Since 1977, one thing has remained constant at LSU. D-D Breaux has been head coach of the LSU gymnastics team.
“She really is committed to LSU, the community and gymnastics,” said sophomore gymnast Jade Jenkins.
Her dedication has paid off. Four of the past 10 years she was named Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year, while being named NCAA Central Regional Coach of the Year twice. Other than earning individual honors, Breaux has led the team to 15 top 10 finishes, five regional championships and one SEC championship.
Former Tiger gymnast and current student-coach Nicki Arnstad said Breaux’s success can be attributed to the individual attention she gives to the gymnasts.
“She knows how to push individual people and make them better,” Arnstad said.
Breaux said this philosophy is responsible for the success the LSU gymnastics team has had during her tenure.
“We can’t be successful as a team unless individuals are successful,” Breaux said.
Jenkins said Breaux knows the words that motivate each individual.
“She knows what to say to us to get us pumped,” Jenkins said.
The sole senior gymnast, Brooke Cazeaux, said Breaux has motivated and taught her a lot during her LSU career.
“Yeah, she is tough and she’ll push you to your limit, but it helps in the long run,” Cazeaux said.
After graduating six seniors last year, Breaux brought in seven freshmen and she has high hopes for this team’s success.
“To take this group to the national championships and build on the success we had last year would be a real feather in the hat,” Breaux said.
Breaux’s goal is to move the team from a consistent top 10 team to a constant competitor for the national championship.
“It’s already a top 10 program,” Breaux said. “We would like to take this program to Super Six level.”
You may of seen yard sign advertisements for this season’s gymnastic meets.
Breaux has formed a grassroots group to support the team and has worked hard to increase gymnastic meet attendance at LSU.
“There is a large gymnastics community here,” she said. “A lot of people’s children are involved in gymnastics. It’s a family sport, and we want to encourage it as a Friday night option.”
Breaux said attendance has increased, but she still is working to gain more support.
“It’s increased steadily, but I think the fans under value what their support means to a sport like gymnastics. When we travel and know we will have 100 or 200 people traveling with us, that’s when we’ll know we’ve made it.”
Breaux has also had success in pushing her team to succeed outside the gym. LSU gymnasts have been named Academic All-Americans 62 times, while earning the SEC Academic Honor Roll 68 times since 1991.
“She always emphasizes school before gymnastics,” Jenkins said. “I think she understands that after our four years in collegiate gymnastics, we’ll have to count on something else.”