Former LSU Gymnastics Star Haleigh Bryant Joins Coaching Staff

Bryant, the most decorated gymnast in LSU history, transitions to assistant head coach role

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:07pm

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Haleigh Bryant, the most decorated gymnast in LSU Gymnastics history, has joined the coaching staff as an assistant head coach. After a standout collegiate career that included a national championship, two individual NCAA titles, five SEC championships, and 33 All-American honors, Bryant is now helping guide the next generation of Tigers gymnasts.

Why it matters

Bryant's transition from star athlete to assistant coach is a significant move for the LSU Gymnastics program, as her experience and leadership will be invaluable in helping the team navigate a period of transition with several new gymnasts joining the squad. Her presence is expected to be a major boost in recruiting and connecting with the current team.

The details

Bryant finished her collegiate career as one of the most decorated gymnasts in LSU and NCAA history. She decided to stay with the program and pursue a coaching role, with head coach Jay Clark praising her administrative skills and ability to connect with recruits and current team members. The Tigers are welcoming seven new gymnasts for the 2026 season, and Bryant is excited about the potential of the group despite the team's disappointing finish at last year's NCAA Championships.

  • Haleigh Bryant completed her collegiate gymnastics career in 2025.
  • Bryant joined the LSU Gymnastics coaching staff as an assistant head coach in 2026.

The players

Haleigh Bryant

The most decorated gymnast in LSU Gymnastics history, Bryant is now an assistant head coach for the program after a standout career that included a national championship, two individual NCAA titles, five SEC championships, and 33 All-American honors.

Jay Clark

The head coach of LSU Gymnastics, Clark praised Bryant's administrative skills and ability to connect with recruits and current team members as she transitions into a coaching role.

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What they’re saying

“I talked to Jay prior to getting this job that I wanted to coach college gymnastics, and he was going to help me in any way he could. Then it just kind of happened—the position opened up, and he asked me if this was something I wanted to do, and I obviously said yes right away because this is my home. I love the staff here, all the resources, I love everything that LSU is.”

— Haleigh Bryant

“Haleigh has really jumped in feet first in terms of the administrative responsibilities day in and day out. Recruiting—it's been huge. When we walk into a living room and Haleigh Bryant is with us, they react like that crowd did tonight when she got announced.”

— Jay Clark, Head Coach, LSU Gymnastics

“The team has bought into having her as their coach, and that doesn't happen if she doesn't have that character. You know, a lot of times people are ready to see them go, but they're not ready to see Haleigh Bryant go.”

— Jay Clark, Head Coach, LSU Gymnastics

What’s next

LSU Gymnastics will travel to Columbia, Missouri to face the Missouri Tigers on Friday.

The takeaway

Haleigh Bryant's transition from star gymnast to assistant coach at LSU showcases her deep commitment to the program and the trust the coaching staff has in her to help guide the next generation of Tigers gymnasts. Her presence is expected to be a major asset in recruiting and connecting with the team during a period of transition.