Haleigh Bryant, a pivotal figure in LSU’s gymnastics history, has been instrumental in elevating the program to national prominence. Her exceptional performances, including leading the Tigers to their first NCAA championship in 2024, have set high expectations for the 2025 season.
However, as the season commenced, Bryant was notably absent from the lineup due to an injury. Head Coach Jay Clark addressed concerns regarding her condition, providing insights into her rehabilitation process and the team’s strategy moving forward.
Bryant’s Injury and Rehabilitation
Bryant sustained an injury to her ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in her elbow, a critical ligament that connects the upper arm bone to the forearm bone. This type of injury significantly impacts an athlete’s ability to perform upper-body movements essential in gymnastics. Coach Clark emphasized the importance of a cautious approach to her recovery, stating, “We’ve just got to be judicious in our process and make sure that we don’t go too fast.”
Despite the setback, Bryant’s rehabilitation has shown promising progress. Coach Clark noted, “She’s doing more with the arm, and testing it, and so far, so good. There’s been no negative response from anything.” While optimistic about her return, he refrained from providing a specific timeline, underscoring the necessity of allowing adequate time for healing to prevent further complications.
Team Dynamics in Bryant’s Absence
The LSU Tigers began their 2025 season with a victory over Iowa, achieving a score of 197.300 to 194.100. This success was achieved without Bryant’s participation, highlighting the team’s depth and resilience. Coach Clark expressed satisfaction with the performance, stating, “I felt really good about it.”
In Bryant’s absence, other gymnasts have stepped up to fill the void. Notably, Konnor McClain made a commendable return after recovering from a previous injury, contributing significantly on the balance beam. Additionally, Olivia Dunne delivered a strong performance, both scoring 9.825 on their respective routines. These efforts have been crucial in maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
Bryant’s Anticipated Return
Bryant’s return is highly anticipated, given her remarkable achievements and leadership within the team. Her accolades include being named the 2024 SEC Gymnast of the Year and winning the AAI Award, which honors the nation’s top senior gymnast. Her decision to return for a fifth year was driven by her love for the sport and commitment to the team, stating, “I really just wanted to give it one more go with (Jay Clark) and try to go back-to-back now.”
Coach Clark remains hopeful about her return, expressing, “I’m optimistic that it’ll be sooner than later.” However, he reiterated the importance of a careful rehabilitation process to ensure her long-term health and performance capabilities.
While Haleigh Bryant’s injury presents a challenge for the LSU Tigers, Coach Jay Clark’s prudent approach to her rehabilitation reflects a commitment to her well-being and the team’s sustained success. The collective efforts of the team in her absence demonstrate resilience and depth, maintaining their competitive stance as they await the return of their star gymnast.
