Around age 15, a gymnast is forced to choose between performing in college or taking his or her talent to the next level to perform in the Olympics.
Although LSU seniors Kelly Phelan, Lisa Rennie and Nicki Butler may not be as well known as 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Carlie Patterson, the trio still does not regret choosing to forgo their Olympic dreams to perform at LSU.
“When you go to college you make the choice what road you want to go down, and obviously the Olympics are not for everybody because only seven or eight make it…” Phelan said. “There is no bad thing about college, because you get to do other things like get a good education and figure out what you want to do with the rest of your life.”
Phelan has been a regular in the Tigers’ lineup since her freshman season when she posted an average score of 9.847 on floor.
A general studies major, Phelan said she looks forward to the future as she plans to pursue a career in theater.
“I’m excited to move on and not be a gymnast,” Phelan said. “It’s not a bad thing, but it’s such a young thing. When people think of gymnasts they think of little girls prancing around, so I’m ready to move on.”
Rennie has also performed at a high level for LSU, earning All-American honors on the uneven bars two straight seasons.
Rennie said not being a gymnast will be a difficult transition for her because she spent her entire life performing.
“None of us ever remember the time when we didn’t ever have to worry about gymnastics,” she said. “We’ve been going for so long and so hard that [graduating] will be a life-changing thing.”
Rennie said she will pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales following graduation.
Butler signed with LSU following a successful career at Excalibur Gymnastics, where she won the vault at the 2002 United States Challenge.
At LSU, Butler has been one of the Tigers’ most consistent performers throughout her career, earning 2005 All-Southeastern Conference honors.
Butler said she will never forget the feeling of awe she experienced after performing in the PMAC for the first time.
“I still remember being googley-eyed the first time I walked into [the PMAC], saying ‘Oh my gosh, this is so exciting,'” she said, “It’s a beautiful arena and our fans are great, and I will definitely miss it.”
With one regular season meet Friday against Centenary College of Louisiana, Phelan said while she looks forward to life after gymnastics, she remains focused on winning the National Championship.
“The best is yet to come with the SECs, Regionals and Super Six,” she said. “My career will not be over until that last event in the last meet.”
LSU coach D-D Breaux said replacing this senior class will be difficult because they are not only standout performers but also great people.
“We’re not at a want for leaders,” Breaux said. “We’ve got great character on this team and have good leadership, but it’s because of the example that has been set by these seniors for the younger kids.”
—–Contact Casey Gisclair at [email protected]