In a thrilling announcement that electrified the gymnastics world and brought roaring pride to Baton Rouge, LSU freshman Kailin Chio has been named the 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Year. The honor comes after an extraordinary debut season that saw Chio not only meet expectations—but shatter them.
From the moment she stepped onto the collegiate stage, Chio showcased the talent, poise, and competitive spirit that made her one of the most highly anticipated recruits in the nation. A Las Vegas native and former elite gymnast, Chio arrived at LSU with an impressive résumé that included national team experience, international competition, and a reputation for delivering under pressure. But even with those lofty credentials, few could have predicted just how impactful her first year in the NCAA would be.
Chio’s freshman campaign was defined by consistency, charisma, and clutch performances that helped LSU maintain its position as one of the nation’s premier gymnastics programs. Competing regularly in the all-around, Chio posted top-tier scores across all four apparatuses—vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise—demonstrating the kind of versatility that’s rare even among the sport’s elite. She averaged 9.90 or higher on vault and floor for most of the season and delivered a series of electric floor routines that often brought the crowd to its feet and earned widespread acclaim from commentators and fans alike.
What truly set Chio apart, however, was her ability to rise to the moment. In some of the team’s most high-pressure meets, she delivered performances that steadied LSU and secured crucial victories. Whether it was a must-hit beam routine in a tightly contested SEC dual meet or an explosive vault that shifted momentum in a quad meet against top-10 opponents, Chio showed time and again that she wasn’t just competing—she was leading.
Her crowning achievements included multiple weekly honors from the SEC, a perfect 10.0 on floor in front of a sold-out Pete Maravich Assembly Center crowd, and several all-around victories against some of the sport’s most accomplished gymnasts. Chio also played an instrumental role in LSU’s run to the SEC Championship meet, where she not only dazzled the judges but also inspired her teammates with her infectious energy and ironclad focus.
“Kailin is a game-changer,” said LSU head coach Jay Clark. “She came into our program with high expectations and has exceeded every single one. Her work ethic, her joy, her attention to detail—she’s the full package. And the way she handles pressure is beyond her years. The SEC is one of the most competitive gymnastics conferences in the country, and for her to emerge as the Freshman of the Year is an incredible accomplishment—not just for her, but for our entire team.”
Clark’s words reflect what many inside and outside the program have come to recognize: Chio is a generational talent whose presence elevates those around her. Her performances have not only helped the Tigers contend for a national title but have also drawn new fans to the sport and reaffirmed LSU’s reputation as a powerhouse in women’s gymnastics.
The SEC Freshman of the Year award is one of the most prestigious honors in collegiate gymnastics, recognizing excellence, impact, and consistency throughout the season. With the depth of talent across the SEC—home to Olympic medalists, World Championship contenders, and elite club athletes—the competition for the award was fierce. But Chio’s standout performances, leadership, and competitive fire made her selection a clear and deserving one.
Beyond the scores and accolades, what has most impressed those around Chio is her humility and her team-first mindset. While she has often been the star of the show, she’s been just as quick to celebrate a teammate’s stuck landing or season-best performance as she is to embrace her own success.
“She’s one of the most humble and hard-working athletes I’ve ever been around,” said senior gymnast Haleigh Bryant, one of Chio’s mentors on the team. “She came in willing to learn, willing to grind, and she’s always lifting others up. That’s what makes her special. She’s not just an incredible gymnast—she’s an incredible person.”
As the Tigers look ahead to postseason competition and a possible run at the NCAA Championship, Chio’s emergence as a star is not only a reason for optimism this year but a foundation for future success. With her talent, drive, and passion for the sport, she’s poised to be a cornerstone of the program for years to come.
Fans and analysts are already drawing comparisons between Chio and some of LSU’s all-time greats, including former Olympians and NCAA champions. But for now, Chio remains focused on her goals—helping her team, continuing to improve, and savoring every moment of her freshman journey.
“This season has been everything I dreamed of and more,” Chio said in a statement released after the announcement. “I’m so grateful to my coaches, teammates, family, and the amazing LSU fans who’ve supported me from the start. I’m honored to be named SEC Freshman of the Year, and I’m even more excited for what’s next. We’re just getting started.”
Indeed, if this season is any indication, Kailin Chio’s story is far from over—it’s just beginning. And as she continues to write new chapters in Baton Rouge, one thing is clear: the future of LSU gymnastics is in very, very good hands.