Livvy Dunne’s Emotional Farewell to LSU Gymnastics Seniors
The LSU Tigers women’s gymnastics program just closed a historic chapter. Its legendary senior class is saying goodbye after rewriting the record books and putting the sport in the national spotlight.
This star-studded group—led by Livvy Dunne, Haleigh Bryant, and Aleah Finnegan—brought home LSU’s first-ever national championship in gymnastics. They also helped push women’s college gymnastics into the mainstream.
Dunne, a social media powerhouse and the wealthiest female NIL athlete in history, offered a heartfelt two-word response to LSU’s farewell post. It really marks the end of an era, both on and off the mat.
The Tigers didn’t manage back-to-back titles in the 2025 NCAA Championships semifinals. Still, their impact on the sport is going to stick around for a long time.
Check out the full story from Sports Illustrated.
The End of a Golden Era for LSU Gymnastics
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Not many programs in NCAA gymnastics history have changed as much as LSU’s in recent years. The senior class that just graduated delivered on the floor and changed how people see women’s college gymnastics.
From breaking attendance records to dominating social media, this group brought a new level of attention to the sport. They made gymnastics feel bigger, louder, and more fun.
In 2024, LSU finally captured its first national championship in gymnastics. The team entered 2025 hoping to repeat the feat, but after a strong run, they got eliminated in the semifinals.
Livvy Dunne: The NIL Trailblazer
At the forefront of LSU’s rise, Livvy Dunne made waves far beyond the gymnastics floor. As the most lucrative female NIL athlete ever, Dunne redefined what it means to be a student-athlete these days.
Her massive social media following, big-brand partnerships, and even her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit appearance made her a household name. Dunne’s last season at LSU was as much about celebrating her athletic career as it was about building her brand.
Her two-word response to LSU’s farewell post—*Forever LSU*—really sums up her loyalty and pride. You can tell she’s all in.
Haleigh Bryant’s Historic Career
While Dunne drew media attention, Haleigh Bryant quietly put together one of LSU’s most decorated gymnastics careers. In 2024, she became the individual all-around champion and secured her place among the NCAA’s best.
Bryant’s routines were technically sharp and packed with emotion. Her leadership and competitive drive helped anchor LSU’s success.
She inspired her teammates and fans with her consistency and passion. Her legacy at LSU is set.
Aleah Finnegan and the Championship Mindset
Aleah Finnegan played a huge role in LSU’s golden era. Her talent and competitive spirit were key during the Tigers’ championship run.
Finnegan’s routines blended artistry and precision. She delivered when it mattered most and helped secure LSU’s first national title.
With Dunne and Bryant, Finnegan helped build a culture of excellence within the program. That attitude should stick around for future LSU gymnasts.
The 2024 National Championship: A Defining Moment
The 2024 NCAA Gymnastics Championships became the peak of LSU’s journey. For years, the program had been close, but in 2024, they finally broke through.
The victory came from hard work, resilience, and a belief that they could do it. That championship brought pride to LSU and boosted the visibility of women’s college gymnastics nationwide.
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The Tigers became proof of what’s possible when talent and opportunity meet. It was a huge moment for the sport.
The Quest for Back-to-Back Titles
After their championship win, LSU entered 2025 with sky-high expectations. The senior class wanted to defend their crown and make history again.
The road to a repeat was tough. Despite strong performances all season, the Tigers fell short in the NCAA semifinals.
The ending stung, but their resilience and drive showed until the very last routine. Sometimes, that’s what you remember most.
Impact Beyond the Gym
This LSU senior class stood out for their impact beyond the competition floor. They used social media, NIL deals, and media appearances to shine a spotlight on women’s gymnastics.
Livvy Dunne, especially, became a cultural phenomenon. Her status as the wealthiest female NIL athlete proved women athletes can build big careers while still in college.
Her influence inspired a new generation of gymnasts to dream bigger—on the mat and in business. That’s something you don’t see every day.
The Broader Gymnastics Landscape
LSU’s rise happened alongside a bigger surge in NCAA gymnastics popularity. Other programs, like the UCLA Bruins led by Olympic champ Jordan Chiles, and the powerhouse Oklahoma Sooners—who grabbed their seventh national title in 2025—have helped the sport grow, too.
The competition is fierce, and right now feels like a golden age for women’s college gymnastics. More fans, more coverage, more sponsorships—what’s not to love?
What’s Next for LSU and Its Stars
Now that LSU’s legendary senior class is moving on, the program faces the challenge of building on their legacy. The foundation set by Dunne, Bryant, Finnegan, and their teammates gives future Tigers a blueprint for success.
For Livvy Dunne, her gymnastics career might be over, but she’s just getting started elsewhere. With a growing influencer and modeling career—including her work with Sports Illustrated—she’ll stay in the public eye.
It’s anyone’s guess how she’ll use her brand power without LSU gymnastics in the mix. But it’ll be interesting to watch.
A Lasting Legacy
LSU’s senior class brought home a national championship and set new standards for athletic and personal branding. They inspired a wave of young athletes to go for more.
Their legacy isn’t just about medals or titles—it’s about raising the bar for the sport. As the next generation steps up, you can bet this group’s influence will stick around in every routine and every meet.
Final Thoughts
Saying goodbye to LSU’s senior gymnastics class isn’t just about wrapping up another season. It really feels like we’re closing out a historic chapter in college sports.
Haleigh Bryant’s dominance stands out, and Livvy Dunne’s cultural influence is hard to ignore. This group has made a real mark on the sport—one that’s not fading anytime soon.
Fans are bound to remember this era as a turning point for women’s college gymnastics. The sport just exploded with new popularity, professionalism, and a sense of prestige that wasn’t there before.
For LSU, there’s always that familiar rallying cry: Forever LSU.