LSU women's gymnastics is intertwined with impressive individual performances, team chemistry, and the drive for national glory this year. From standout freshmen making an immediate impact with precision to seasoned fifth-years leading with experience, the Tigers are crafting a legacy.
With every routine, the stakes rise—whether it's mastering intricate skills, navigating intense rivalries, or vying for SEC dominance. Let's dive into the compelling narratives shaping this season as the Tigers aim to soar to new heights.
Meet 1: LSU vs. Iowa State (January 3, 2025)
Final Score: LSU 197.300-Iowa State 194.100
Freshman contributions filled the void left by 5-time NCAA medalist Haleigh Bryant's absence due to an elbow injury from her vault routine during LSU's Gymnastics 101 show. Kailin Chio's performance, in particular, was a promising glimpse of her potential as an all-around star.
Notable Performers:
- Aleah Finnegan: A consistent force, she scored above 9.9 across all events. Her floor routine stood out with a 9.975, underscoring her reputation as one of the nation’s premier flood performers.
- Kailin Chio: The freshman made an explosive debut, earning 9.900 or higher in three events, including a team-best 9.950 on vault.
- Sierra Ballard: Opened beam with a strong 9.85, setting the tone for LSU’s consistency.
Meet 2: Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad (January 11, 2025)
Final Score: Oklahoma: 197.950, LSU: 197.650, Utah: 196. 800, California: 196.300
This meet featured intense competition, with LSU finishing second behind No. 1 Oklahoma, in a road opener.
- Vault: LSU posted the highest vault score of the session 49.450.
- Kailin Chio: Delivered a near perfect 9.950 courtesy of her 1½ Yurchenko, earning her first vault title of the season.
- Chase Brock: Scored a strong 9.925, showing consistency in her routine.
- Lexi Zeiss: Started the routine strong with 9.850
- Bars:
- Ashley Cowan: Matched her career-high with a 9.950, earning recognition as SEC Co-Specialist of the Week.
- Konnor McClain: All-around gymnast known for her national and International level experience added 9.925.
- Kailin Chio: Continued her stellar form with a 9.900.
- Floor:
- Aleah Finnegan: Dominated with a 9.975, claiming her second floor title of the season.
- Amari Drayton: Posted a career-high 9.950, establishing herself as a floor specialist.
- Balance Beam:
- Aleah Finnegan: Took second place in the crowded scoreboard with 9.925.
While minor errors, as noted by Aly Raisman during commentary, could've prevented LSU from toppling Oklahoma, the team's ability to challenge the Sooners so early in the season is a promising sign.
It’s unreal how these judges have robbed several 10.0s already today. Not just from LSU but my goodness when @Aly_Raisman is saying she deserved a 10.0 you know it’s true! https://t.co/BUwswc2ky3
— Anna Catherine English (@annacathel) January 11, 2025
Social media also saw a series of tweets calling out NCAA over underscoring various performances.
The scoring today in #OKC today was laughable. I get home “field” advantage but this was absurd — someone explain @LSUgym’s Kailin only getting 9.9 on bars and only 9.75 for Haleigh on beam. I’ll wait. Clean it up, @NCAA.
— James Knobloch (@JamesSaysHey) January 11, 2025
Around the same time, Olympian Kim Zmeskal trained Annie Beard's quiet exit from 2025 roster garnered much attention. While there has been no official statement made to end the various speculations surrounding her retirement, many incidents of her injurious raise questions over her gymnastics career.
Interesting tidbit from the meet notes for LSU versus Iowa State tomorrow:
— Sav :) (@savannaaaxo) January 3, 2025
Annie Beard is not listed on the roster.
After a fall on beam at gym 101, she walked off the floor and later shared this cryptic post. pic.twitter.com/6A5gYeD8Hy
Meet 3: LSU vs. Florida (January 17, 2025)
Final Score: LSU 197.550- Florida 197.450
In a nail-biting faceoff, No. 2 LSU dominated No. 7 Florida, bolstered by the return of Haleigh Bryant.
- Haleigh Bryant: Anchored the beam with a team-best 9.950 and delivered a clutch floor routine scoring 9.900.
- Aleah Finnegan: Excelled again on floor, earning a meet-high 9.950. Her leadership continues to inspire the team.
- Kalin Chio: Showcased her all-around prowess with a 9.925 on vault and another stellar floor performance.
With Finnegan and Chio leading the charge and Bryant's return providing the stability to the Tigers roster, LSU looks prepared for tougher competition ahead.