“Let’s Geaux to Fort Worth.” Five words. One destination. Countless emotions. That’s how LSU Tigers gymnastics’ official X handle marked their journey to Texas for the NCAA Championship semifinals on April 15. A confident rallying cry from a program that’s grown used to shining under the bright lights—but as we all know, making it to Fort Worth is only half the battle. The real test?

That’s still ahead on the mat. While the Tigers certainly had a momentous road trip filled with anticipation and adrenaline, a familiar voice is shifting the spotlight just a bit. Three-time Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman, now stepping into the role of commentator during the NCAA gymnastics postseason, has something else in mind for Thursday’s showdown. And let us tell you, she’s not alone!

In a candid moment with ABC News, Raisman didn’t shy away from hyping up a team that’s been flying under the radar—Michigan State gymnastics. For the first time since 1988, the Spartans have punched their ticket to Nationals, and they’re not just here to make up the numbers. “Michigan State was only half a tenth behind LSU,” Raisman noted, highlighting just how razor-thin the margins were in the lead-up to the semifinal. “I actually spoke to the head coach, Mike Rowe, yesterday, and I asked him, ‘What was it like to look up and see yourself only half a tenth behind the reigning national champions?’ And he said he didn’t even know! He looked up at the last rotation on the beam and saw they were that close.” That moment? A revelation.

In fact, Raisman believes that near-miss wasn’t a disappointment—it was fuel. “So that has to be a massive confidence boost for Michigan State,” she continued. “And I expect really big things from them on Thursday.” Would Aly Raisman’s words—a nod of belief from one of gymnastics’ most iconic figures—put extra pressure on Michigan State’s gymnasts heading into Thursday? Possibly not. And here’s why.

As Raisman pointed out, MSU didn’t flinch when it mattered most. On April 5, in the NCAA Regional Final, they held their own right beside powerhouse LSU. Michigan State scored 198.00, whereas LSU was 0.050 ahead of it. Not only that—they emerged as the second-best squad, leaving behind formidable programs like Arkansas(197.375) and Kentucky(197.635). For the Spartans, it wasn’t luck. It was proof.

But this moment didn’t come overnight. A year ago, the story was very different. Three years in a row, Michigan State had knocked on the door of the Nationals, only to fall short.  Last season in particular, under the weight of new expectations, they tightened up—the pressure of potential becoming a stumbling block instead of a stepping stone. They were eliminated at the Regional Finals. It stung. And they knew something had to change.

So, the Spartans regrouped. Reworked their mindset. And now? They’re not only performing in the Nationals for the first time since 1988—they’re doing it with confidence, clarity, and a chip on their shoulder. However, on the other hand, Aly knows this well. She also knows a few things because of her current role in NCAA contests. 

The gymnastics legend shares her honest expression on her role 

In the same heartfelt conversation with ABC News, Aly Raisman offered a glimpse into a side of her that fans don’t always see—the nervous, thoughtful, deeply empathetic storyteller now stepping into a commentator’s headset.

“It’s a really special feeling,” Raisman shared, reflecting on her new role in the booth. “Some of these athletes I’ve known since they were nine, ten years old. So to be able to watch their journey, to see them now… it means the world to me.” However, her connection to the sport goes beyond old friendships. Even the gymnasts she’s just meeting for the first time hold weight in her heart. That’s because for Aly, this job isn’t just about calling scores or pointing out landings—it’s about telling stories. Real stories.

“To be able to tell a small part of their story… it really means the world to me,” the former Olympian said. “And I actually get very nervous to commentate because it’s new for me—this is only my second year doing it—and I get so nervous because I don’t want to say anything that’s going to hurt a gymnast’s feelings.” That vulnerability? It’s rare. And it’s real.

She added with a laugh, “I’m also an over-thinker. So I really care about how I’m coming off. I want them to feel that support.” For Raisman, it’s not about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about being the most thoughtful one. And now, from the other side of the camera, she’s making sure her voice lifts these gymnasts up—not weighs them down.