higher education can take many forms, and even for the world’s most celebrated athletes, lifelong learning remains a valuable pursuit.
