Q&A with LSU Gymnastics Student-Athlete Haleigh Bryant: Performing at the Top in a World of Unknowns
In what has certainly been one of the most challenging years in the lives of student-athletes around the country, our own Julia Palin caught up with Haleigh Bryant on what it has been like maneuvering the physicals and emotional toll of being a freshman student-athlete, while thriving as a woman of color, in a competitive gymnastics season, and during a pandemic. Practicing and performing at an elite level while simultaneously living an awkwardly altered life has its share of ups & downs.
Q: How have you been adjusting to life as a student-athlete at LSU?
A: I think I’ve adjusted pretty well. The biggest thing is learning time management because of our busy schedule. I have been focused on getting ahead in school because of traveling on Thursday and competing every Friday.
Q: What is the biggest difference between collegiate gymnastics and your gymnastics experiences prior to LSU?
A: I’m definitely doing it for my team now. I was doing it more individually before.
Q: As a 3-time SEC Freshman of the Week and SEC Gymnast of the Week, it is evident that you have made an immediate impact on the team. How does it feel to know that you can contribute so significantly, so early on in your career?
A: It was always a goal of mine to make an immediate impact on the team, but I’m mostly trying to do whatever the team needs me to do to win a national championship. That’s our overall goal.
Q: Ranked fourth in the nation for the all-around as a freshman, and sixth nationally on the floor, how do you feel about your ability to compete on the national level? Do you feel any form of pressure, or are you able to stay composed?
A: I have been able to stay composed for the most part. I have competed on big stages before, which is helpful. We try to go into competitions like it’s practice, and we know it will all pay off on the competition floor.
Q: The team is ranked #2 in the nation. How is the team feeling about this? Do you guys pay attention to the rankings, or do you try to take care of business and stay laser-focused?
A: It’s an honor to be ranked #2 in the country. We do our best to stay focused on doing our gymnastics normally no matter what the rankings say. We try not to get so focused on the expectations, and take it one routine at a time.
Q: What is the team dynamic like?
A: It’s amazing. We are always there for each other and supporting each other. It really is like a family.
Q: What is your favorite event and why?
A: I would say probably floor because you can show your personality and connect to the crowd. It’s been my favorite for a long time now.
Q: What is your least favorite event and why?
A: I think bars because I’m more of a powerful gymnast, so the other events come easier. Patience on bars is harder for me, and going slower in the routine is hard. The other events are fast and powerful, so I favor those a little more.
Q: What are your goals for this year, as well as beyond?
A: We all definitely have the end goal of winning a national championship. We don’t look too far ahead, and still focus on winning every competition and getting the highest score possible. We know this will set us up well for winning that national championship.
Q: How do you approach the mental aspect of athletics? Has this ever been a struggle for you?
A: It hasn’t been a struggle. Gymnastics is a very mental sport, so I try to stay positive and visualize routines. Knowing I can do the routines and believing I can do them has really helped me.
Q: What is the best part about being a gymnast?
A: Getting to fly through the air. It’s been so much fun learning all new skills, and being a part of a team is just like no other.
Q: What is the worst part about being a gymnast?
A: The injuries. Despite that, it’s all worth it in the end when you get on the competition floor.
Q: Have you had any serious injuries?
A: I had surgery on my toe in 2012 because I broke 2 growth plates in my foot. I’ve had sprained ankles and little stuff like that, too.
Q: Did you ever play any other sports? If so, when did you start and stop each one?
A: I played soccer when I was really little. I always did soccer and gymnastics, but I didn’t like soccer. My mom wanted me to pick one, and I obviously chose gymnastics. I never regretted that decision once.
Q: What career do you want to pursue post-college?
A: I’m majoring in kinesiology, but I’m not really sure what I want to do yet. I love interacting with kids, so maybe something with that. I have definitely thought about possibly coaching gymnastics.
Q: In a sport where perfection is so heavily emphasized and strived for, how do you handle any performance slips or struggles in meets or practice?
A: Forgetting about the past. If you make a mistake, forget about it and move on. If you’re still thinking about that mistake, you may make another one. Focus on starting over.
Q: As a non-white athlete, can you tell of any experiences in sport you may have had regarding your race?
A: I have not had any problems, and I’m really thankful for that. Everyone has been really welcoming and has treated everyone equally in all the places I have been.
Q: What impact do you hope to have on your team, your school, your sport and others in the community?
A: I want to impact everyone in a positive way. I love being there for people and caring for them. I want people to know I love helping them with whatever they need.
Q: Do you feel as though you have been given equal treatment and opportunity as a non-white athlete?
A: Yes definitely, anywhere I’ve been I’ve been treated equally. Here, we are all like sisters and no one is treated differently.
Q: What kind of changes do you hope to see going forward, regarding racial equality in sport?
A: I think everyone’s voice should be heard. Whatever somebody has to say, I hope somebody is willing to listen to them. Everyone deserves to be treated equally.
Q: If you could be remembered for anything, what would you want to be remembered for?
A: Being someone anyone can come to. I also want to be a leader for the team, and someone who is willing to listen to anyone and give them advice for anything they need.
Q: What do you like to do outside of school and gymnastics?
A: Hang out with friends, go shopping, or watch a movie to get my mind off of school and gymnastics.
Q: Favorite tv show or movie?
A: Friends. I’ve watched it so many times. The Office, shows like that.
Q: Who is your role model?
A: Ashleigh Gnat. I looked up to her when I visited the school for the first time in 8th grade. She has always been so supportive, and now she’s our beam coach. I really look up to her and want to be like her one day.
