LSU gymnastics dads perform spirited routine to hype NCAA semifinal-bound Tigers

The LSU Tigers women’s gymnastics team is back in the NCAA final.

The Tigers, who won the program’s first national title in 2024, barely missed out on a trip to the 2025 final. They were determined not to let that happen again, although it wasn’t easy.

On Thursday, April 16, No. 2-ranked LSU edged out the Georgia Bulldogs to snag a spot in Saturday’s national final alongside the SEC rival Florida Gators. In the other semifinal, the defending champion Oklahoma Sooners and Minnesota Golden Gophers advanced.

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The Tigers had plenty of support heading into Thursday’s semifinal in Fort Worth, Texas. For instance, rapper Lil Wayne narrated a hype video for the team.

However, the backing that probably meant the most to the gymnasts came from a group of LSU dads. Louisiana First News TV reporter Brendon Fairbairn shared on X the scene as the dads performed a routine to inspire their daughters.

Wearing tank tops with “LSU” across the front and black shorts, the dads executed exaggerated leaps and spins to the delight of fans and competitors. Also, they received makeshift tiaras for their efforts.

Clearly impressed, LSU head coach Jay Clark hugged the performers.

“You guys are amazing,” Clark said.

The Tigers got off to a slow start in the semifinal. Konnor McClain’s 9.9125 in the bar routine and 9.950 on the beam kept LSU close to Georgia. Then, Kailin Chio pulled off a 9.9625 in the floor exercise, the final event, to carry LSU past the Bulldogs.

No. 3 Florida won the semifinal with a score of 197.7875 to LSU’s 197.4375. No 6 Georgia was right behind at 197.2625.

Thursday’s semifinals also featured individual competition in the all-around, vault, bars, beams and floor. Individual national champions included Oklahoma’s Keira Wells (vault), Florida’s Riley McCusker (uneven bars), Minnesota’s Brooklyn Rowray (balance beam), UCLA’s Jordan Chiles (floor) and Oklahoma’s Faith Torrez (all-around).

Finally, the NCAA national finals competition begins at 4 p.m. ET Saturday on ABC and the ESPN app.