We always knew she was good. We just didn’t know she was this good! Simone Biles’ all-rounder capabilities have always shone bright. On the mats, she nails it all: the vault, the beam, the floor, and the bars (even if she claims it is her weakest) Even in life, she’s a loving wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend to her gym girls, and an inspiration to billions. But now, she’s also ‘Dr. Biles’, a tag she always wanted for herself. So how did it all unfold?
On May 12, Simone Biles received the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Washington University. Donning the formal green robe and a hat in typical ‘passing out’ fashion, she showed up at the 2025 graduation ceremony, where she also delivered the keynote address. After all, who could have done it better than the 11x Olympic medalist? However, her speech not only emphasized key aspects like finding purpose in one’s work, self-worth, and resilience but also lay bare some deeply personal insights she had never shared before.
In her keynote speech, Simone Biles told the graduates about her unfulfilled career wish. Yes, apparently, she’s envisioned a completely different college path for herself as she confessed, “I always dreamed of going to college, not just to be part of a collegiate gymnastics team, but to study medicine, to become a children’s nurse or a pediatrician, and to enjoy all the fun of a college campus.” Yes, who knew she truly wanted to be “Doctor Biles.”
But yes this was a lesser-known fact. In 2021, Simone Biles gave a keynote address during a virtual meeting at the American Academy of Pediatrics. She had shared that before becoming a gymnast, she wanted to tread in her mother’s footsteps and become a pediatric nurse. Biles had said, “After making five World and two Olympic teams, the nursing career didn’t work out for me.” But did that make her love die down? No! “But…I’ve always wanted to help kids and I love kids…and I come from a family of [nurses].” It’s only today that she has laid it out in the open in front of 17K people! But that’s not all she said. She made optimum use of her innate talent and the opportunities she received and became the GOAT of Gymnastics. If you have ever harbored an interest to become a sight like her in the gym, fret not. The Olympic star had some invaluable insights to share from her illustrious gymnastics career. Here are the wise words she voiced out.
We all know Simone Biles as the gravity-defying queen of gymnastics, the GOAT with a dazzling collection of Olympic medals. But behind her explosive routines and global fame lies a dream she never got to live—the NCAA college experience. While millions cheered her flips, twists, and landings, Simone silently shelved a dream many young athletes hold dear: competing for a college team.
And now, she’s opening up about it—not just as a reflection, but as a message. One that could change how America views youth sports and its future.
The Road Less Traveled: Simone’s Choice to Turn Pro
A Leap Into the Elite World
At just 16, Simone made a bold decision—she went pro. That meant no NCAA college competitions, no team bonding over campus coffee, no pep rallies. But it also meant no NCAA rules restricting her from signing endorsements or taking sponsorship deals.
Trading Campus Dreams for Olympic Glory
While many athletes dream of balancing studies and sports, Simone opted for laser focus. That choice skyrocketed her into the global spotlight. Olympic medals. Endorsement deals. World records. Still, the decision came with emotional weight.
The NCAA Dream That Never Came True
What Simone Missed Beyond the Mat
Biles has recently admitted that she feels a twinge of regret—not for her career—but for the college experience she never had. Not being part of a college team, not wearing school colors, not competing in electric NCAA meets… it stings a little.
The Team Spirit She Always Wanted
The NCAA environment is rich in camaraderie. Athletes share dorms, study halls, struggles, and victories. Simone, though surrounded by coaches and fans, often trained alone, bearing the full weight of her career decisions. No locker room banter. No team dinners.
The Hidden Message for America’s Gymnasts
A Wake-Up Call for Aspiring Athletes
Simone’s story isn’t just about what she missed—it’s a signal. For America’s youth, her message is clear: your path is yours. Not everyone needs to follow the traditional route. Some will thrive in NCAA programs; others, like Biles, may find their calling elsewhere.
The Power of Choice in Athletic Careers
Simone emphasizes one powerful lesson—you don’t have to follow the crowd to be successful. Whether you’re dreaming of a college gym or Olympic stage, the path you carve is valid.
The Secret Sauce to Simone’s Success
More Than Just Talent
Sure, Simone’s got talent for days. But what truly sets her apart? Discipline. Mental resilience. And an unwavering belief in herself. She didn’t let the absence of an NCAA title define her worth.
Mental Health: Her Bold Stand
In Tokyo 2020, Simone shocked the world when she stepped back from competition to prioritize her mental health. It was a move unheard of in the high-stakes sports world. And yet—it was revolutionary.
Normalizing Rest and Self-Care
Simone is teaching a new generation that being the best doesn’t mean being unbreakable. She’s making mental wellness just as important as physical training. That mindset? It’s America’s secret weapon for the future.
How Simone’s Legacy Is Changing Youth Sports
Inspiring the Next Wave of Gymnasts
Simone’s honesty about her missed NCAA dreams and mental health struggles is empowering young gymnasts. She’s human. She has regrets. And still—she’s unstoppable. That transparency is creating a safer, stronger environment for future athletes.
The Rise of Alternative Athletic Paths
With Biles leading the way, we’re seeing more flexibility in youth sports. Elite athletes can now choose paths that work best for them—whether it’s college, going pro early, or mixing both.
NCAA vs. Pro—What Young Athletes Should Consider
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Going NCAA offers structure, education, and a team-first experience. Going pro early offers freedom, financial opportunity, and elite exposure. Simone’s path wasn’t easy, but it worked for her.
Listening to Your Inner Voice
Simone’s advice? Don’t follow trends—follow your gut. Know what you want, and don’t be afraid to chase it, even if it’s unconventional.
What Parents and Coaches Can Learn From Simone
Letting Athletes Lead Their Journey
Coaches and parents often map out their kids’ futures. But Simone’s story reminds us that athletes should have the final say in their journey. Empower them to explore and make informed choices.
Redefining Success Beyond Medals
Not every successful athlete ends up with Olympic gold. Sometimes, success is found in friendships, in passion, or in personal growth. Simone’s story reminds us to see the bigger picture.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters for America’s Future
Building Resilient, Confident Youth
Biles’ legacy isn’t just about medals—it’s about mindset. Her story is helping foster a new generation of youth who prioritize balance, authenticity, and self-worth.
Reimagining the Role of Sports in Society
Her journey urges us to ask—what do we really want from sports? Is it just performance? Or is it also about building better humans?
Conclusion: A Dream Deferred, A Legacy Defined
Simone Biles may never have flipped across a college gym floor with school colors on her leotard, but she’s flipping the script on what it means to be successful. Her unfulfilled NCAA dream didn’t stop her from becoming a symbol of strength, honesty, and hope.
In choosing a different path, she didn’t just redefine her own life—she redefined what’s possible for generations to come.
