It’s been a season to remember by every stretch of the imagination. After a year filled with plenty of ups and downs, coach Jay Clark and LSU gymnastics made program history today by becoming the 2024 National Champions, and they did it with a veteran team who have been waiting years for this moment.
Coach Jay Clark and his veteran LSU gymnastics squad are your 2024 National Champions
Tears were in the eyes of star junior Aleah Finnegan before her feet even managed to touch the mat on what would turn out to be the 2024 National Champion sealing beam routine.
Entering the final rotation, the Tigers trailed the nine-time national champion Utah Utes, and pressure truly didn’t come close to describing what the Tigers were likely feeling in that moment.
However, when you have a veteran laden team, which includes four seniors prepping for possibly their final beam routine with the program, there was no need for any miracle. Winning is what this group has always done, and all they needed to do was step up and be themselves.
Naturally, that’s exactly what they went ahead and did by scoring a school record-breaking 49.7625 on beam, highlighted by an impressive 9.9625 from freshman phenom Konnor McClain.
In short, all that added up to what was the first national championship in LSU gymnastics history.
“There’s no better place,” LSU gymnastics coach Jay Clark reflected on his team’s championship victory. “No better fanbase in America than at LSU, and I’m so glad we can bring it home. We were No. 1 in attendance again this year, and now we get to say we’re No. 1 at the end. I’m just – I’m ecstatic.”
Coach Jay Clark and the Tigers ended their season with a 31-3 record, which included a 24 meet win streak to end the year. Not only was it an excellent team season as a whole, but it was one that saw history made in multiple aspects by several individuals on the roster, including senior Haleigh Bryant becoming the first gymnast in LSU history to record both a gym slam (perfect 10 on every event) as well as a season slam (perfect 10 on every event in one season).
Led by Bryant, one of the best athletes in purple and gold history, the list can go on forever when it comes to impact performers for the Tigers in 2024. From senior leader Sierra Ballard, to transfer portal addition Savannah Schoenherr, to the likely comeback gymnast of the year Kiya Johnson, this team had one of the best all-around groups in the entire country, and the end results could not have described it better.
It’s been quite a season for the veteran squad, and one that Tiger fans all around the world will likely be talking about for years to come. For now, it’s time to celebrate, and we’ll just have to wait and see what coach Jay Clark has up his sleeve for the 2025 campaign a little less than a year from now.
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