In early September, the Natchitoches Historic District Business Association announced the Louisiana State University women’s gymnastics team will be the Grand Marshal of this year’s 98th annual Natchitoches Christmas Parade.
The Tigers will lead the parade after their record breaking success in the gymnasium at the 2024 Women’s National Collegiate Athletic Association Gymnastics Championships which was held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas earlier this April.
“We are beyond excited to welcome the LSU Gymnastics Team as the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Natchitoches Christmas Parade. Their dedication and excellence inspires everyone in Louisiana, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements during this magical time of year. Thanks to Liviniti’s support, this will be a parade to remember,” festival director Jill Leo said in a Natchitoches Christmas article.
LSU’s gymnastics team will be presented by Liviniti, a local and national pharmaceutical company that supports the well-being of people across the nation. LeAnn Boyd, CEO of Liviniti, said in a Natchitoches Christmas article, “We are proud of our deep Louisiana roots. Christmas is a time to cherish with family, friends and time-honored traditions. We are excited to bring the LSU Gymnastics Team to our city as we gather as a community to celebrate the holiday season.”
According to the NCAA, LSU’s gymnastics team earned the 2024 Women’s NCAA Gymnastics Championship title for the first time in its program’s history. The Tigers were able to climb their way back to first against the University of California Bears, the University of Utah Red Rocks and the University of Florida Gators after ending with 198.2250 points.
LSU advanced from second to first place, while the Bears placed second with a total of 197.8500 points in Rotation 4. Along with a championship title, the Tigers ended their season with a 31-3 overall record and a 24-meet win streak, according to the NCAA.
After the team’s victory at the championships in Fort Worth, many Northwestern State University of Louisiana students are conflicted with the decision of this year’s grand marshal.
Despite LSU’s involvement, Brady Mathis, senior hospitality, management and tourism major, shared his excitement for the parade this year as Demon Heat color guard captain.
“I’m really excited for the parade, it’s one of my favorite things to do during the season, and it’s a long day, but it’s definitely very rewarding to see everybody having a good time during Christmas,” Mathis said.
While it is a great honor for the Tigers, Mathis explained his conflicting thoughts on the gymnastics team leading the parade this year.
“I’m honestly kind of confused, but I think it’s very interesting because they’re a different college,” Mathis said. “At the same time, it’s cool that we’re intermingling our schools and that they get to showcase themselves in our Christmas parade.”
Much like Mathis, sophomore communication major Ella Robinson is confused by LSU’s involvement in the parade, but she is also ready to share the holiday spirit during the parade.
“I think it’s kind of odd and it could be fun, but I don’t understand why. I feel like it’s taking away from the NSU family,” Robinson said. “The parade will be a blast and everyone should experience it.”
Although some NSU students are unsure of LSU leading the parade, Camryn Loving, sophomore animal science major at LSU, explained this could be a good opportunity for students and schools across the state to connect.
“The parade is about celebrating Christmas and other traditions that are part of our Louisiana culture, and there are fans, students and faculty from schools across the state who will attend the parade,” Loving said. “It’s definitely a place we can all bond and connect while celebrating.”
While she is not attending the parade in Natchitoches, Loving expressed her excitement to see the women’s gymnastics team be honored.
“I love to see the gymnastics team celebrating their big win across the state. I was lucky enough to go to a couple gym meets last season and had a blast,” Loving said. “That team is so talented and deserves to be celebrated.”
Landry Smith, sophomore nutrition and food science major at LSU, explained how this can bring both institutions together.
“LSU and NSU are both important to Louisiana, and this is an opportunity to bridge any gaps and foster a sense of statewide unity. LSU gymnastics represents excellence in sports and inspires so many across the state — not just LSU fans — so events like this can help bring communities and schools closer together,” Smith said.
She emphasized the importance of the title her school’s gymnastics team holds, as she feels it symbolizes hard work and resilience. “It’s inspiring to see them being recognized and celebrated beyond Baton Rouge. This parade is a great way to bring the whole state together to honor their success and share in the holiday spirit,” Smith said.
Alongside their championship title, the Tigers will be recognized as this year’s Grand Marshal of the 98th annual Natchitoches Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.
