“It’s like the Chicago Bulls trying to repeat their championship, only without Michael Jordan,” a fan commented upon learning about Haleigh Bryant‘s absence in the LSU Gymnastics’ first game of the season. Just imagine the situation: the defending national champion program is entering PMAC, leaving its best key player out of the lineup. The fans found it hard to paint the picture. After all, Haleigh wasn’t only the best performer last season but also played a key role in keeping the squad united.

But on Friday last week, the Tigers matched up against Iowa State without her service. The meet ultimately ended in the Tigers’ favor, giving them the victory. But the road ahead is going to test the program’s strength. Those tests will demand Bryant’s presence in the lineup. So, is she prepared? What’s the latest on her injury? Has she begun exercising with the team? For the past few days, questions like these have plagued the LSU Gymnastics fans. Fret not! Coach Jay Clark has the answers now. 

Jay Clark shows hope, keeping a limit 

On January 6, LSU Gymnastics coach Jay Clark sat in the press conference to share the updates. The coach opened up on several things and replied to relevant questions. Meanwhile, someone asked him about Haleigh Bryant’s injury status and her availability this week on the mat. The coach seemed hopeful of getting his top performer in the squad on Saturday (January 11). But there are a few ifs and buts. Like? In the press meet, Clark claimed, “We’ve made some significant progress, she..depending on how this week goes and yesterday went well, um, she will be available at least on balance beam. I don’t know that it’ll go any further than that this week.” So, the fifth-year senior will perform in the upcoming Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad in Oklahoma. Still, the coach broke a few knuckles while confirming the update. 

In the press conference, the national champion coach said, “Her [Haleigh Bryant’s] strength is good so they’re [the doctors] optimistic that we’re moving in the right direction and so if she does well this week, she’ll be available at least on that event but my guess is probably nothing else this week but that.” Clark is counting on his best mentee’s availability on Saturday. He doesn’t mind Bryant’s availability for just one event. All he needs is to see her go berserk on the rivals.

Remember, LSU Gymnastics will compete against three ranked opponents in the quad meet on Saturday. The bunch includes the top-seed Oklahoma. So, the level of competition will be high. And it will pose a great chance to test Oklahoma’s ability before the meet on February 14. But what about Bryant’s mindset? Is she mentally ready to jump into the competition after missing the season opener? 

Haleigh Bryant is yearning to take the gymnastics fight 

Among the seniors who had the option to make a fifth-year return to LSU using the COVID-extended policy, Haleigh Bryant was the quickest to grab the offer. She ended the last season claiming the all-around title. Apart from that, she bagged 32 other titles last season. Her list of achievements also includes Gym Slam and Season Slam. Currently, she is one of the most decorated gymnasts in the LSU Tigers’ history. Even so, she does not want to show any sign of stopping. 

Last year, Bryant sustained a UCL injury in LSU’s annual Gymnastics 101 exhibition meet. She has yet to recover fully from that. But she has been keeping her presence noteworthy from the sideline. How? Last week, before Friday night, Bryant dropped motivating lines on her Instagram story. She wrote, “Been waiting for this one… Happy Meet Week‼️”. Later, she appeared on the sideline when the team entered PMAC to compete in the season opener. Throughout the game, she continued to cheer and joined the team huddles. Now, it seems that Haleigh Bryant is all set to perform on the mat in her last collegiate year with the Tigers.