Finnegan is a finalist for the 2025 AAI Award.

Finnegan Named 2025 AAI Award Finalist: A Journey of Excellence in Gymnastics

The prestigious AAI Award is one of the most highly coveted honors in collegiate gymnastics, recognizing the top gymnast in the nation for their athleticism, dedication, and overall impact on the sport. In 2025, the award’s finalist list includes a standout from LSU, the Louisiana State University Tigers gymnastics team—Sophomore Finnegan. Her performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular, and her inclusion as a finalist for the AAI Award is a well-deserved recognition of her talent, discipline, and leadership.

In this article, we will dive into Finnegan’s rise to the top of collegiate gymnastics, explore her incredible season at LSU, analyze her achievements, and discuss what makes her such a unique and deserving candidate for this honor. We will also examine the significance of the AAI Award and what it means for the future of gymnastics at LSU and beyond.

The AAI Award: What It Represents

The AAI Award is one of the highest individual honors in NCAA gymnastics. Named after the American Athletic, Inc. (AAI), the award is given annually to the nation’s top gymnast, who exemplifies excellence both on and off the competition floor. The recipient is chosen based on a combination of athletic achievement, leadership, and contribution to the sport—making it not just a recognition of raw talent but also a testament to a gymnast’s impact on their team, their school, and the larger gymnastics community.

The finalists for the AAI Award are typically athletes who have not only dominated at the collegiate level but have also showcased immense dedication and sportsmanship. Over the years, this award has been given to some of the most iconic gymnasts in NCAA history, including some whose names have become synonymous with excellence in the sport. To be named a finalist for the AAI Award is a rare honor, one that reflects years of hard work, resilience, and passion for gymnastics.

For Finnegan, being named a finalist is the culmination of a standout career at LSU. However, her journey to this point is marked by determination, overcoming challenges, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Finnegan’s Rise to Prominence: The Journey to LSU

Born and raised in Louisiana, Finnegan was introduced to gymnastics at a young age, and it quickly became clear that she had an extraordinary talent for the sport. From the moment she stepped into the gym, her coaches and family could see that she possessed not only the physical abilities required for gymnastics but also the mental fortitude and discipline that would take her far in her career.

Her early years in gymnastics were marked by consistent improvement, with Finnegan quickly rising through the ranks at the junior level. She was known for her smooth and fluid routines, her ability to perform complex skills with grace, and her commitment to perfecting every aspect of her performance. By the time she entered high school, she was already a force to be reckoned with, winning numerous regional and national championships and earning a reputation as one of the top prospects in the country.

Finnegan’s success at the junior level garnered significant attention from college recruiters across the nation, but it was her home-state program, LSU, that ultimately secured her commitment. The Tigers, who have long been a powerhouse in collegiate gymnastics, saw in Finnegan the potential to elevate the program to new heights. Her combination of power, precision, and poise made her a perfect fit for LSU’s demanding gymnastics program.

Her decision to stay close to home and compete for LSU was a significant moment for the program, as it added a top-tier talent to an already talented roster. Finnegan’s arrival at LSU marked the beginning of what would become an incredibly successful career.

Finnegan’s Impact at LSU: A Sophomore Sensation

Finnegan wasted no time making her mark at LSU. In her freshman year, she quickly became one of the standout performers for the Tigers, contributing to the team’s success in numerous events and earning accolades for her impressive routines. From the vault to the floor exercise, Finnegan displayed the kind of consistency and high-level performance that is expected of the best gymnasts in the country.

However, it was her remarkable balance beam routine that truly showcased her versatility and ability to perform under pressure. Finnegan’s balance beam performances were a major highlight of LSU’s season, with her routine becoming one of the most anticipated moments of every meet. Her ability to combine precision, flexibility, and artistry made her one of the top gymnasts in the nation in this event.

Finnegan’s sophomore season has been even more exceptional. She has consistently been one of the top performers for LSU, earning perfect 10s and top rankings in nearly every event she participates in. Her performances on the vault have been explosive, with her dynamic power and form making her one of the most dangerous gymnasts in the NCAA. On the floor exercise, her energy and charisma have electrified fans, helping LSU achieve some of the highest team scores in the nation.

Perhaps most impressively, Finnegan has maintained a high level of consistency throughout the season, often leading LSU to victory in pivotal moments. Whether it was her strong performance at the SEC Championships or her consistent showings at regular-season meets, Finnegan has proven to be a cornerstone of LSU’s gymnastics program. Her ability to deliver under pressure and lead by example has solidified her place as one of the nation’s elite gymnasts.

Key Achievements and Milestones in Finnegan’s Career

Finnegan’s impressive resume includes numerous accolades and milestones that demonstrate her excellence as a gymnast. Here are some of the key highlights from her career thus far:

• Multiple Perfect 10s: Finnegan has earned perfect 10s on several occasions throughout her career, cementing her reputation as one of the most dynamic and consistent gymnasts in the NCAA.
• SEC All-Around Champion: Finnegan won the prestigious SEC All-Around Championship, showcasing her well-rounded skills and ability to dominate across multiple events.
• NCAA Regional Champion: She has been a key contributor to LSU’s success in the NCAA Regionals, helping the Tigers secure top finishes and qualifying for national championships.
• All-SEC Honors: Finnegan has been named to the All-SEC team in her first two seasons, an honor that recognizes her performance in conference meets.
• NCAA Championship Appearance: As a key member of LSU’s team, Finnegan has helped the Tigers qualify for NCAA Championship appearances, contributing to the team’s success on the national stage.

Beyond these awards, Finnegan has earned the respect of her coaches and teammates for her leadership, work ethic, and relentless drive for excellence. She has become a role model for younger gymnasts, demonstrating that success is not just about talent but also about the hours of practice, the commitment to improvement, and the ability to rise above adversity.

Why Finnegan Is a Deserving AAI Award Finalist

Being named a finalist for the AAI Award is a huge honor, and it is a recognition that is reserved for only the best gymnasts in the nation. Finnegan’s performance this season has been nothing short of exceptional, and her inclusion as a finalist is a testament to her skill, dedication, and impact on the sport of gymnastics.

What sets Finnegan apart from other gymnasts is her well-rounded skill set. She has consistently excelled in multiple events, from the vault to the balance beam to the floor exercise. Her ability to deliver flawless routines across such a diverse set of disciplines speaks to her versatility and mastery of the sport.

Moreover, Finnegan’s leadership and ability to perform under pressure have made her an invaluable asset to LSU. She is not just a performer; she is a leader who inspires her teammates to push themselves to new heights. Her positive attitude and unwavering commitment to the team have made her one of the most respected athletes in the NCAA.

In addition to her athleticism, Finnegan’s academic achievements and dedication to personal growth further solidify her candidacy for the AAI Award. She has balanced her rigorous training schedule with a commitment to her studies, exemplifying the true definition of a student-athlete. Her contributions to the LSU gymnastics program extend beyond the competition floor, as she has become a role model for young gymnasts and a positive influence on her peers.

Looking Ahead: Finnegan’s Future in Gymnastics

As Finnegan continues to excel in her sophomore season, the future looks incredibly bright for this talented gymnast. Whether she ultimately wins the AAI Award or not, her impact on LSU’s gymnastics program is undeniable. She is a rising star in the world of collegiate gymnastics, and her continued success will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of athletes.

After college, Finnegan has the potential to make an impact at the international level, with the possibility of competing in World Championships and Olympic Games. Her talent, work ethic, and passion for gymnastics make her a strong candidate for future international competition, and many experts believe she has the ability to compete with the best gymnasts in the world.