Good News: LSU freshman gymnast Kailin Chio has been named the 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Year, with three other Tigers All-SEC selections Read more at…..

LSU freshman gymnast Kailin Chio has been named the 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Year, highlighting a remarkable debut season that has significantly contributed to the Tigers’ success. Alongside Chio, three other LSU gymnasts—Haleigh Bryant, Aleah Finnegan, and Ashley Cowan—have earned All-SEC honors, underscoring the team’s depth and talent.

Kailin Chio’s Stellar Freshman Campaign

Hailing from Henderson, Nevada, Chio has made an immediate impact in collegiate gymnastics. Throughout the 2025 season, she has consistently delivered top-tier performances, earning her the SEC Freshman of the Year accolade. This honor is determined by a vote of the conference’s head coaches and reflects Chio’s standing as a leading freshman gymnast both within the SEC and nationally.

Chio’s achievements include breaking the SEC record for the most Freshman of the Week honors in a single season, securing the award nine times. This milestone surpasses the previous record and highlights her consistent excellence across multiple events.

In a notable performance against No. 10 Georgia, Chio achieved an all-around score of 39.800, tying for the second-highest in the nation that season. Her event scores were equally impressive: 9.950 on vault, 9.925 on bars, 9.950 on beam, and 9.975 on floor.

All-SEC Honorees: Bryant, Finnegan, and Cowan

In addition to Chio’s recognition, three other LSU gymnasts have been named to the All-SEC team:

Haleigh Bryant: A junior from North Carolina, Bryant has been a cornerstone for the Tigers, delivering high scores across all events. Her consistency and leadership have been instrumental in LSU’s achievements this season.

Aleah Finnegan: An Olympian representing the Philippines, Finnegan has showcased her international experience, particularly excelling in the all-around competition. Her performances have been pivotal in securing key victories for LSU.

Ashley Cowan: A junior specializing in bars and beam, Cowan’s contributions have been vital to the team’s overall score. Her precision and artistry have earned her a well-deserved spot on the All-SEC team.

LSU’s Team Success

The individual accolades complement a season of significant team achievements for LSU Gymnastics. The Tigers clinched the 2025 SEC Regular Season Championship, marking their third title in program history and their first since 2018. This accomplishment was secured with a victory over No. 14 Auburn, where LSU posted a score of 198.200 to Auburn’s 197.550.

The team’s success is a testament to the synergy between experienced upperclassmen and dynamic newcomers like Chio. The blend of leadership and fresh talent has propelled LSU to the forefront of collegiate gymnastics.

Looking Ahead

As the postseason approaches, LSU Gymnastics is poised to build upon its regular-season success. The combination of seasoned athletes and standout freshmen positions the Tigers as formidable contenders in upcoming competitions.

Kailin Chio’s recognition as SEC Freshman of the Year, along with the All-SEC honors for Bryant, Finnegan, and Cowan, not only celebrates individual excellence but also highlights the collective strength of the LSU gymnastics program. These accolades reflect the dedication, hard work, and talent that define the team’s pursuit of excellence.

As they advance into the postseason, the Tigers aim to continue their impressive performances, striving for further success on the national stage.