It started with a spark—a freshman phenom making waves with every flip, every landing, and every pressure-filled performance. Week after week, the freshman kept climbing. And then, on March 14, the moment came: a perfect 10 on vault against Auburn. Her first in college gymnastics. A bold exclamation mark on a rising career. But the true test of greatness? It came a month later.
With Olivia Dunne sidelined because of her injury and the LSU Tigers chasing history, the pressure was on. No safety net. No senior savior. Just Kailin Chio—and a championship stage. On April 17, under the lights of the NCAA Championships semifinal II, she delivered again. Nearly flawless. A 9.9750. And with that, Kailin Chio was crowned the 2025 NCAA National Vault Champion. However, LSU didn’t crack the top two that night. It wasn’t their fairytale ending. But Kailin? She had already proven herself to be the Tigers’ backbone in a moment when it mattered most. And just days later, she spoke from the heart. “thank you louisiana and tiger nation for welcoming this west coast girl with open arms. i couldn’t have asked for a better freshman season.”
In a heartfelt April 22 post, Kailin reflected on a season packed with accolades, growth, and grit. SEC Freshman of the Year. A key player in one of LSU’s most historic regular seasons. Back-to-back SEC champions. And recipient of praise from legends—Aly Raisman, the grandma od Rio Olympics’ famed Final Five, even called her “one of the greatest freshmen in collegiate gymnastics.” But the best part? She’s not done yet.
“although it wasn’t the outcome we wanted, this is the fuel that lights the fire. see yall next season.” But next season, everything changes. Kailin will no longer be the rookie. The seniors—Olivia Dunne, Haleigh Bryant, Sierra Ballard—will have moved on. The spotlight, the expectations, the leadership—it’s all shifting. Therefore, the pressure is building. Who is going to be the Tigers’ next face? Kailin Chio?
Olivia Dunne leaves someone behind in the Tigers’ camp
Last Thursday in Fort Worth marked more than just the end of a season—it was the final curtain call for a legendary LSU gymnastics class. Ultimately, ten names bid their goodbye—Alyona Shchennikova. Haleigh Bryant. Olivia Dunne. Sierra Ballard. Chase Brock. Tori Tatum. Kathryn Weilbacher. Alexis Jeffrey. KJ Johnson. Aleah Finnegan. Eventually, those Tigers poured their hearts out on the mat, leaving behind legacies written in medals, memories, and unshakable fight. For the last time, they stood as LSU Tigers in collegiate competition. So, last Thursday, an era officially closed. And now, the spotlight shifts.
No more Haleigh Bryant to anchor the all-around. No more Livvy Dunne dazzling on the bars, lighting up the arena and social media feeds alike. The baton has been passed. And waiting in the wings—no, stepping into the spotlight—is Kailin Chio. She’s already given us a glimpse of what the future holds. How?
This year in Fort Worth, it wasn’t the seniors who walked away with a national title. It was Kailin. In a season-defining moment, she didn’t just show up—she stood tall. On beam? Her 9.8750 in the semifinal wasn’t just solid; it matched the veterans—Sierra Ballard and Haleigh Bryant themselves. And as if her routines weren’t enough, there was her bond with Olivia Dunne, one of the season’s most heartwarming stories. A freshman and a senior, locked in step through triumphs, tumbles, and TikToks. But next year? Livvy won’t be there. The hugs after each meet, the shared chalk talk, the sideline support—it’ll be gone. Would all these factors motivate Kailin to go higher? What do you think?
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