FORT WORTH – Kiya Johnson has been one of the biggest names in LSU gymnastics over the past few years. She is known for her challenging skills, big scores and infectious smile.
Johnson has been one of LSU’s most reliable weapons as an All-American and former SEC freshman, but his path hasn’t been easy.
During her fourth year with the program, Kiya tore her Achilles tendon during the second week of the season and was sidelined for the remainder of the year.
“The recovery process was definitely long and quite difficult at times, but again my goal was just to get back to contributing in whatever way I could to my team. I didn’t really know what that would look like going into the season .year,” Johnson said.
Now, Johnson is back competing, averaging a 9.95 on floor exercises at team anchor and competing on college gymnastics’ biggest stage in the all-around competition.
Johnson is a Dallas native, so she will be able to finish her college career on the national stage.
“I think ending my career where I grew up will be really fun, and I also get to see old teammates again, so it’s kind of like a return home or a reunion in my hometown that I’m really excited about, but I’m also going to stay focused on the team and the job at hand,” Johnson said.
LSU will compete in the national semifinals Thursday at 3:30 p.m.
If they are one of the top two teams at the end of the competition, they will advance to the finals Saturday at 3:00 p.m. on WBRZ.
