News flash: Kailin Chio, a freshman gymnast at LSU, has been selected as the 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Year.
LSU freshman gymnast Kailin Chio has been named the 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Year, marking a historic achievement in her debut season with the Tigers. This prestigious honor highlights her exceptional performances and contributions to LSU Gymnastics throughout the season.
Kailin Chio hails from Henderson, Nevada, and began her gymnastics journey at a young age. Her dedication and talent quickly propelled her through the ranks, earning her recognition as one of the top gymnasts in the nation. Before joining LSU, Chio was a standout at the club level, where she garnered numerous accolades and set multiple records. Her transition to collegiate gymnastics was highly anticipated, and she has certainly lived up to the expectations.
In her first season with LSU, Chio made an immediate impact. She showcased her versatility and skill across all four events—vault, bars, beam, and floor—consistently earning high scores and contributing to the team’s success. Her performances were not only impressive but also historic.
One of the highlights of Chio’s season was her perfect 10.0 on vault, achieved during the regular season finale against No. 14 Auburn. This made her the first freshman in the country to earn a perfect 10.0 that season and only the third gymnast overall to do so. Her flawless Yurchenko one-and-a-half vault exemplified her technical precision and composure under pressure.
Chio’s consistency was evident throughout the season. She earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors multiple times, setting a new conference record with nine awards in a single season. This achievement surpassed the previous record of eight set by Florida’s Kayla DiCello in 2023.
As the season progressed, Chio’s individual rankings soared. She consistently placed among the top gymnasts nationally, particularly excelling in the all-around category. Her National Qualifying Score (NQS) in the all-around reached 39.670, placing her fifth in the country. Additionally, she ranked No. 1 on vault with an NQS of 9.955, showcasing her dominance on that apparatus.
Chio’s performances were instrumental in LSU’s success throughout the season. Her ability to deliver under pressure and contribute to the team’s overall score made her a valuable asset. Her achievements not only highlighted her individual talent but also underscored the strength and depth of LSU Gymnastics.
Kailin Chio’s arrival at LSU brought a renewed sense of excitement and optimism to the program. Her exceptional performances and accolades have set a new standard for excellence within the team. Chio’s success has also inspired her teammates and future recruits, demonstrating the possibilities that come with hard work, dedication, and talent.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Chio’s academic achievements further exemplify her well-rounded character. She is pursuing a STEM major, balancing the rigorous demands of collegiate gymnastics with her studies. Her ability to excel both on the mat and in the classroom serves as an inspiration to others and reflects the values upheld by LSU Athletics.
As Kailin Chio continues her collegiate gymnastics career, the future looks exceptionally bright. Her freshman season has set a high benchmark, and expectations for her sophomore year are elevated. With her talent, work ethic, and determination, Chio is poised to achieve even greater success in the coming seasons.
The 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year award is a testament to Kailin Chio’s outstanding contributions to LSU Gymnastics. Her remarkable achievements have solidified her place in the program’s history and have set the stage for a promising future in collegiate gymnastics.
Kailin Chio’s recognition as the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year is a well-deserved accolade for a gymnast who has demonstrated exceptional skill, consistency, and determination throughout her freshman season. Her achievements have not only elevated LSU Gymnastics but have also set a new standard for excellence in collegiate gymnastics. As she continues to develop and refine her skills, Kailin Chio is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of gymnastics, and her journey is one that fans and supporters will continue to follow with great anticipation.
