Retired Olivia Dunne Sends 3-Word Message To 23-Year-Old Gymnastics Star After Sad NCAA End

The LSU Tigers bowed out of the NCAA gymnastics tournament, failing to make the cut at the NCAA semifinal II, stacked against the likes of UCLA, Utah and Michigan State at Dickies Arena. Falling short just by a whisker, the Tigers could not advance to the finals. And this meant that it was curtains for the likes of Haleigh Bryant. Having dominated the game in and out, Bryant had no regrets in signing off from her collegiate career in what was a bittersweet moment. And while she posted on her Instagram, the likes of Olivia Dunne did not hesitate to bow down. 

Haleigh Bryant took to her Instagram handle and posted snippets of her performances from the NCAA semifinal night. While Bryant could be seen beaming in the pictures, she captioned her retirement post saying, “It’s been an honor.” And surely, with such a stalwart calling it a day on her collegiate career, best wishes were bound to come in. One of the most significant comments included Olivia Dunne. Dunne took to the comments section and hailed Bryant as the ‘GOAT.’ She wrote, “4EVER THE GOAT,” followed by a GOAT emoji.

And not only Dunne, gymnasts like Aleah Finnegan, Lexi Zeiss, Ashley Cowan, Kailin Chio, and more poured out their heartfelt respect for the LSU stalwart. Surely, Haleigh Bryant had an envious run as a Tiger. She won her very first NCAA championship back in 2021 as a freshman. Back then, she earned her first gold medal in the vaults. However, her dominance could be properly fathomed last year. As the Tigers marched on, Bryant took the team as well as the all-around gold to establish her legacy. 

In her last dance as a Tiger, Bryant impressed as well. Getting on the beam at a crucial juncture, Bryant dropped a 9.875 score. This was the second-best score of the night on the beam for the LSU Tigers. Konnor McClain was the star on the beam with a 9.90 routine. However, on vault, the story was entirely different. Bryant put her best foot forward as she closed out her career with a 9.90 on the vault. And thus, quite expectedly, Haleigh Bryant did not have any regrets going forward.

Haleigh Bryant walks away proud, leaving behind a lasting LSU legacy

Haleigh Bryant didn’t need a national title to feel fulfilled. After LSU’s semifinal exit at the NCAA national championships, the decorated all-arounder stood tall, reflecting not on what was lost, but on everything she gained during her five-year journey.

Bryant stated, “If you would’ve asked me, however many years ago, what I would accomplish at LSU it would probably be to compete one time and just be with this team.” She further added, “I think just getting the opportunity the past five years to get to do this sport with the best people was just so so special.” The moment at Dickies Arena marked her final performance as a Tiger, but Bryant’s presence will linger well beyond the routines she’s delivered. 

Haleigh spoke with confidence and clarity about her legacy. One built on resilience, excellence, and deep-rooted team spirit. “I’m really proud of the fight and what we did tonight no matter what happened or what the results were,” she said.

Looking ahead, Bryant seems at peace with her departure, eager to embrace her next chapter. “I’m walking out of this arena with no regrets,” she said. And in passing the torch to younger teammates like freshman Kailin Chio, Haleigh leaves not only memories but a mindset—quiet, determined, and fearless.