For the longest time, LSU was a strong contender for the NCAA title. They had clinched the runner-up position on four occasions, missing the trophy by a whisker. However, all of that changed when Olivia Dunne and Co. won their first NCAA gymnastics title in front of a raucous crowd at Dickies Arena. With a whopping 198.225 points, the Tigers are now the eighth program in NCAA history to claim a victory. Yet, this was a first in the program’s history. How exciting is that? 

But it is time for the reigning NCAA champions to return to the mat. Clad in purple and gold, the gymnasts were back at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Whatever for, you ask? Well, ’tis the season for the annual Gymnastics 101! After an incredible performance in the previous season, fans looked forward to being wowed by the squad. While the coach had the same idea, it didn’t exactly go according to plan. What did he have to say about the meet?

LSU’s coach Jay Clark had a burning question for his squad

It is officially that time of the year at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Even though the season opener takes place in January, Gymnastics 101 has become a tradition for LSU. While fans were excited for a sneak peek of the lineup and new routines, the coach and gymnasts looked at this as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming season. This shouldn’t be new for the Tigers, given how they’ve acclimatized to the thundering cheers from the stands. However, Jay Clark felt differently.

This might be the head coach’s fifth season with LSU, but he believed it is essential to prepare the gymnasts for the pressures of performing in front of a massive crowd. “It is important to get out of that comfort zone. There’s a lot of really good, consistent stuff going on in the gym, but what does it look like when you get into a different environment?” he exclaimed. Even though the gymnasts performed on familiar grounds, they need to channel that energy wherever they go. So, did the Tigers turn heads at the fan event? Coach Clark would say otherwise. 

Gymnastics 101 was meant to be a lighthearted show for the fans. However, Baton Rouge’s motive for the 2025 season set the tone for the meet. The electronic screen proudly showcased “Protect the Crown” to drive the point home. The reigning champions definitely mean business. On the other hand, the head coach believed that the event was a mixed bag. According to him, some gymnasts looked as confident as ever on the mat, yet some didn’t look ready. 

Bear in mind, going into the event, Jay Clark had told Olivia Dunne and Co. that the event was to help them prepare for the upcoming season. However, when he watched a few experienced gymnasts waver, it left him concerned. He even pointed out that a few freshmen seemed to have taken to the mat a lot better than the ones he expected, and that is what he needed to work on before stepping into the 2025 NCAA season. We know what you’re wondering. How did LSU’s gymnastics queen fare at Gymnastics 101? 

Olivia Dunne is ready to take on her final year with the Tigers

It’s no secret that LSU stunned the crowds with their first-ever NCAA title victory last season. But this happy memory is sprinkled with a bit of sadness. While the 2025 season seems as promising as ever, this will be the fifth and final time the 22-year-old dons the purple and gold on the mat. With nine meets under her belt, she recorded a career-high of 9.900 at the NCAA Fayetteville and the Podium Challenge. She recently surprised fans with a wholesome video on TikTok.

Olivia Dunne has faced numerous waves of hateful comments this season. Some have gone as far as to call her a “benchwarmer” as well. But the 22-year-old is determined to prove the naysayers wrong this season, and she shared a glimpse of what fans should look forward to. The gymnast might average a 9.857 on the floor this year, but it wasn’t always this way. When she first joined the Tigers, her double layout was as wobbly as ever. 

Set to Wicked’s Defying Gravity, Livvy shares a glimpse of her practicing the skill in her first year. It then cuts to her performing it in her fifth year as a senior. Not only has she gained tremendous height in the leap, but even her dismount has shown significant change. Fans were already ecstatic about the change. Yet, this being her final season with LSU makes it all the more bittersweet. 

The fifth-year senior explored all the apparatuses at Gymnastics 101 except for the vault. Olivia Dunne might have proven her mettle on the mat before. However, Jay Clark believed that the seniors need to do more to meet expectations. As a result, the head coach has a few ideas on how to smoothen the rough edges. LSU will return to the NCAA circuit as reigning champions. But do you think they could recreate that victory in 2025?