Kailin Chio Named 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year: A Star Is Born in Baton Rouge

In a season already packed with highlights, jaw-dropping routines, and team triumphs, LSU freshman Kailin Chio has officially earned her place in the Southeastern Conference’s storied gymnastics legacy. On Friday, the SEC announced that Chio has been named the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year, recognizing a debut campaign that has electrified crowds, elevated LSU’s program, and set the foundation for a promising collegiate career.

From her first vault to her final floor routine of the regular season, Chio’s performances were nothing short of magnetic. For LSU head coach Jay Clark and the entire Tigers program, this honor is both a celebration of her individual excellence and a glimpse into what could be a dynastic future.

A Debut to Remember

It’s not easy to walk into the SEC — widely regarded as the most competitive conference in collegiate gymnastics — and immediately make waves. Yet from the opening meet of the season, Chio showed she wasn’t your average freshman. Her poise under pressure, dazzling athleticism, and sharp execution quickly caught the attention of judges and fans alike.

Throughout the season, Chio consistently delivered high-scoring routines across multiple apparatuses, quickly becoming a cornerstone of LSU’s lineups on vault, beam, and floor — three of the four events in women’s gymnastics. She scored 9.900 or higher on at least one event in nearly every meet, including three perfect 10.0s: one on vault and two on floor, where her explosive tumbling and expressive choreography made her a fan favorite.

“She has that ‘it’ factor,” said Clark. “Kailin doesn’t just hit routines — she owns the stage. For a freshman to compete with that level of maturity and confidence is incredibly rare.”

From Elite to Baton Rouge

Chio arrived at LSU with impressive credentials. A former elite gymnast from Henderson, Nevada, Chio competed at the highest levels of junior gymnastics before committing to LSU. She was a national team member and had trained at the renowned Gymcats Gymnastics club, sharing the gym floor with some of the best in the country.

Her decision to join LSU was a major recruiting win for the Tigers — a statement of intent that the program was continuing to attract the nation’s top talent. In interviews before the season, Chio expressed her excitement about competing in the SEC and being part of a program with championship ambitions.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to compete in front of thousands of fans and be part of something bigger than myself,” Chio said in a preseason press conference. “LSU just felt like home the second I stepped on campus.”

Raising the Bar

What truly set Chio apart wasn’t just her scores — it was her consistency and ability to deliver in clutch situations. In dual meets, she frequently performed in pressure-packed anchor positions. On several occasions, she nailed routines that helped LSU overcome late deficits or seal meet victories.

Perhaps her most iconic performance came in a highly anticipated showdown against Florida, where she closed the meet with a 9.975 on floor to secure a narrow win over the Gators. The sold-out Pete Maravich Assembly Center erupted as Chio stuck her final tumbling pass and struck her final pose — the moment quickly went viral across social media.

“She competes like a veteran,” said LSU senior Sierra Ballard. “She’s got ice in her veins.”

Chio’s ability to elevate her game in marquee matchups was one of the driving forces behind LSU’s rise in the national rankings. The Tigers finished the regular season ranked No. 2 in the country, setting a school record for average meet score thanks in part to Chio’s dependable excellence.

National Attention

Unsurprisingly, the SEC Freshman of the Year honor isn’t the only accolade Chio has collected in her sensational first season. She was named SEC Freshman of the Week five times, more than any other athlete in the conference. She also earned multiple All-SEC and All-Freshman team honors.

Nationally, Chio has become one of the most talked-about young stars in college gymnastics. She’s been featured on ESPN broadcasts, praised by Olympic legends such as Nastia Liukin and Shannon Miller, and even appeared in a Sports Illustrated profile highlighting the next generation of NCAA stars.

“Kailin Chio is the total package,” said ESPN gymnastics analyst Kathy Johnson Clarke. “She brings a blend of power, precision, and personality that makes her must-see TV every time she steps onto the floor.”

A Catalyst for the Program

For LSU, Chio’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better time. After years of knocking on the door of a national title, the Tigers entered the 2025 season with high expectations — and a roster filled with both experience and fresh talent. Chio’s arrival injected a new level of energy and belief into the team.

“She’s made all of us better,” said Clark. “The way she trains, the way she competes — it raises the standard for everyone. And the best part is, she’s just getting started.”

Teammates have spoken openly about how Chio’s humility and work ethic have been just as impactful as her performances. Whether staying late after practice to polish her beam dismount or cheering the loudest from the sidelines, she’s become an integral part of the Tigers’ team chemistry.

“She’s like a spark plug,” said teammate Aleah Finnegan. “Her energy is contagious. And she’s one of the most supportive teammates I’ve ever had.”

Eyes on Nationals

As LSU prepares for the NCAA Gymnastics Championships, Chio’s role will only grow more significant. The Tigers are among the favorites to win the national title — a goal that has long eluded them despite numerous Final Four appearances.

LSU’s path to the championship will run through a loaded field featuring Oklahoma, Florida, Michigan, and Utah — programs that are perennial powerhouses. But with Chio in the lineup, LSU has a legitimate shot at bringing home the elusive national crown.

“She has ice in her veins and a fire in her heart,” said Coach Clark. “When the lights are brightest, she shines the most.”

If Chio can continue her momentum into postseason competition, she could be the X-factor that finally gets LSU over the hump. She’s currently ranked in the top 10 nationally on vault and floor and could be in the running for individual NCAA titles on both apparatuses.

The Future is Bright

Chio’s freshman season may be winding down, but her journey at LSU is just beginning. With three years of eligibility remaining, the Tigers are well-positioned to remain a force in college gymnastics for years to come. And with NIL opportunities now transforming the collegiate landscape, Chio is also poised to become one of the faces of the sport beyond the gym.

Already, she’s garnered NIL partnerships with athletic brands and local Louisiana businesses, all while maintaining a focus on academics and team success. She’s majoring in kinesiology with aspirations of becoming a sports physical therapist after gymnastics.

“I’m just trying to stay grounded and take it one day at a time,” Chio said after being named SEC Freshman of the Year. “It’s such an honor, and I’m really grateful for my coaches, my teammates, and the fans. LSU is a special place.”

A Legacy in the Making

While it’s too early to compare Chio to the legends of LSU gymnastics — such as Ashleigh Gnat, Sarah Finnegan, or Haleigh Bryant — there’s no denying that she’s on a trajectory that could put her among the all-time greats.

She’s already rewritten parts of the record book for LSU freshmen, including the most 9.900+ scores in a debut season and the highest average floor score for a freshman in program history. Her impact on the team’s culture, performance, and national perception is already being felt.

“Great athletes come and go,” said Clark. “But every once in a while, someone comes along who changes the game. Kailin has that potential. She’s the kind of athlete who can define an era.”

In a season full of unforgettable moments and rising stars across the country, Kailin Chio has stood out as the brightest freshman in the SEC — and arguably in the nation. Her combination of talent, toughness, and team-first mentality has endeared her to fans and made her a pillar of LSU’s title hopes.

Being named the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year is just the beginning. For Kailin Chio, the spotlight is only going to get brighter. And if this season was any indication, she’s more than ready to keep rising.

As LSU heads into the postseason and looks toward the future, one thing is clear: Kailin Chio has arrived — and she’s here to lead a new golden age of LSU gymnastics.