Washington Transfer Emily Innes Joins LSU Gymnastics in Exciting New Chapter
Baton Rouge, LA — May 21, 2025
In a major move that has captured the attention of the gymnastics world, former Washington gymnast Emily Innes has officially announced her transfer to Louisiana State University (LSU) for the 2025-2026 season. The highly anticipated decision comes after an impressive two years with the University of Washington’s gymnastics team, where Innes made a name for herself as one of the top all-around competitors in the NCAA.
Innes, who excels on all four apparatuses — vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor — has been a standout talent since her freshman year at Washington. With multiple All-Pac-12 honors under her belt and a reputation for hitting clutch routines under pressure, Innes quickly became one of the conference’s most formidable athletes. Her decision to transfer to LSU is expected to bring a new level of excitement to an already elite Tigers gymnastics program, which has consistently been one of the top teams in the NCAA.
“I’m thrilled to join the LSU gymnastics family,” said Innes in a statement released by LSU Athletics. “After a lot of consideration, I knew that LSU was the right place for me to grow both as an athlete and as a person. The tradition of excellence, the amazing coaches, and the passionate fanbase made it clear that this was the next step in my journey.”
LSU gymnastics has a storied legacy, with national championships, SEC titles, and a reputation for developing some of the best gymnasts in the country. Under head coach D-D Breaux, who retired after the 2024 season and was succeeded by Jay Clark, the Tigers have seen consistent success, including a runner-up finish at the 2024 NCAA Championships. Innes’ decision to join LSU adds depth to a squad already stacked with talent, including returning stars Kiya Johnson, Haleigh Bryant, and Dylan Webber.
Jay Clark, LSU’s new head coach, couldn’t be more excited about Innes’ addition to the roster. “Emily is a dynamic gymnast, and her versatility across all four events will be a huge asset to our team. She has proven herself to be a fierce competitor, and I have no doubt that she’ll help take LSU gymnastics to new heights. I’m excited to see how she thrives in our program, and we can’t wait to get her on campus.”
Innes’ decision to transfer also reflects her desire to challenge herself in a new environment and push for even greater heights in her gymnastics career. Throughout her time at Washington, Innes consistently impressed with her performances, including setting personal bests on both vault and beam, where she earned scores that ranked her among the top gymnasts in the country. Her ability to perform under pressure, combined with her work ethic and discipline, makes her a perfect fit for LSU’s competitive environment.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to train with the incredible athletes and coaching staff at LSU,” Innes added. “I know I’ll be challenged, but I’m ready to take my gymnastics to the next level.”
As LSU prepares for the 2025-2026 season, Innes’ addition to the roster is one that will undoubtedly create a buzz in the gymnastics community. The Tigers, with their wealth of talent and championship aspirations, are poised to remain a dominant force in NCAA gymnastics. With Innes bringing her skill, determination, and experience to Baton Rouge, LSU fans are already eagerly anticipating the impact she will have on the team’s quest for a national title.
Innes’ move to LSU signals not only a new chapter in her career but also further solidifies LSU’s status as a powerhouse in the world of collegiate gymnastics. Fans will be watching closely as she takes the floor in a Tigers uniform for the first time — and with her exceptional talent and drive, it’s clear that she’s poised for success at LSU.