In the ever-competitive world of collegiate gymnastics, few programs have risen to national prominence like the LSU Tigers. With a legacy of powerhouse performances, electrifying floor routines, and an unwavering commitment to athlete development, the LSU gymnastics team has become a magnet for top-tier talent from around the country. The program added another rising star to its impressive roster as Olivia Knight, a highly sought-after elite gymnast from Scottsdale, Arizona, announced her commitment to LSU earlier this week.
Knight, a Level 10 standout with elite-level training experience and multiple state and regional titles to her name, chose LSU over offers from gymnastics bluebloods like Oklahoma, Florida, and Michigan. In an exclusive statement, the 17-year-old explained why LSU felt like home and how the Tigers’ standard of excellence and tightly bonded team culture were the driving forces behind her decision.
“The moment I stepped on LSU’s campus, I felt it in my heart. The energy, the support system, and the passion the girls have for each other—it’s different there,” Knight said. “I’ve always dreamed of competing at the highest level, and LSU isn’t just about winning, it’s about doing it together, with joy and with purpose.”
A Rising Star in the Gymnastics World
Olivia Knight’s gymnastics résumé reads like a roadmap to collegiate stardom. She began competing at a young age and quickly rose through the USA Gymnastics ranks, qualifying for the Junior Olympic National Championships three times and earning podium finishes on beam and floor in 2023. Known for her precision, grace, and fierce competitive drive, Knight brings both artistry and athleticism to every apparatus.
In 2024, she scored a near-perfect 9.925 on beam at the Region 1 Championships and followed it up with a dynamic 9.875 on floor, further solidifying her status as one of the most versatile gymnasts in her class. Her routines are crowd-pleasers, blending explosive tumbling with elegant choreography—a combination that mirrors the LSU gymnastics aesthetic.
“LSU values performance and personality. That’s what I love about their style,” Knight noted. “They don’t just want you to hit your routine—they want you to light up the arena.”
The LSU Standard: Excellence With Heart
LSU gymnastics, under the leadership of head coach Jay Clark and his decorated staff, has carved a unique niche in NCAA gymnastics. With Final Four appearances, SEC championships, and sell-out crowds at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, the Tigers have built not only a nationally respected program but a deeply passionate community.
Clark, who took over the program following the retirement of the legendary D-D Breaux, has continued the Tigers’ legacy while pushing for even greater success. Known for his technical expertise and genuine investment in his athletes’ well-being, Clark made a strong impression on Knight and her family.
“Coach Clark didn’t just talk about scores or rankings. He talked about how they develop leaders, how they create a family,” Knight said. “That stood out more than anything.”
LSU’s support staff—associate head coach Garrett Griffeth, assistant coach Ashleigh Gnat, and choreographer Courtney McCool Griffeth—also played key roles in Knight’s recruitment. The coaching team, known for its mix of technical discipline and emotional intelligence, has become one of the most respected in college gymnastics.
Building a Championship Core
Knight’s commitment adds to what many are calling one of LSU’s most impressive recruiting classes in recent memory. She joins fellow commits Ava Martinez (Texas), Brielle Simmons (Georgia), and Kylie Hwang (California), forming a core of gymnasts with national-team pedigree and deep competitive experience.
What sets this class apart, however, is not just skill but mindset. All four gymnasts have emphasized culture and camaraderie in their decisions, signaling a shift toward character-first recruitment—something that aligns perfectly with LSU’s recent direction.
“You can teach skills, but you can’t teach heart,” Coach Clark said in a recent interview. “We look for athletes who want to win for each other, who value the team over the spotlight. That’s what separates champions from contenders.”
Knight echoed those sentiments, citing a moment during her unofficial visit that sealed her decision.
“I was watching practice, and one of the girls had a rough go on vault. The whole team rallied around her. They weren’t just saying ‘you got this’—they meant it. That kind of love and support is rare,” Knight said.
A Dream in Motion
For Knight, committing to LSU isn’t just the fulfillment of a lifelong dream—it’s a launching pad for bigger goals. Like many elite-level gymnasts, she has aspirations to contend for NCAA titles, perfect-10 routines, and perhaps even a berth on the U.S. national team.
But she’s also grounded in her values, emphasizing the importance of education, mental health, and giving back to the community. LSU’s commitment to holistic athlete development made a major impression on her family.
Her mother, Dana Knight, said the program felt like “a home away from home.”
“They care about the whole person. As a parent, that’s everything,” Dana shared. “We want Olivia to grow not just as a gymnast, but as a young woman. LSU will help her do that.”
Knight plans to major in kinesiology with hopes of pursuing a career in sports medicine or physical therapy after her gymnastics career.
Social Media Buzz and Fan Reception
Knight’s announcement sparked a wave of excitement on social media. LSU fans, who are among the most passionate in the NCAA, welcomed her with open arms, flooding her Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) with messages of support.
Her commitment video—featuring highlights of her routines, scenes from LSU’s campus, and messages from current Tiger gymnasts—racked up over 250,000 views in 48 hours. Her use of purple and gold graphics and the caption “Geauxing Home” made it clear that she’s ready to embrace everything that comes with being a Tiger.
“I already feel like part of the family,” Knight said. “I can’t wait to wear those colors and represent something bigger than myself.”
What She Brings to the Table
LSU gymnastics has long thrived on versatility, and Knight fits that mold perfectly. She’s a legitimate all-around contender, with particularly strong scores on beam and floor. Her beam routine is a blend of sharp acrobatic skills and elegant transitions—similar in style to LSU greats like Sarah Finnegan and Alyona Shchennikova.
On floor, her charisma and performance skills shine through. She’s already received acclaim for her expressive dance elements and powerful tumbling passes, including a full-in that she plans to upgrade before college.
“She’s the type of gymnast who can ignite a crowd,” said her club coach at Arizona Sun Elite. “She’s fearless, she’s fun, and she’s relentless in the gym. LSU is getting a star.”
Looking Ahead to Baton Rouge
With another season ahead at the club level before arriving in Baton Rouge, Knight is focused on sharpening her skills and continuing to grow both mentally and physically.
She remains committed to excellence, knowing that joining a program like LSU comes with high expectations—but she welcomes the challenge.
“The SEC is the best of the best. Every meet is a battle. I’m not scared—I’m motivated,” Knight said. “I want to compete with the best, against the best, and for the best.”
She plans to enroll at LSU in the summer of 2026 and will immediately join the team for preseason training. If her current trajectory continues, fans can expect to see her making an impact early in her collegiate career.
Final Thoughts: The LSU Legacy Grows Stronger
Olivia Knight’s decision to join the LSU Tigers is more than just a win on the recruiting trail—it’s a testament to the program’s culture, consistency, and vision for the future. With her commitment, LSU adds not just talent, but a teammate who exemplifies everything the program stands for.