NOTE: To own a copy of this feature, purchase the 2008 LSU-Alabama GameDay Program online now.
by Ashley Bourdier
LSU Sports Information
Known to most as the “Dean of Coaches” at LSU, head gymnastics coach D-D Breaux has represented the University at the highest level both in the gym, and more importantly, in the classroom and community for over 30 years.
During her term Breaux has created and maintained LSU’s reputation as one of the premier collegiate gymnastics programs in the country.
“The main thing I focus on every year since I’ve been here is the total package,” Breaux said. “I always reinforce in the girls’ minds that it’s an academic intuition and an athletic endeavor. The two must come together and we must have a good balance.”
Her balance and dedication to the student-athlete, the program and community have been recognized by her peers time and time again. Breaux has been named the Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year on six occasions, NCAA Central Regional Coach of the Year four times, and she was a finalist for the National Coach of the Year in 1988.
LSU’s total package under Breaux has placed the Tigers among the nation’s top 10 teams 20 times in 31 seasons. They’ve won eight regional championships, and four LSU gymnasts have captured individual national championships. Breaux has also produced 85 All-Americans and 40 All-SEC selections.
In 2008, the Tigers advanced to the NCAA Super Six finals for the first time in program history.
The Tigers’ success hasn’t been limited to the gym as they have excelled in the classroom and served as active volunteers throughout the Baton Rouge area. Breaux has made academic success the team’s No. 1 priority. Throughout the years, LSU gymnasts have been named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll on 122 occasions.
“It’s the anchor to athletics on a college campus,” said Breaux. “Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that it’s an academic institution and we are here to get degrees. I want the kids to leave here with a skill and go out to be a contributor to society.”
The Tigers have done exactly that and have been major contributors to society. In the last four years the squad has been awarded the LSU Champs Community Service Award. Last season, the Tigers joined arms with Foundation 56 to promote breast cancer awareness. The LSU-Alabama Etta James Meet successfully raised $30,000.
Now entering season No. 32 as the mastermind of the LSU gymnastics program, the fire in Breaux’s eyes burns as brightly today as it did on her first day on the job. As she and the Tigers suit up for the 2009 season, Breaux says she sees an aura of confidence in this team.
“My expectations for this squad are to exceed and perform at a higher level than we did last year,” she explained.
Breaux looks to senior Ashleigh Clare-Kearney and junior Susan Jackson to take the reins toward another NCAA Super Six. Clare-Kearney is the current SEC Gymnast of the Year and SEC All-Around Champion. Jackson is the program’s first individual NCAA champion on vault. Combined they have seven All-America honors and both have earned First-Team All-SEC recognition.
The Tigers will also count on senior Lauren Klein to step up and lead the pack. The junior class is flowing with talent entering this season. Along with Jackson, All-American Summer Hubbard, Sabrina Franceschelli and Kayla Rogers are expected to be just as impressive.
Tiger sophomore sensations Samantha Engle, Staci Schwitkis, Nicole Lyons and Paige Cipolloni will play major roles in the mix for the 2009 season.
LSU also has two newcomers on the roster, freshman Gloria Johnson and sophomore transfer Kristie Viens.
“Gymnastics is a team sport but it’s also very individual, said Breaux. “We are dealing with 13 different people and 13 separate individuals to mesh together as a team. We are putting the best package together to see what works for the team as we continue to grow and move forward.”
When the Donaldsonville, La. native isn’t in the gym, Breaux is a bit of an outdoors lady. She enjoys running the lakes, being active in the community, and she’s known to have quite a green thumb.
“My mother always teases me about my gardening and herbs,” Breaux chuckled. “I’m big into cutting back and nurturing the plants. I’ll dig up a plant and replant before I have to buy another one.”
This summer Breaux’s vacation in Mexico took quite a spin when she and her family were able to swim with whale sharks. She says it was a new and unique experience, one she’ll savor for a lifetime.
Breaux doesn’t have to travel far for one of her favorite getaways, Port Fourchon, a small fishing community on the southern tip of Louisiana.
“It’s a passion of mine I’ve had since I was young,” she explained. “Sharing my passion for fishing with friends and family is a great pastime. It’s a time not only about the fish but being on the water and having good people with you.”
Back in the gym, Breaux and the Tigers face new challenges to maintain a high level of performance this season, which begins on January 2. After months of off-season training, the Tigers have improved themselves both individually and as a unit in and out the gym. All eyes will be on LSU as it prepares to sustain its standard of excellence.