LSU Makes History: Tigers Clinch First-Ever NCAA Women’s Gymnastics National Championship
The LSU gymnastics program has reached the pinnacle of collegiate sports, capturing its first-ever NCAA national championship on Saturday, April 20, 2024. In a high-stakes battle at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, the Tigers delivered a powerhouse performance to secure the title, becoming only the eighth program in NCAA history to win the women’s gymnastics championship.
LSU finished the competition with a total score of 198.225, edging out a fierce field that included California, Utah, and Florida. The victory was defined by a dramatic final rotation on the balance beam, where the Tigers overcame a slim deficit to claim the crown.
A Record-Breaking Finish on Beam
Entering the fourth and final rotation, LSU trailed Utah by a narrow 0.0375 points. The pressure was immense, but the Tigers responded with the most dominant beam performance in program history. The team posted a 49.7625, which not only stands as a school record but also set a new NCAA Championship record for the event.
The momentum began with Sierra Ballard, who set the tone with a 9.95. Despite a fall by Savannah Schoneherr, the team remained composed. Freshman Konnor McClain delivered a meet-leading score of 9.9625, while seniors Kiya Johnson and Haleigh Bryant both posted 9.95s. The historic victory was sealed by Aleah Finnegan, who delivered a clutch 9.95 to lock in the championship.
Individual Excellence and All-Around Dominance
While the team title was the primary goal, LSU’s individual athletes cemented their legacies during the finals. Haleigh Bryant, the 2024 NCAA All-Around Champion, tied for the best all-around score of the meet with a 39.7125, sharing the honor with Cal’s eMjae Frazier. Bryant also secured a top score on vault with a 9.9500.
The Tigers’ success wasn’t limited to the beam. LSU established early dominance on the floor, scoring a 49.6125—the highest score in a championship final in school history. This effort was led by freshmen Amari Drayton (9.9125) and Konnor McClain (9.925), alongside Aleah Finnegan (9.9125) and the veteran leadership of Bryant, and Johnson.
Final Standings and Competition Results
The 2024 championship was a tightly contested race. While LSU took the gold, California put up a dominant performance on the bars to finish second, trailing the Tigers by only 0.375 points. Utah, which held the lead after the third rotation, ultimately fell to third place, while Florida rounded out the top four.
| Rank | Team | Total Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LSU | 198.225 |
| 2 | California | 197.850 |
| 3 | Utah | 197.800 |
| 4 | Florida | 197.4375 |
Key Takeaways from the 2024 Championship
- Historic Milestone: LSU is now one of only eight programs to ever win the NCAA women’s gymnastics national title.
- Event Records: LSU set an NCAA Championship record on the beam with a team score of 49.7625.
- All-Around Stars: Haleigh Bryant and eMjae Frazier tied for the best all-around score of 39.7125.
- Clutch Performance: Aleah Finnegan’s 9.95 on the beam served as the deciding routine for the victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2024 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship?
LSU won the 2024 NC women’s gymnastics national title, marking the first national championship in the program’s history.
Where was the championship held?
The finals took place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
Who was the top individual performer for LSU?
Haleigh Bryant was a standout, winning the 2024 NCAA All-Around title and tying for the best all-around score of the finals with a 39.7125.
What was the winning score for LSU?
LSU claimed the title with a total score of 198.225.
With this landmark victory, LSU has transitioned from a perennial contender to a national champion. The combination of freshman talent and senior experience has established a new standard for the program, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape of collegiate gymnastics.
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