The gymnastics world is thriving as the new year brings with it epic competition, both on an elite and collegiate level. The thrilling 2024 NCAA season is seeing blazing performances from athletes all around the country. But amid the flaring athleticism, Lindenwood University has given gymnastics fans heartbreaking news. Despite being 6x MIC Champions and 4x USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Champions, and although the “Save Lindenwood Gymnastics” movement garnered major attention, the Lady Lions face the end of their legacy.

A gymnastics legacy comes to an end

In an Instagram post by Save Lindenwood Gymnastics and Lindenwood U. Gymnastics, the university announced heartbreaking news to the gymnastics community. Lindenwood University had decided to cut its gymnastics program along with nine other athletic programs, and despite efforts by the group to save it, the decision remains unchanged. The group had initiated a mission called “Save Lindenwood Gymnastics,” which involved raising funds and garnering support to persuade the university to reconsider its decision. However, the university is standing firm on its decision to cut the gymnastics program.

The “Save Lindenwood Gymnastics” movement raised over $450,000 from more than 325 different parties and engagement from thousands of visitors to their website. However, despite these valiant efforts, the university has asked donors to pay it forward by supporting local gymnastics families in need. In the somber caption, the post read, “Today though, our mission ends.” This message also highlighted and continued to urge fans to support Team 12, the current gymnastics team, as they continue to meet this season.

How the final NCAA season of the Lady Lions has been

In the recent 2024 NCAA season Lindenwood’s Lady Lions team won their first home meet against Greenville University at Hyland Arena. The final score was 195.225 for Lindenwood and 186.600 for Greenville. The Lady Lions outshined and got the highest scores in all four events: vault, bars, beam, and floor. On Vault, Trinity Caffey and Gayla Griswold scored 9.775. On the uneven bars, Kaylee Cooper and Hannah Appleget earned a massive 9.850.

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On the balance beam, Nya Kraus scored a 9.875. And on the floor exercise, Gayla Griswold scored 9.875. Despite the disheartening news, the Lindenwood Lady Lions are gearing up to compete in the Tennessee Collegiate Classic hosted by Fisk University on January 19. On a closing note, the team shared that this is the final season of the Lady Lions and said, “We have one more team to support. Let’s show the world what Lindenwood Lions Gymnastics stands for, one final season.”

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