There are very few athletes who can perform surprisingly well right after an ACL recovery. However, doing her very first rotation, and notching up a score of 9.900 can only be done by Haleigh Bryant. In recent times, Bryant has been bothered significantly by injuries. After coming back from her ACL injury, Bryant looked excited for her final LSU run. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite pan out in the way she would have liked to. Appearing at the Tigers’ Gymnastics 101 exhibition meet in December, Bryant injured her UCL. Still, she powered through and is now determined to enjoy the stretch of her collegiate career. But en route does she have any regrets? 

Winning the NCAA all-around title last year, Haleigh Bryant was doubtful about her future. She could not decide between choosing to call it a day or try to help her team for one more year. While taking this up with coach Jay Clark, Haleigh felt relieved. For Clark did not pressurize her to come back. Instead, the decision was left on her. Although she has made the decision to come back for one final time, a stinging sensation lingers. Her time is ticking in the NCAA realm!

Speaking with the Olympics.com about her last year blues, Haleigh Bryant sounded quite practical. She stated that despite the sentiments, she cannot afford to let the emotions take hold. This way, it might hamper her performance and cost her team in the long run. Rather, Bryant is keeping an open mind. “If we win, if we lose, we just want to look back and know we left everything out there,” said Bryant. Surely, she has no regrets going into the final year. And the LSU star also has another aim on her mind. 

“It’s more than just gymnastics,” she said. “I wanted to leave here a better leader, a better person. That’s exactly what [this team] has helped me do,” Bryant added further. She further stated that the first time she stepped onto the mat, she just wanted one thing. To compete for the prestigious LSU Tigers’ program. Surely, Haleigh Bryant has fulfilled her dream. Blossoming in her full potential, she went on to become a pillar of strength for the LSU. And not only LSU, Bryant has been one of the biggest stars of the NCAA as well. 

Finally, she concluded by saying, “I just wanted to be here with an amazing team, an amazing program, and just be surrounded by so many people.” Well, with such confidence oozing from Haleigh Bryant’s voice, fans can surely expect great things from her. However, along with Bryant, one more LSU star is getting ready to wrap things up. It is none other than Olivia Dunne.

Livvy Dunne emotional reflects on her final NCAA season at LSU

Olivia Dunne is ready to close the curtain on her gymnastics career. However, it’s not without making every moment count. As she heads into her final NCAA season at LSU, Dunne is embracing the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to the sport that shaped her life since Livvy was just a lil girl of three. For Dunne, this season is not just about perfecting routines; it’s about cherishing the bonds and memories that have defined her time at LSU.

“I’m just trying to seize every opportunity and make the most of it and make those memories,” Dunne shared with ESPN. From her All-American freshman year on the uneven bars to career-best scores of 9.925 on bars and 9.900 on floor as a sophomore, Dunne has consistently proven she’s more than just a social media sensation. Now, she’s focused on leaving behind a legacy of teamwork and camaraderie. In an emotional note, Livvy shared, “These are my sisters, and that’s something I’ll never forget.” She reflected on the deep connections that have shaped her journey in the sport.

The emotional weight of this final season isn’t lost on Dunne. She’s determined to finish without regrets, knowing that the shared experiences with her teammates are what truly matter. Olivia stated, “The travel meets are some of the best memories you’ll have when you’re a college athlete and being with the girls on the team. Even just practicing every day is special.”

Dunne’s impact extends beyond her individual success. Within the team, she remains simply “Liv” — a leader, a friend, and a competitor. The one who has given everything to LSU gymnastics. As she approaches the finish line, Dunne’s focus is clear: to savor the moments, uplift her teammates, and close this chapter on her own terms.