LSU’s senior gymnasts have seen the highs and lows of the gym program.
From two Super Six apperances and multiple Southeastern Conference honors, seniors Ashleigh Gnat, Sydney Ewing and Shae Zamardi are hoping to achieve more.
“I think that we positioned ourselves last year perfectly,” Gnat said. “Obviously, there’s more that can be done. It just really depends on how the cards play out, how other teams are doing, how the scores go and things like that.”
After the excitement of coming in second place at the 2016 National Championship wore off, the team realized that they wanted more and they wanted to be first. It showed in LSU’s first meet against then-No. 9 ranked Georgia where the Tigers posted a recording setting 197.825 season-opneing score.
Last season’s finish has been a huge motivator for LSU during the preseason and starting off this season with confidence.
Ewing explained that there are always imperfections that can be worked on and small errors that can be fixed.
“Its funny because gymnastics is one of those sports where there’s always something to get better at, even though we did so well,” Ewing said. “Just staying together and attempting to maintain our energy and our confidence is most important going into this next meet.”
Just as important as improving their gymnastics is the overall attitude of the team. Being a supportive teammate and keeping a positive attitude contributes to the team, Ewing said.
Unifying the team completely has been a major goal in the preseason, Gnat said.
Being loose and free of anxiety and having fun is something the team aims to practice a lot more this season. Gnat said everyone competes best when they are enjoying themselves.
Leadership from the upperclassmen is key for such a “talented” team, Gnat said.
“The team is so talented, so really it’s more about characteristics things, not so much about gymnastics,” Gnat said.
The mix of newcomers and veterans in the lineup adds depth to the lineup this season. Coach D-D Breaux said it is good to have fresh energy and a little bit of naivety on the team, but it is necessary to have those gymnasts who have the experience as well.
“You just need some talent,” Breaux said. “But you also need kids that are pretty tenacious and are passionate about the sport and LSU and what we’re trying to accomplish here. I think we’ve put together a pretty good group.”
The veteran team members have worked hard to get the freshmen accustomed to the atmosphere and getting them to trust them and the coaching staff, Gnat said. Freshman such as all-arounder Kennedi Edney have come in and worked hard to make the team better.
Continuing to support each other and focusing on the little things that need to be fixed is going to be essential this season, Ewing said. Everyone needs to do what they can do in order to help the team succeed.
“I think that individually, for myself, I really want to enjoy this last year and do the best that I can,” Gnat said. “It’s been a really, really exciting preseason. I can’t wait to see what else is going to come.”

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Augustus Stark

LSU senior gymnast Sydney Ewing celebrates after her beam routine during the Tigers 197.825-193.600 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017 in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.