In the 2025 NCAA Gymnastics Championships, LSU Gymnastics secures the first-ever No. 1 seed.

A Landmark Achievement

The Louisiana State University (LSU) gymnastics program has reached a historic milestone by securing the No. 1 seed for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships. This marks the first time in the program’s history that they have achieved the top seed, a testament to their exceptional performance throughout the season.

Dominance Throughout the Season

LSU’s dominance in the 2025 gymnastics season was evident from the outset. Under the leadership of head coach Jay Clark, the Tigers consistently posted high team scores, demonstrating their depth, skill, and determination. Their success culminated in an outstanding performance at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships, where they claimed their sixth conference title with a record-breaking score of 198.200.

Throughout the regular season, LSU showcased resilience and consistency. With victories over top-ranked teams like Florida, Alabama, and Auburn, they proved their capability to compete at the highest level. Their National Qualifying Score (NQS) of 198.115 cemented their position as the No. 1 seed heading into the NCAA postseason.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite their success, LSU faced challenges along the way. An early-season loss to Arkansas raised concerns about beam consistency, but the Tigers quickly rebounded. They refined their routines, made strategic adjustments, and improved their execution, leading to higher scores in subsequent meets.

Injuries were also a factor, with key gymnasts facing setbacks throughout the season. However, the team’s depth allowed them to continue excelling. Contributions from gymnasts like Haleigh Bryant, Aleah Finnegan, and Sierra Ballard played a pivotal role in keeping the team on track.

Standout Performers

Several athletes played a crucial role in LSU’s historic season.

Haleigh Bryant: A key all-around competitor, Bryant consistently delivered high scores on vault, bars, beam, and floor. Her leadership and poise under pressure were instrumental in LSU’s success.
Aleah Finnegan: Known for her elegance and precision, Finnegan excelled on beam and floor, often scoring in the 9.9+ range.
Sierra Ballard: A strong performer on beam, Ballard’s consistency helped LSU maintain its high-scoring potential.
Kylie Coen & Amari Drayton: Emerging talents who provided crucial depth in multiple events.

Road to the NCAA Championships

As the No. 1 seed, LSU heads into the NCAA Championships with high expectations. They will compete in the Penn State Regional, facing strong teams like Michigan State, Kentucky, and Arkansas. Advancing from regionals will require maintaining their high level of performance and avoiding costly errors.

If they progress past regionals, LSU will compete in the NCAA Semifinals and potentially the National Championship in Fort Worth, Texas. With defending champions Oklahoma and perennial powerhouses like Utah and Florida also in the mix, the competition will be fierce.

Fan Support and LSU’s Gymnastics Legacy

The Tigers’ success has energized their fan base, with sellout crowds at Pete Maravich Assembly Center throughout the season. LSU’s gymnastics program has been steadily building toward this moment, and the No. 1 seed is a culmination of years of effort, strong recruiting, and exceptional coaching.

Looking Ahead

With momentum on their side, LSU aims to secure their second consecutive national title. Their journey to the top seed is historic, but the ultimate goal remains a championship victory. As they prepare for the NCAA Championships, LSU Gymnastics stands on the brink of solidifying its place as one of the premier programs in collegiate gymnastics history.