Facing Adversity, LSU Gymnastics Team Prepares for NCAA Championships
The LSU gymnastics team is set to compete in the semifinals of the NCAA Championships on Thursday, April 13. Despite facing injuries and travel delays, the team remains focused and determined to compete for a national championship. Head coach Jay Clark emphasizes the importance of controlling what they can and not stressing out over unforeseen circumstances. Key contributors will be making their first nationals appearance, and the team goes in as the underdog. The team has faced doubt and adversity all year but has rallied together and supported one another. Regardless of the outcome, the team has restored a culture of fight and togetherness, leaving their mark on the program.
Preview of Contenders at NCAA Gymnastics National Championships
The upcoming NCAA national championships will feature eight teams, four all-arounders, and 16 individual event specialists. Individuals will be split into two semifinal sessions with national champions determined at the end of the night. This article focuses on the most likely contenders for the all-around and event titles.
In the all-around competition, Abby Heiskell is a contender to end her five-year career atop the podium in Fort Worth. Jordan Chiles has been consistently excellent all year and has the highest score nationwide, while Trinity Thomas is also in contention if she is healthy. Haleigh Bryant has helped LSU keep climbing the rankings and is in the mix at the top.
On vault, Haleigh Bryant is the favorite to walk away with the title with three 10.000s and three 9.975s this season. Jordan Chiles performs a massive Yurchenko double and is also title-worthy, while Katherine LeVasseur and Jayden Rucker are also expected to put up impressive performances.
Jordan Chiles is the favorite for the bars title with two 10.000s and seven 9.975s. Florida’s duo, Leanne Wong and Trinity Thomas, should put pressure on her, while Audrey Davis competes perhaps the best Jaeger in the country.
In the beam competition, Utah’s Maile O’Keefe and Kara Eaker are expected to vie for the top spot with perfect scores five times this year, but Ragan Smith and Aleah Finnegan have also been consistent performers on this event for their respective teams. Jordan Bowers’s consistency could also pay off if any top contenders have a miss.
On floor, Trinity Thomas is expected to win this title if she is healthy. Jordan Chiles has gone viral with her routine and could potentially set up a huge score, while Aleah Finnegan and Haleigh Bryant have been a much-needed 1-2 punch at the end of LSU’s floor lineup.
LSU Gymnastics Team’s Quest for National Championship
LSU gymnastics team will compete in the NCAA Championship for the 32nd time. The team is scheduled to compete against Florida, California, and Denver in the first session of semifinals. The top two teams from both semifinal sessions will advance to the NCAA Championship.
The LSU squad includes top performers like junior Haleigh Bryant who is one of the top gymnasts in the country with multiple perfect scores this season. Sophomore Aleah Finnegan is a top contender on floor and beam. The team finished ranked in the top10 nationally on all four events. Along with Elena Arenas, Alyona Shchennikova, and Chase Brock, they are ready to prove themselves on a national stage.
Despite facing injuries and travel delays en route to the championship, LSU gymnastics team remains confident and determined as they aim for their first national championship.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
