NCAA Gymnastics News: Tiger’s Head Coach Unveils His ‘Holistic’ Approach to Balance Athletes’ Mental Wellbeing Ahead of LSU vs Alabama

The LSU Tigers’ three-match winning streak came to an end last Friday when they were handed a defeat on the road by the Florida Gators. The Tigers landed on Gainesville with high hopes after triumphing over Auburn earlier this month. Understandably, the latest defeat has shaken the NCAA athletes, and head coach Jay Clark needs to count his eggs before asking his players to bounce back against Alabama on March 1.

For a team to excel, it’s important that the staff come together to provide them with all the necessary things they require to bring out their A-game. With the Tigers’ recent stumble, it has thus become critically important for the head coach to show them the way with compassion and empathy.

NCAA coach sheds light on athletes’ mental health

After LSU’s defeat to the Gators, Clark faced journalists in an attempt to clarify how the players were coping with the loss and how the support staff were doing their best to ensure the athletes didn’t succumb to the mounting pressure. In a press conference, the head coach was asked what the staff were doing to make sure the athletes were prioritizing their mental and physical health. To answer the query, Clark said that LSU’s philosophy is built in a way to help the players maintain their mental well-being while also giving their all when it comes to winning matches.

“…they know that they are not a score to us“, stated Clark without deliberation. He also revealed that his whole thought process is fueled by the burning desire to win every match and every championship that comes their way. However, he also underscored the fact that the wins should not be achieved at the expense of the players’ mental health.

“…our whole philosophy is very holistic“, claimed Clark in the press meeting. “…it’s about who they are as a person“, he reinstated, and probably his supportive take on the matter will be the one thing that helps the LSU athletes find their winning ways back again.

LSU gymnasts face a tough climb ahead

The LSU Tigers will be facing several challenges in the coming weeks. After hosting Alabama on home soil at the Maravich Center, the team will once again face two opponents simultaneously for the Podium Challenge. The latter period of March will come with even higher stakes as the SEC Championships are slated to kick off. Furthermore, April will see the commencing of the NCAA title run, making it important for LSU to find their feet and buckle up to lock horns with the big boys.

Read more: Olivia Dunne Unveils Her Post Game ‘Recovery’ Rituals After War Against Auburn

With such a tightly packed schedule ahead, fans wait to see how Olivia Dunne, Haleigh Bryant, and their teammates rise up to the occasion to show their mettle to the nation’s gymnastics enthusiasts one more time.