Good News: LSU Gymnast Aleah Finnegan Named Finalist for Prestigious 2025 AAI Award making her the most..

In a remarkable culmination to her collegiate gymnastics career, LSU senior Aleah Finnegan has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2025 AAI Award, an honor bestowed upon the nation’s top senior female gymnast by American Athletic, Inc.

A Journey of Excellence

Finnegan’s path to this accolade has been marked by consistent excellence and dedication. Beginning her journey with the LSU Tigers in the 2021–2022 season, she quickly showcased her prowess on the balance beam, scoring a 9.875 in her collegiate debut against Georgia. Her performance at the SEC Championships that year further underscored her potential, as she secured a seventh-place finish with a score of 9.925.

Rising Through the Ranks

The 2022–2023 season witnessed Finnegan’s meteoric rise. She achieved her first perfect 10 on the floor exercise against Georgia on February 3, 2023. Demonstrating her versatility, she earned another perfect 10 on vault just a week later against Auburn, outperforming Olympic champion Sunisa Lee with an all-around score of 39.8. Her third consecutive perfect 10 came on the balance beam in a meet against the No. 2 Florida Gators, leading LSU to a significant upset victory. At the SEC Championships, Finnegan’s 9.950 on the floor exercise secured her a second-place finish, a feat she replicated at the NCAA Championships.

A Historic Senior Year

Finnegan’s senior year has been nothing short of historic. On February 16, 2024, she earned her fifth career perfect 10 on the floor exercise in a meet against Auburn. The following week, she repeated this achievement in an away meet against Florida. Her contributions were pivotal at the SEC Championships, where she delivered strong performances on vault, balance beam, and floor exercise, aiding LSU in clinching the SEC conference title.

During the NCAA Championship semifinals, Finnegan’s floor exercise score of 9.9625 earned her an individual national title and propelled LSU into the championship final. In the decisive moments of the championship, her scores of 9.9125 on floor exercise and 9.8375 on vault set the stage. Anchoring the balance beam rotation, Finnegan’s 9.950 secured LSU’s first national championship title in program history.

The AAI Award Nomination

The AAI Award, often referred to as the “Heisman Trophy of Gymnastics,” recognizes not only athletic excellence but also leadership, academic achievement, and contributions to the sport. Finnegan’s nomination places her among an elite group of 19 gymnasts nationwide. Notably, she stands alongside fellow finalists such as Oklahoma’s Jordan Bowers and Audrey Davis, Oregon State’s Jade Carey, Florida’s Leanne Wong, and Utah’s Grace McCallum.

Teammate Support and Legacy

The nomination has garnered widespread acclaim, including from LSU teammate Olivia Dunne, who expressed her pride and support for Finnegan’s achievement. This camaraderie underscores the strong bonds within the LSU gymnastics team, a factor that has undoubtedly contributed to their collective success.

As Finnegan approaches the culmination of her collegiate gymnastics journey, her legacy is firmly established. Her dedication, resilience, and exceptional performances have not only elevated LSU’s gymnastics program but have also inspired countless aspiring gymnasts. The AAI Award nomination serves as a fitting acknowledgment of her contributions and achievements.

Looking Ahead

With the 2025 season underway, LSU gymnastics continues to captivate audiences, drawing record-breaking crowds and fostering a robust community support system. As the team aims to defend its national title, Finnegan’s leadership and experience remain invaluable assets.

In conclusion, Aleah Finnegan’s journey is a testament to the heights that can be achieved through unwavering dedication and passion. Her story serves as an inspiration, not only within the realm of gymnastics but across the broader spectrum of collegiate athletics.