The 2024-25 NCAA gymnastics season is about to kick off, and how’s the community feeling? Obviously, everyone is excited for some action on the mat, as it has been a long time since the off-season started. One of the most anticipated teams will be LSU, owing to them being the defending NCAA champions. However, this year’s campaign may not go as smoothly as expected due to significant issues.

What’s that? One of their biggest senior gymnasts, Haleigh Bryant, suffered an elbow injury, which has got her sidelined for the Tigers’ season opener against Iowa State on January 3, 2025. Indeed, it’s a shame that the audience won’t be able to get a glimpse of one of the most talented gymnasts out there in the NCAA, but the fans of hers got united in wishing her a fast recovery.

LSU is in a big dilemma

Even though LSU has a ton of qualified gymnasts, still the absence of a senior gymnast like Haleigh Bryant will be hurtful to the whole squad. Apart from her, now, the responsibility will arrive on Olivia Dunne’s shoulders, who’s also in her final NCAA season, being a fifth-year student at LSU. What is the primary reason for Bryant’s absence?

On December 16, during LSU’s Gymnastics 101 exhibition meet, all of the gymnasts were ready to demonstrate their talent before the audience. Everyone wanted to show their skills prior to the NCAA season, and among them, Bryant was also featured. After going through the uneven bars, she wanted to try out the vault. Bryant positioned herself on the vault table, but just as she was about to complete the routine and land, she appeared to jam her elbow. Indeed, the gymnast found the situation unusual, but the next morning, she reported experiencing discomfort in her elbow.

LSU’s coach, Jay Clark, was concerned but had a sigh of relief after looking at the diagnosis that she didn’t suffer from any kind of fracture. “It’s a UCL strain. I don’t know the specific diagnosis, but it sounds like it aggravated what she did before,” said Clark, as reported by The Advocate. The gymnast injured the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) on her elbow. Indeed, such a kind of injury will take time to heal.

Clark is aware of the gravity of the situation and is still finding a solution. He knows that Bryant won’t be returning for the first few matches, and it would be tough for LSU without her. However, everyone’s focus, including her legion of followers, is on her recovery.

Gymnastics community wishing for a better health

Eventually, when the updates surrounding Haleigh Bryant’s elbow injury went viral, it reached the gymnastics community in no time. They know how crucial she has been for LSU, but indeed, whatever happened was just unfortunate. However, many fans are already looking forward to the future, as one stated, “Wishing a full recovery for you.” Another fan wrote, “Fierce for the fight. In due time…” As she will be just missing out on a few events at the start of the season, this fan is optimistic and wrote, “The comeback will be great!!!”

Except for the 2022 season, every season saw a massive display of performance from Bryant. She has been a dominant force for the LSU Tigers and has built a huge fan base that supports her. Indeed, her career didn’t come without its challenges, but every time there was something, she thrived on it and surpassed her limits to achieve her goals.

The community just wants her back on the mat, fully recovered, as one fan stated, “A queen is about to make her return to the floor event 👑💜💛💜💛🐯” While many are optimistic about her return, one fan blames fate, stating, “First Kayla now Haleigh, what is going on rn 😭😭😭” 

Much like Bryant, Kayla DiCello first suffered an ACL tear in the US Olympics gymnastics trials. However, as per a recent update, DiCello had undergone surgery, and that is again bound to keep her off the mat for a long period of time. On December 5, she shared, “Unfortunately, I had another surgery. Everyone has a different journey in life and this is the plan God has for me. I’ll be back in the gym again soon. [white heart emoji]”

The NCAA 2024-25 season got interesting in every way. Indeed, the defending champions won’t be having an ace gymnast from the start of the season. But are they at a disadvantage? Statistically, maybe? But they still have their trump card, Olivia Dunne, who is also in her senior year, and who knows, if the course of fate runs well for her, then she might stun a lot in the crowd.