LSU Gymnastics Ranked No. 1 After SEC Championship Win

The LSU Tigers’ gymnastics team has long been a powerhouse in collegiate gymnastics, and the 2025 season has proven to be no exception. With a stunning performance at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship, the LSU gymnastics squad has claimed its spot as the No. 1 team in the nation, further solidifying its place as one of the most elite programs in college athletics. This victory marks another chapter in LSU’s storied gymnastics history, a program that has experienced consistent success under head coach Jay Clark, and is now, more than ever, positioned to dominate the NCAA Championships and secure its place in history.

This article explores LSU gymnastics’ road to victory at the SEC Championship, the contributions of key athletes, and the impact of this achievement on the team’s legacy. As the Tigers look ahead to the national stage, the questions surrounding their dominance, their future aspirations, and their leadership both on and off the mat will be key to their continued success.

A Historic SEC Championship Performance

LSU’s victory at the SEC Championship was not just a win—it was a statement. The team delivered one of its most impressive performances to date, scoring a near-perfect 198.0, securing their place at the top of the conference and marking the third SEC Championship title in the last five years. For LSU, a program with a rich tradition of gymnastics excellence, it was yet another reminder of why they are among the best in the country.

Head coach Jay Clark was visibly elated after the win, praising his team’s resilience and composure. “This is a special group of athletes,” Clark said in his post-meet comments. “They’ve worked so hard all season, and to see them execute on the biggest stage is truly gratifying. This SEC Championship is a reflection of the dedication, discipline, and talent these women bring to the gym every single day.”

The SEC Championship was a culmination of months of preparation and hard work, and LSU’s dominance was on full display from the first rotation. The Tigers opened with a strong performance on the vault, where they set the tone for the meet with a nearly flawless rotation. Junior star Kiya Johnson, who had been a standout throughout the season, led the charge with a 9.975, followed by sophomore Haleigh Bryant, whose vault secured a perfect 10.0. The Tigers’ vault lineup was considered one of the strongest in the nation, and their performance in the SEC Championship reinforced their reputation.

Next up, LSU tackled the uneven bars with precision and skill. The team, led by senior Sarah Edwards and freshman Maya McHugh, delivered a clean and dynamic routine. McHugh, in particular, has been a revelation for the Tigers this season, demonstrating the poise and technical ability that is expected of an elite gymnast. Her flawless routine, coupled with Edwards’ leadership, pushed LSU further ahead in the rankings, putting them in a commanding position.

As the meet progressed, LSU’s balance beam performance stood out as one of the most impressive of the competition. Known for its technical difficulty and the high level of concentration required, balance beam is often where the most talented teams separate themselves from the pack. LSU’s beam routine was nothing short of spectacular, with standout performances from senior Ruby Harrold and junior Elena Arenas. Both gymnasts nailed their routines, demonstrating not only their athleticism but also their mental toughness in one of the most challenging events in gymnastics.

To cap off the championship, LSU closed out on the floor exercise, where their powerful and graceful performances shone brightly. Haleigh Bryant delivered a jaw-dropping routine, earning a perfect 10.0 from the judges, cementing her status as one of the best floor performers in the nation. Her performance, along with others from the team, provided the perfect finish to LSU’s championship-winning meet.

Ultimately, LSU’s 198.0 score was enough to leave no doubt about their place as the top team in the conference. The Tigers’ ability to perform under pressure and execute at the highest level on the biggest stage made a statement to the entire gymnastics community: LSU is a force to be reckoned with.

The Key Athletes Behind LSU’s Success

While the entire LSU gymnastics team deserves credit for their collective achievement at the SEC Championship, several standout athletes played pivotal roles in the Tigers’ victory. Their performances, leadership, and individual excellence were crucial in LSU’s journey to the top spot.

Kiya Johnson – A Junior Leader and Star Performer
Kiya Johnson, a junior from Austin, Texas, has been a cornerstone of LSU gymnastics for the past few seasons, and her role at the SEC Championship was no different. As one of the nation’s premier gymnasts, Johnson has proven herself to be a reliable and consistent performer, especially in the vault and floor exercises. Her ability to deliver on the biggest stage was key in LSU’s victory, and her leadership in the gym cannot be overstated.

Johnson’s vault performance during the SEC Championship was a standout moment, and her nearly flawless execution earned her a score of 9.975, which was just shy of a perfect 10.0. Her floor routine was equally impressive, full of power, precision, and grace, earning her another high score for the Tigers. Johnson’s consistency and ability to handle the pressure of such an important meet make her one of the top gymnasts in the country and a key part of LSU’s success.

Haleigh Bryant – A Rising Star with Championship Pedigree
Haleigh Bryant, a sophomore from DeKalb, Illinois, has quickly become one of LSU’s brightest stars. After joining the team in 2023, Bryant’s meteoric rise in the gymnastics world has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her performance in the SEC Championship was nothing short of legendary, with a perfect 10.0 on the vault and another on the floor exercise. Bryant’s ability to deliver under pressure is remarkable, and she’s shown time and again that she thrives in high-stakes situations.

Bryant’s floor routine, in particular, was a moment of brilliance that will be remembered by LSU fans for years to come. Her combination of strength, flexibility, and energy makes her one of the top gymnasts in NCAA history, and her continued growth bodes well for the future of LSU gymnastics.

Maya McHugh – A Freshman Who Has Shined Brightly
One of the most exciting storylines of the season has been the emergence of freshman Maya McHugh. The 18-year-old has impressed in every event, but her contributions on the uneven bars have been exceptional. McHugh’s consistency and poise as a first-year competitor have helped elevate LSU’s performance, and her strong showing at the SEC Championship exemplified the potential she brings to the program. Her routine on bars was nothing short of flawless, and her performance in the team’s victory was one of the key highlights of the meet.

Ruby Harrold – Senior Leadership and Steadiness
Senior Ruby Harrold has been a steady presence on the LSU gymnastics team throughout her college career, and her experience and leadership were critical during the SEC Championship. Harrold’s balance beam performance was one of the team’s best, earning her a high score and showcasing her ability to remain calm and collected under pressure. As one of the team’s veterans, Harrold’s leadership both on and off the mat has been instrumental in LSU’s success this season.

Coach Jay Clark: The Architect of LSU’s Success

While LSU’s gymnasts have certainly played an important role in the team’s rise to No. 1, it’s important to acknowledge the work of head coach Jay Clark. Clark, who has been with the program for several years and became head coach in 2021, has built LSU into a perennial powerhouse in NCAA gymnastics. His leadership, vision, and ability to develop top-tier talent have been key components of the Tigers’ success.

Clark’s coaching philosophy revolves around pushing his athletes to reach their full potential while creating a supportive and empowering environment. His attention to detail and emphasis on discipline have paid off in the form of consistent high-level performances across the board. Clark’s ability to develop strong, confident gymnasts has turned LSU into a team that expects to compete for championships every season.

“The key to our success is a combination of talent and trust,” Clark said after the SEC Championship victory. “We have incredible athletes, but we also have an incredible support system. These athletes believe in each other, they trust in the process, and that’s why we’ve been able to accomplish so much.”

Looking Ahead: NCAA Championships and Beyond

After capturing the SEC Championship and being ranked No. 1 in the country, LSU is poised for an exciting postseason run. The team’s success has positioned them as one of the favorites to win the NCAA Championship, and with their depth, talent, and chemistry, they are set to be a dominant force in the competition.

For LSU, the key to continuing their success will be maintaining their focus and consistency. While the Tigers’ victory in the SEC Championship was an impressive feat, their ultimate goal remains to capture the national title. The talent and experience on this team make them legitimate championship contenders, and the potential for another LSU gymnastics dynasty is certainly on the horizon.

In addition to their on-the-floor performances, LSU’s rise to No. 1 has also been a testament to the program’s culture. The dedication of the athletes, the vision of their coaching staff, and the unwavering support of the LSU fanbase have all played an integral role in the team’s success. If LSU continues on this path, the Tigers could be the gold standard for college gymnastics for years to come.

LSU Gymnastics at Its Peak

With a dominant performance at the SEC Championship, LSU gymnastics has firmly established itself as the top team in the nation. From the star performances of gymnasts like Kiya Johnson, Haleigh Bryant, and Maya McHugh to the leadership of coach Jay Clark, LSU has the ingredients of a championship-winning team. As the Tigers look ahead to the NCAA Championships, the future of LSU gymnastics has never looked brighter.