LSU Gymnasts Personify Coach’s Philosophy
“The pride and tradition of the LSU Tigers will not be entrusted to the weak or the timid.”
This message adorns the walls of LSU athletic facilities across campus, serving as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with the privilege of donning the Purple and Gold in the spirit of athletic competition. For the reigning National Coach of the Year D-D Breaux and the LSU Gymnastics program, it is not only a reminder but the key to building one of the most successful programs in the country.
In 2014, LSU Gymnastics achieved the best finish in school history by coming in third place in the NCAA Super Six Finals and had a nation-leading five gymnasts earn First-Team All-American honors at the championships. After such a memorable year and a brand new training facility on the horizon, the tradition surrounding the program has never been stronger.
“This particular team and these seniors have been very successful,” said Breaux. “The message for this team has been ‘work hard and consistency wins.’ I think they kind of define what we talk about all the time.”
Consistency is especially important for a program that has become accustomed to elite performances. Coach Breaux insists that the secret behind their sustained success is a persistent message and focus on tradition.
LSU gymnasts know the accomplishments that came before them and their top priority is to preserve that standard.
 |
 |
| LSU At the Game programs are available on campus three hours prior to game time and online while supplies last. |
“It has a huge impact on the team,” senior Jessie Jordan said. “It is about being a part of something bigger than yourself. You are not only representing yourself but your team, family and being a part of LSU gymnastics, which is a huge honor.”
This mentality powers the program’s success, and it did not happen overnight. Every student-athlete that competed under Breaux throughout her career in Baton Rouge will echo the same message: tradition never graduates.
Breaux makes sure that every LSU gymnast knows success comes with a team-first attitude.
“I think it is important, now more than ever, to create a respect and unity among our student-athletes,” said Breaux. “We have one dream, one vision and one goal. The team has to buy in.”
With the team in position to qualify for its third consecutive Super Six, it is pretty clear that everyone is buying in.
Breaux said the team enjoys a strong core of leadership that takes it upon itself to spread and personify their coach’s mantra.
“We trust what we have done and what the coaching staff has prepared for us is enough to get the job done,” senior Rheagan Courville said. “You can see it when you walk in and see everybody’s name that came before you on the banners. You realize how it’s not about you and your own personal goals, but what you’re going to accomplish to get the team where they want to be.”
Specifically, the seniors are making sure that the younger gymnasts quickly acclimate to the tradition of LSU Gymnastics.
“I have the power to help the freshmen out in ways I did not know about before,” said Jordan. “I am super-excited for my senior year and helping the younger girls come along.”
There is no questioning the focus this group has as the Tigers head into a new season with even more heightened expectations.
This program expects nothing but excellence and knows the work it takes to achieve its goals.
“I would love for it to be the year we win it all,” said Jordan. “The team is coming together and following through, so I really believe it is going to be a great year.”
Coach Breaux, as always, will be there to keep the team focused on the process and work necessary to pursue such lofty expectations rather than the accolades themselves.
The gymnasts know following their coach’s lead can only lead to more success.
“When you see your name get added to the banners, you realize that your work really does pay off and add up,” said Courville. “When you get a whole team of people working together that really says a lot about our program.”
For 37 years, Breaux has welcomed top recruits, developed them into legendary student-athletes and watched them move on, but one factor remains consistent: LSU Gymnastics is no place for the weak or timid.