LSU must deal with difficult questions regarding team depth now that Olivia Dunne is back.

LSy’s Must Deal with Difficult Questions Regarding Team Depth Now That Olivia Dunne Is Back

As the LSU gymnastics team enters the 2025 season, they are facing a unique set of challenges, one of which is how to manage their roster depth now that superstar Olivia Dunne has returned to competition. Dunne, who has been a dominant force for the LSU Tigers, is undeniably one of the most recognizable names in the sport, not only for her incredible gymnastics skills but also for her large social media following. Her return to the mat has been eagerly anticipated by fans and the team alike, but it also raises several important questions regarding LSU’s team dynamics, depth, and overall performance.

With her reentry into competition, LSU now faces the challenge of balancing individual talent and team performance. The question of how to manage their gymnastics lineup, maximize their depth, and ensure that they are firing on all cylinders for the duration of the season has taken center stage for the Tigers. While the return of an athlete of Dunne’s caliber is a boon for the team, it is also forcing LSU to consider some difficult questions about how to keep the lineup fresh, avoid burnout, and prevent overshadowing the contributions of other talented gymnasts.

This article will explore how LSU gymnastics must navigate the challenges presented by Olivia Dunne’s return, the impact it has on the team’s depth, and the strategies that will be crucial to the Tigers’ success in 2025.

Olivia Dunne’s Return: A Game-Changer for LSU

Olivia Dunne’s return to the LSU gymnastics team is nothing short of a game-changer. A decorated gymnast, Dunne is widely regarded as one of the top talents in collegiate gymnastics. She’s earned a reputation for her powerful performances and exceptional skills on both the floor exercise and vault. Her abilities have made her one of the most prominent gymnasts in the NCAA, and she’s frequently a centerpiece for LSU in both individual and team competitions.

But Dunne is not just an outstanding gymnast; her influence goes beyond her performances on the mat. As one of the most famous athletes in the world, thanks to her massive social media following, Dunne brings an added layer of visibility to the LSU program. Her presence has helped elevate the profile of LSU gymnastics, generating additional attention and bringing increased fan engagement. Her return, however, also places a greater burden on the team’s coaching staff to balance expectations and foster a sense of unity among all the gymnasts, particularly given the depth of talent on the roster.

Dunne’s return after an injury-filled 2024 season also comes with high expectations. Many are hoping that she will lead LSU back to national championship contention, but as the season progresses, the team will need to answer some important questions about how to best use her talents and ensure that she does not bear too much of the burden on her own.

Team Depth: A Blessing and a Curse

While Olivia Dunne’s return is a welcome boost for LSU gymnastics, it also underscores the challenge of managing the team’s depth. LSU has been fortunate to have a talented roster, with gymnasts like Kiya Johnson, Haleigh Bryant, and Aleah Finnegan, among others, all playing vital roles in their success. Each athlete brings unique skills to the table, and collectively, they’ve helped LSU remain competitive in the nation’s toughest gymnastics conference, the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

However, with Dunne back in the mix, head coach Jay Clark and the LSU staff must make tough decisions about who will fill the crucial spots on each event. NCAA gymnastics has a limited number of spots available for each gymnast in each rotation, and teams must carefully balance their athletes to ensure that they are putting forth the best possible lineup while also keeping everyone healthy and motivated.

A team with depth is typically a strength, but it can also create internal tensions if not managed properly. Dunne’s return places pressure on her teammates to maintain their performance levels while not letting the superstar overshadow their contributions. While LSU’s gymnasts are all highly capable athletes, Dunne’s success on the floor may unintentionally cast a shadow over their individual performances, despite their own outstanding talents.

From a coaching standpoint, managing team depth is always a balancing act. Coaches must ensure that each gymnast is given opportunities to shine while also recognizing the team-oriented nature of the sport. It’s not simply about individual success, but rather how those successes contribute to the collective performance of the team. With Dunne’s star power, it will be essential for LSU’s coaches to cultivate an environment where every gymnast feels valued, heard, and part of the team’s journey.

The Challenge of Maintaining Team Chemistry

One of the most challenging aspects of managing depth when an athlete of Olivia Dunne’s caliber returns is ensuring team chemistry remains intact. Gymnastics is an individual sport performed in a team setting, and while the athletes compete for individual titles and scores, they also need to work together as a unit to achieve team success. For LSU, this dynamic is critical—particularly as they pursue their goal of winning an NCAA championship.

In recent seasons, LSU has prided itself on its close-knit team culture, with gymnasts supporting one another both on and off the floor. This camaraderie has been a key factor in the team’s success, with athletes like Kiya Johnson and Haleigh Bryant leading by example with their leadership and ability to motivate their teammates. The addition of a high-profile athlete like Dunne could threaten to disrupt this balance if not handled carefully.

While Dunne is undoubtedly an exceptional gymnast, her return means more attention, more pressure, and more expectations placed on her shoulders. For LSU’s other gymnasts, the challenge will be learning how to coexist with Dunne and thrive in the spotlight without feeling overshadowed. The goal for the team is to ensure that everyone’s strengths are showcased and that no one feels sidelined in the process.

Maintaining a sense of unity and teamwork will require constant communication between coaches and athletes. Coach Jay Clark and his staff will need to emphasize collaboration and ensure that every gymnast understands their role in the team’s overall success. Whether they are competing in front of a national audience or practicing behind closed doors, fostering a supportive atmosphere will be key to ensuring that LSU can maximize its potential with all its gymnasts contributing to the team’s success.

Managing Injury Concerns and Fatigue

A significant challenge for LSU as it looks to maximize the potential of its roster is managing the physical and mental toll that a long season can take on its gymnasts. Injuries are a constant concern in the sport, and as the season progresses, managing fatigue will be critical, particularly as the Tigers aim for an NCAA championship.

Olivia Dunne, having battled through injuries in the past, is a prime example of how quickly things can change in gymnastics. While her return is encouraging, the team must remain vigilant about monitoring her workload and ensuring that she is not overexerting herself. For LSU, keeping Dunne healthy throughout the season is imperative to their success, but this is also true for their other key athletes. It will be essential for the coaching staff to manage their gymnasts’ routines to prevent injury, balance workloads, and ensure that the entire team is peaking at the right time.

Maintaining this balance is not easy, as gymnasts often push their bodies to their limits in search of perfection. However, if LSU can avoid injuries and allow its athletes to recover physically and mentally, they will have a much better chance of making a deep run into the postseason and achieving their ultimate goal of a national title.

The Road to the NCAA Championship: What Lies Ahead for LSU?

As LSU looks toward the 2025 NCAA gymnastics season, the return of Olivia Dunne undoubtedly gives them an edge over many of their competitors. The Tigers are one of the most consistently successful programs in collegiate gymnastics, and Dunne’s return strengthens their already loaded roster.

However, the key to LSU’s success will lie in how well they manage the challenges that come with her return. The depth of the roster is a blessing, but it will only work to their advantage if they can strike the right balance between individual performance and team unity. LSU will need to maintain consistency, keep their gymnasts healthy, and foster an environment where everyone feels like they are contributing to the team’s success.

The competition in the SEC and across the nation will be fierce. Top-tier programs such as Oklahoma, Florida, and Michigan will provide stiff competition, and LSU will need to be at its best to stay ahead of the pack. But with the right focus on team chemistry, smart coaching, and the undeniable talent of Olivia Dunne, the Tigers remain one of the favorites to contend for the national title.