Gymnastics fans eagerly awaited the start of the NCAA season, especially LSU fans and Haleigh Bryant’s supporters. But as the gymnastics world saw the Tigers take the mat, Haleigh Bryant had to step down. Unfortunately, she was sidelined because of an injury that kept her from competing in the season’s opener. The Tigers competed in front of a historical home crowd of 12,324 and stood their ground against the Iowa State Cyclones, defeating them 197.300-194.100.

“I felt really good about it,” said the coach, Jay Clark. But even in victory, Haleigh Bryant was strangely missing from the limelight. The defending NCAA all-around champion Bryant dislocated her ulnar collateral ligament, which is the ligament that holds the upper arm bone to the forearm bone. Now, as she is trying to come back and make a return to the mat, one of her major challenges has resurfaced—the same issue that almost ended her NCAA career once before.

A recent article published by Nola.com revealed that although Haleigh Bryant had the moves and stunts of a gymnast from a very tender age, there was one drawback; she performed most of her flips forward with little backward motion. This was a potential sign that college coaches should watch out for.

“I knew when she committed on her visit here that she didn’t go backwards,” LSU coach Jay Clark shared, reflecting on the early days. At the time, he was the lead assistant to legendary coach D-D Breaux. “But I didn’t tell D-D that. I felt like it would either correct itself or time would tell. I just didn’t think we could take a chance on missing on the potential of this kid.”

Eventually, after watching Bryant in action, Clark couldn’t hold it back any longer. “So, I let some time pass and then I finally told D-D that she doesn’t go backwards. D-D was like, ‘I’m not having that.’ And I said, ‘Well, you need to go see her and then tell me.’ So she went to North Carolina, and comes back and goes, ‘You’re right. We need that kid.’”

And well, taking that risk turned out to be a brilliant move by the coaches, as Haleigh Bryant proved herself beyond expectations. Last season, Bryant contributed 31 scores above 9. 950 and played a huge role in LSU’s historic NCAA win last season. In addition to her numbers, she became the face of LSU in January 2023, out competing in every meet and tying her career-high 39.750 all-around against Missouri.

In addition, the LSU gymnast Haleigh Bryant was awarded the 2024 Allstate Sugar Bowl James J. Corbett Award in July 2024. So, that gamble? Absolutely worth it!

Yet, Bryant’s return is now essential to LSU’s fortunes. Because of the popularity surrounding her, Jay Clark gave fans an update on her condition, further underlining just how important her contribution will be to the team.

Haleigh Bryant’s injury update!

Well, Coach Clark had some good news to share about Haleigh Bryant. “I mean, she feels good. And we’ve stepped up the activity a little bit in terms of her rehab process,” Coach Clark said.

Nevertheless, even with these positive changes, the waiting game goes on. “She’s doing more with the arm, and testing it, and so far, so good. There’s been no negative response from anything,” says the head coach. While progress is steady, fans must exercise patience as they eagerly await Haleigh Bryant’s return to action.

As much as there is progress, the fans will have to wait as they watch and wait for her return to action. “I’m optimistic that it’ll be sooner than later,” Clark expressed confidence in her return. But then again, due to the type of her injury, there is no need to hurry and bring her back to the field.

Significantly, Bryant’s recovery remains one lengthy process because his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is a serious problem with all upper-body skills. Ligaments are more powerful than muscles but take longer to heal. Rushing it may worsen the situation.

Clark said they have to be careful not to cause further damage, explaining, “We’ve just got to be judicious in our process and make sure that we don’t go too fast.”

The return of Bryant to the team remains critical because she has been a 27-time All-American and played a crucial role in helping LSU win its first national championship. So, what do you think about her crucial return? Let us know in the comments!