Reputations are imperative.

And the Bruins have one to uphold.

UCLA gymnastics finished the 2025 campaign as the top ranked floor team in the nation. The team is known for its “floor parties” marked by unique routines, cohesive choreography and innovative music.

One Bruin already fits that tradition – freshman Nola Matthews.

The gymnast performed a floor routine to the music of Lady Gaga and “The Last of Us” theme at her collegiate debut Saturday, earning a 9.700 mark.

And this is not Matthews’ first time experimenting with horror in her choreography either.

Her elite floor routine this season explores similar themes, incorporating haunting sound effects and movements.

“I love doing the really dramatic flaring stuff,” Matthews said. “I have flexible shoulders. All that kind of creepy stuff, that felt really natural.”

Matthews brought her creative visions to life with the help of associate head coach BJ Das.

[Related: Coach BJ Das brings creativity, community to UCLA shaping lives beyond the mat ]

The pair collaborated to combine both the first-year student’s interests with Das’ experience to carry the intense beat of her routine. Matthews added that she initially suggested using “The Last of Us,” with Das adding Lady Gaga to the mix.

“Nola is such a fun athlete,” said coach Janelle McDonald. “She’s got so much artistic quality to her gymnastics. I’m excited to watch her really own what she’s doing out on the competition floor and really blossom in her role on the team.”

The Gilroy, California, local also said she garnered inspiration from two-time First Team All-American and former Bruin Gracie Kramer, who also performed horror-themed routines.

Matthews found success at the elite level prior to joining UCLA, having been recognized as a five-time U.S. National Team Member and three-time USA Gymnastics’ Sportsperson of the Year awardee.

Despite her elite experience, the 2025 Winter Cup floor champion said she has long wished to join the Bruins – regardless of what role she would play.

“I came in with the goal of contributing as much as I can to the team and helping the team as much as I can,” Matthews said. “I always wanted to compete for UCLA in whatever lineups I could. It’s been really cool getting to actually be contributing to the team. It’s scary, but it’s really exciting.”

Even with years of elite experience, Matthews is not immune to performance anxiety.

The first-year student said she struggled at times to stay focused and felt the change in process and training from her elite competition to the collegiate level.

“I was so nervous and so excited about it being my first meet. I was all over the place. I was watching everybody. I wasn’t that locked in.” Matthews said. “[In] Elite, you’re trying to get through and make their teams, and now with college you’re so precise, so intentional in every turn and trying to make everything perfect.”

Despite the unique commitment required on the college floor, Matthews said she felt the support and encouragement she needed to succeed.

Sophomore Mika Webster-Longin expressed the shared team pride after the Bruins first meet and starting the season’s journey ahead.

“We’re doing a good job pacing ourselves, and [we can] go and show our hard work once again,” Webster-Longin said. “[We will] get another experience under our belt and gain some more confidence.”