What Is 2016 LSU Tigers gymnastics team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 LSU Tigers gymnastics team represented Louisiana State University in the NCAA women's gymnastics season, finishing with a 27-10 record and advancing to the NCAA Championships in Birmingham, where they placed 7th overall.

Key Facts

The 2016 LSU Tigers gymnastics team posted a 27-10 overall record during the season.
They competed in the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships in Birmingham, Alabama, in April 2016.
LSU scored a season-high 197.575 at the NCAA Semifinals, their best performance of the year.
Head coach Jay Clark led the team for the third consecutive season before stepping down in May 2016.
The team included standout gymnasts like Lexie Priessman, Ashleigh Gnat, and Lloimincia Hall.

Overview

The 2016 LSU Tigers gymnastics team represented Louisiana State University in the NCAA women's gymnastics season, competing as part of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Under head coach Jay Clark, the team achieved a 27-10 overall record, marking one of the more successful seasons in program history and highlighting continued growth in the national rankings.

LSU advanced to the NCAA Championships in Birmingham, Alabama, in April 2016, where they placed 7th overall with a final score of 196.575. The season was notable for strong performances on beam and floor, and the team's consistent improvement under Clark's leadership solidified LSU as a rising power in collegiate gymnastics.

Season record: The team finished with a 27-10 win-loss record, their best in several years, reflecting improved consistency across all four events.
NCAA Championships appearance: LSU qualified for the NCAA Championships in April 2016 in Birmingham, advancing past regionals and semifinals.
Top score of the season: The Tigers recorded a season-high 197.575 at the NCAA Semifinals, showcasing elite-level execution.
SEC performance: In conference play, LSU placed 3rd at the SEC Championships with a team score of 196.825, behind Florida and Alabama.
Head coach:Jay Clark led the team for the third consecutive season before announcing his resignation in May 2016 to pursue other opportunities.

Key Gymnasts and Performances

The 2016 season featured several standout athletes who contributed significantly to LSU's success. Individual performances on beam and floor were particularly strong, with multiple gymnasts earning All-American honors and regional recognition.

Lexie Priessman: Scored a 9.95 on floor at the NCAA Championships, earning First-Team All-American honors in that event.
Ashleigh Gnat: Averaged 9.91 on vault and qualified for the NCAA Individual Event Finals, finishing 5th nationally.
Lloimincia Hall: Earned First-Team All-American on beam after posting a 9.925 at regionals, one of the top scores in the nation.
Myia Hambrick: Consistently scored above 9.85 on floor, contributing crucial points in team lineups throughout the season.
Madison Richardson: Anchored the beam lineup with a 9.90 average, providing stability during high-pressure meets.
Sierra Ballard: Contributed on bars and beam, hitting routines in 12 of 13 meets, demonstrating reliability under pressure.

Comparison at a Glance

LSU's 2016 performance compared favorably to other top programs in the NCAA, particularly in regional and national scoring metrics. The table below highlights key statistics against elite teams.

Team	Overall Record	Best Team Score	NCAA Finish	All-Americans
LSU	27-10	197.575	7th	4
Florida	32-3	197.825	2nd	6
Alabama	29-6	197.625	6th	5
Oklahoma	32-2	198.375	1st	7
UCLA	26-7	197.425	8th	3

LSU's 7th-place finish placed them just behind powerhouse programs like Oklahoma and Florida, who dominated the national scene. However, their 197.575 score in semifinals ranked them among the top 10 teams nationally, demonstrating competitive parity in the sport. The team’s depth on floor and beam allowed them to remain in contention throughout the postseason, despite challenges on uneven bars.

Why It Matters

The 2016 season was a pivotal moment in LSU gymnastics history, cementing the program’s status as a national contender. The team’s performance elevated the profile of LSU athletics and set the stage for future success under new leadership.

Program growth: The 27 wins marked a significant milestone, showing sustained improvement since the early 2010s under Clark’s guidance.
Recruiting boost: Strong NCAA finishes helped attract elite recruits like Savannah Long and McKenzie Wofford in subsequent classes.
Media exposure: LSU competed in ESPN-broadcast meets, increasing visibility and fan engagement across the SEC region.
Legacy impact: Jay Clark’s departure after 2016 led to Julia Stowers becoming interim coach, shaping a new era for the program.
SEC competitiveness: LSU’s performance narrowed the gap between them and traditional powers like Florida and Alabama, enhancing conference rivalry.
Foundation for 2017: The 2016 season laid the groundwork for LSU’s 2017 Super Six appearance, their first since 2011.

The 2016 LSU Tigers gymnastics team not only delivered strong results but also helped redefine expectations for the program. With a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent, their season remains a benchmark in the evolution of LSU gymnastics on the national stage.