LSU senior Haleigh Bryant, one of the most decorated gymnasts in school history, will return for a fifth year, she posted on social media Tuesday.
Bryant won the NCAA individual all-around title, in addition to leading the Tigers to their first national championship earlier this month in Fort Worth, Texas.
Bryant had previously said she was unsure if she would return for her final year of eligibility, but would announce her decision after the season. Following the team's victory at the NCAA Championships, she said she would make the announcement in “five to seven business days.”
On Tuesday, LSU's gymnastics account posted a video of its announcement. “Compete in the [Pete Maravich Assembly Center] “Every Friday night has been a dream come true,” Bryant said in the video. “Nothing compares to the joy I have competing in the purple and gold suit. So, the answer to the question you've all been waiting for: I'm back for Year 5.”
Bryant reposted the video on his own account and wrote, “Let's play it again.”
Bryant said in an article on the school's website Tuesday that he had considered ending his gymnastics career after winning the national championship, but ultimately decided to stay after speaking with his family, friends and coaching staff, including head coach Jay Clark.
“I love gymnastics,” Bryant said. “It's been a part of my life for a long time, and I don't think I was really prepared for it to end. After nationals, I told myself it was over. I thought, 'This is how I want to go out, I've accomplished everything.' what I want to achieve with my team and individually.' But I think at the end of the day, it was just an opportunity I couldn't pass up.”
Bryant said he looked forward to having the opportunity to enjoy his senior season and make new memories with his teammates. He added that his goal for 2025 was to “just try to do it again now.”
Bryant, 22, is already one of the most decorated gymnasts in school history and holds the program record for most perfect scores of 10.0 with 18, in addition to earning the highest all-around score (39.925). . This season, after winning the SEC overall title at the conference championships in March, she was named SEC Gymnast of the Year. She also won the 2024 AAI Award and is a finalist for the Honda Sport Award. She finished the regular season as the top-ranked athlete in the country, as well as tying for No. 1 on vault.
