LSU Tigers Gold Girls has been crowned the world’s best by ESPN after a stunning, record-breaking performance that captivated a global audience, showcasing unmatched athleticism and elevating the sport to new heights with their groundbreaking routine

In a moment that electrified fans, stunned judges, and sent waves of pride across Louisiana and beyond, the LSU Tigers Gold Girls have been crowned the world’s best by ESPN following a performance that redefined excellence, shattered records, and lifted collegiate dance to previously unimagined heights. With elegance, precision, and raw athleticism, the Gold Girls captivated a global audience, delivering a routine that will be remembered as one of the most iconic and transformative displays in the history of the sport.

The historic declaration came at the close of the 2025 World Collegiate Performance Summit, where the LSU Gold Girls competed against the elite from around the globe. Held in Los Angeles and broadcast across ESPN’s global platforms, the event drew millions of viewers. But it was the LSU squad—draped in their trademark gold and purple, eyes blazing with focus—who emerged not only victorious, but revered.

ESPN’s broadcast team, flanked by professional dancers, sports analysts, and Olympic judges, praised the performance in near-unanimous awe. Lead commentator Cheryl Stevens, a former U.S. rhythmic gymnast and current ESPN choreographic analyst, called it “a generational moment.” She continued: “What we witnessed wasn’t just a dance routine—it was a cultural event. The LSU Gold Girls elevated the art, shattered preconceived limits, and left an indelible mark on the world stage.”

From the moment the team stepped onto the floor, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. LSU’s fan base, always fervent, had made its presence known in the arena, while social media buzzed with excitement. As the music swelled—an original orchestral-hip-hop fusion arranged by Louisiana artists—the Gold Girls exploded into motion. In just over four minutes, they executed an intricate 216-move routine blending classical ballet foundations, contemporary street style, and acrobatic elements that bordered on Olympic-caliber gymnastics.

The routine’s climax featured a synchronized aerial lift-and-spin sequence performed at full tempo—something never before seen in collegiate or professional dance. Eight dancers, hoisted into mid-air by teammates moving in perfect rhythmic formation, rotated simultaneously across two axes before landing in a collective reverse tumble, all without a single misstep. The crowd roared as cameras caught judges exchanging looks of astonishment.

At the center of the performance was captain Alanna Rhodes, a senior from Lafayette, Louisiana, whose grace under pressure and emotional expressiveness turned the performance into a narrative masterpiece. Her solo section, a fluid 18-second display of floorwork, turns, and lyrical extension, brought tears to many in attendance. Later, she would admit she didn’t remember the cheers until the routine ended. “I was so locked in,” she said. “I just wanted to give the world everything LSU had in its heart.”

The Gold Girls were founded as part of LSU’s Golden Band from Tigerland tradition but have in recent years evolved into one of the most elite collegiate dance organizations in the country. Under the direction of head coach Monica Lattimore, now in her sixth year, the program has seen exponential growth—not just in skill and exposure, but in innovation. Lattimore’s vision has always extended beyond competition, aiming to blend art, identity, and athleticism into something that inspires.

“This isn’t just about dancing,” she said after the win. “It’s about telling stories through movement. It’s about making people feel seen, represented, and empowered. We’re proud to be from LSU. We’re proud to be from the South. And we’re proud to stand for something bigger than ourselves.”

That sense of purpose was evident throughout the Gold Girls’ performance season, which included stops in Atlanta, New York, London, and Tokyo. Their tour, dubbed “Bayou to the World,” became a social media sensation, with viral clips accumulating over 150 million views across platforms. One sequence from their New York Times Square performance was even featured during the Grammy Awards, a first for any collegiate team.

Their competitive record speaks for itself. In 2025 alone, they earned first-place honors at the National Collegiate Spirit Competition, the World Performance Championship in Tokyo, and now the World Collegiate Summit. In each case, the LSU Gold Girls outpaced teams with traditionally larger international followings, proving that excellence and innovation still matter most when the spotlight hits.

What makes the team so unique, say analysts, is its ability to balance traditional precision with unorthodox flair. “They don’t just master the fundamentals,” said ESPN judge and former Cirque du Soleil choreographer Alonzo Vega. “They rewrite the language. You don’t just watch them—you feel them.”

The team’s journey to global acclaim hasn’t been without struggle. Many of the current dancers balance rigorous academic schedules, part-time jobs, and training regimens that push the limits of human endurance. Practices regularly begin at 5:30 a.m. and continue well into the evening, often followed by weight training, recovery therapy, and team film sessions. “There are no shortcuts here,” said sophomore performer Shayla Middleton. “We train like athletes, because we are athletes.”

And they’re also advocates. In 2023, the Gold Girls became one of the first dance teams in the country to adopt mental health officers on their leadership staff. They’ve been vocal about the pressures of performing under a national spotlight, especially in the age of online criticism. Team leaders regularly speak at middle schools and community centers about self-confidence, resilience, and the importance of sisterhood.

The 2025 team featured 28 women, representing eight states and three countries, all bound by a fierce loyalty to each other and their school. As Lattimore says, “We bleed gold, but we move as one.” Among them were pre-med students, fashion majors, business scholars, and aspiring lawyers. Their diversity—of background, body type, and voice—has become one of their hallmarks and part of their broad appeal.

After ESPN’s announcement, LSU’s campus erupted in celebration. Hundreds of students flooded the Parade Ground, waving gold pom-poms and singing the Alma Mater as campus bells rang out. The Tiger Band played a spontaneous set outside the student union, and LSU President Dr. William Tate issued a university-wide statement calling the Gold Girls “the global standard of grace, excellence, and Louisiana fire.”

Louisiana Governor Madeleine Landrieu congratulated the team in a press conference, stating, “The Gold Girls have not only made LSU and our state proud—they’ve made history. Their impact transcends sport. They’ve redefined what’s possible for young women everywhere.”

Even the sports world chimed in. Saints quarterback and LSU alum Jayden Daniels tweeted, “Gold Girls > everyone else. That’s Louisiana greatness in motion.” Gymnastics icon Simone Biles posted on Instagram, “Still crying. Still stunned. LSU Gold Girls, you are magic.”

The Gold Girls will now return to Baton Rouge with more than just medals. A global exhibition tour is already being planned for 2026, with confirmed stops in Paris, Johannesburg, São Paulo, and Dubai. ESPN also announced the creation of a new annual award: The Gold Standard, given to the most impactful team performance across all NCAA sports. Fittingly, the inaugural honor goes to LSU.

But amid all the headlines and hashtags, the team remains focused on what truly matters: each other. As the celebrations died down, the dancers gathered quietly in their hotel hallway, arms linked, singing their unofficial team song, a rendition of “Louisiana Woman.” For them, the journey wasn’t just about winning—it was about rising, together.

“We came here as dancers,” said senior performer Karissa Wells, “but we leave as world-changers.”

With the world now watching, one thing is certain: the LSU Tigers Gold Girls have not only set a new bar—they’ve become the bar.