BREAKING NEWS: LSU Gymnastics Has Firmly Established Itself as One of the Premier Programs in Collegiate Gymnastics

Baton Rouge, La. — April 25, 2025 — Once a program full of potential, LSU Gymnastics has finally reached the pinnacle of the collegiate gymnastics world. With years of growth, relentless recruiting, iconic coaching, and a fanbase that rivals SEC football crowds, the Tigers have officially shed the “almost there” label. LSU Gymnastics is now a certified national powerhouse.

With their latest appearance in the NCAA Championships, a spot in the semifinals, and the momentum of program-defining stars like Haleigh Bryant and Livvy Dunne, LSU isn’t just relevant—they’re elite. After decades of building and knocking at the door, LSU has not only walked through—it’s kicked it down.

The rise of LSU Gymnastics has been a story of persistence, passion, and steady evolution. The program’s early years were far from national headlines, often overlooked in the broader landscape of college sports. But everything changed when longtime head coach D-D Breaux took over and began laying the groundwork for what would become a perennial top-tier program.

Breaux, who led LSU for more than four decades before retiring in 2020, was instrumental in transforming LSU into a destination for elite talent. She built the culture, instilled pride, and developed the foundation of excellence. Her teams became consistent SEC contenders, appearing in 31 NCAA Championships and producing countless All-Americans.

Yet the national title remained elusive during her tenure. Still, her impact was indelible. When she passed the baton to Jay Clark, the stage was set for the next era—one that would ultimately push LSU over the top.

Jay Clark took over the reins as head coach in 2020, with a mission: take LSU from national contender to champion. A former Georgia assistant coach and highly respected recruiter, Clark brought a tactical edge to LSU’s program.

Under Clark, the Tigers saw immediate recruiting wins. He didn’t just recruit gymnasts—he recruited brands. Gymnasts like Olivia “Livvy” Dunne, whose NIL presence has redefined the economics of college gymnastics, and Haleigh Bryant, a world-class all-arounder with Olympic-caliber skills, became the faces of a modern, media-savvy, dominant LSU squad.

Clark also injected a new energy into training, conditioning, and performance. His emphasis on consistency in high-pressure situations led to program-best performances on the national stage. He wasn’t satisfied with scoring big in January. He wanted peak scores in April—and that’s exactly what LSU began delivering.

Much of LSU’s ascension can be traced to the visibility and dominance of Livvy Dunne and Haleigh Bryant. Dunne, who has become one of the most-followed athletes in the NCAA with millions of fans across TikTok and Instagram, brought unprecedented attention to gymnastics—not just LSU’s, but the sport as a whole.

She embraced the moment, using her platform to spotlight the sport’s beauty and difficulty, inspiring a generation of young gymnasts. But she wasn’t just a social media star—she delivered in competition. From her elegant bars routines to consistent contributions in team scores, Dunne proved she was more than her fame.

Then there’s Haleigh Bryant—the heartbeat of LSU’s dominance. The 2021 NCAA Vault Champion, Bryant has been a scoring machine and an anchor for the team’s rotation. Her consistency, athleticism, and poise under pressure make her one of the most complete gymnasts in the nation. When the Tigers needed a clutch routine in the SEC or NCAA meets, Bryant delivered time and again.

LSU Gymnastics is no longer confined to the “niche sport” category. With average home attendance pushing 12,000 fans per meet at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, the Tigers boast one of the most passionate fanbases in the sport.

In 2024, LSU set an attendance record for a home meet against Alabama, drawing over 13,000 fans in a high-energy showdown that felt more like an LSU-Florida football game. Students camped out overnight. National media outlets took notice.

And it wasn’t just the in-person fans. With ESPN, SEC Network, and even ABC televising more meets than ever, LSU has become a ratings magnet. The Tigers’ mix of athletic excellence, star power, and crowd energy has turned every meet into must-watch TV.

Competing in the Southeastern Conference—arguably the toughest gymnastics conference in the nation—has sharpened LSU’s edge. With perennial powers like Florida, Alabama, and Auburn always in the mix, the Tigers have had to maintain elite status just to keep up.

And keep up they have.

LSU claimed the SEC Championship in 2023 and finished second in 2024 after a dramatic showdown with Florida. Their team score of 198.250 in the SEC finals marked one of the highest in program history, reinforcing that they weren’t just contenders—they were pushing the sport forward.

The competition bred excellence, and LSU responded with fearless routines, next-level difficulty, and flawless execution.

The moment every Tiger fan had been waiting for finally came in 2025. LSU reached the NCAA semifinals again, but this time, they didn’t just qualify—they looked like the best team in the country. With all eyes on Oklahoma, Florida, and Utah, LSU stunned the nation with an all-around performance in the semifinals that included multiple perfect 10s and a school-record team score.

It was validation.

Validation for years of hard work, for Breaux’s decades-long vision, for Clark’s leadership, and for every gymnast who wore purple and gold in the pursuit of greatness.

While the championship meet still looms, LSU has already made a statement: the Tigers are here, and they’re not going anywhere.

Another reason LSU is thriving? They’ve embraced the NIL era better than almost any program in the country. Led by Dunne’s multi-million-dollar endorsement portfolio, LSU athletes have become pioneers in monetizing their brand while maintaining elite competitive standards.

The LSU athletic department has leaned into this new reality, offering robust support systems for athletes navigating sponsorships, brand partnerships, and media opportunities. This forward-thinking approach has made Baton Rouge an even more attractive destination for top talent.

The Tigers are no longer recruiting just the best athletes—they’re recruiting the most marketable ones, creating a perfect storm of athletic dominance and cultural influence.

With stars like Aleah Finnegan, Kiya Johnson, and a pipeline of elite incoming freshmen, LSU is well-positioned to sustain success for the next decade. Their 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 2 nationally, and their 2026 class could be even stronger.

The Tigers have also invested in facilities, coaching staff depth, and sports science. Their training facility, one of the best in the country, rivals that of many Olympic programs. LSU isn’t just building a winning team—they’re building a dynasty.

Their strength and conditioning program, choreographers, nutrition staff, and medical team work in concert to maximize performance and reduce injuries—factors that have kept their athletes healthy and peaking at the right times.

Respected analysts like Bart Conner and Kathy Johnson Clarke have praised LSU’s technical excellence, choreography, and ability to thrive under pressure. Former Olympic greats have taken notice as well, with names like Simone Biles and Nastia Liukin giving shoutouts to LSU gymnasts and their performances.

It’s not hyperbole anymore to say that LSU is on par with the very best in the nation. For years, Utah, Oklahoma, and Florida dominated the conversation. Now, LSU is not just in that conversation—they’re leading it.

LSU Gymnastics’ success has also brought pride and unity to Baton Rouge. It’s no longer just a football town. The community shows out in force for gymnastics meets, wearing purple and gold, bringing signs, and celebrating each stuck landing as if it were a game-winning touchdown.

Restaurants, bars, and businesses across town now buzz on meet nights. “Gymnastics Fridays” are a real thing in Baton Rouge. The local economy benefits, and young girls across the region have new role models in their own backyard.

For the state of Louisiana, LSU’s rise represents something bigger than sport—it represents possibility.

The standard has changed.

No longer is a solid finish or top-four appearance considered a success for LSU. The expectation is national championships. The expectation is perfect 10s. The expectation is prime-time television.

LSU has moved into a different tier—one that only a few programs can claim to occupy.

With the 2025 NCAA Championship Final just days away, the Tigers are locked in and laser-focused. Their mindset isn’t just to appear—it’s to win. This team is peaking, hungry, and driven by years of close calls and hard-earned experience.

And whether they hoist the national championship trophy this year or not, one thing is undeniable:

LSU Gymnastics is no longer the underdog. It’s the gold standard.

In an era where collegiate gymnastics is exploding in popularity, LSU has become the face of the sport. Thanks to visionary leadership, transcendent athletes, and a passionate fanbase, the Tigers have done what once seemed impossible.

They’ve turned potential into power.

And now, the rest of the gymnastics world is playing catch-up.