later
LSU softball coach Beth Torino couldn’t help but smile.
A 10U softball player on her daughter’s team has a few business cards in her back pocket. The cards featured LSU softball pitchers Danica Coffey (third base) and Allie Newland (outfielder/catcher).
“She has Danica who can run fast and Allie has the ability to throw long,” Torina told USA TODAY Sports. “It was amazing.”
From NFL games to college sports scores, all the major sports news you need to know every day.
Torino had to wait. LSU women’s sports represent a unique connection to the local community.
© Beth Torino, LSU softball coach. Jolie Normand poses with her LSU business cards during the softball game against the 10U Mudbugs. (Photo courtesy of Leslie and Mark Normand).
According to LSU, women’s athletics has seen high participation in several sports. For example, LSU Softball averaged 1,580 fans at home games in 2018, a number that increased to an average of 2,023 last season.
LSU softball drew 42,000 fans this year. A recent home game against top seed Oklahoma drew 3,073 fans. They say the increased support has a positive impact on recruiting CSRs and building successful programs.
“I think it’s great when we can tap into recruiting and show our potential and commitment to women’s athletics,” Torina said. “It’s something we’re proud of and something that attracts a lot of great athletes to LSU.”
Women’s athletic participation at LSU is on the rise.
LSU has 11 women’s sports, including basketball, gymnastics, beach volleyball, soccer and softball. The LSU women’s basketball team set records during its run to the NCAA Championship. In 36 games, the Tigers drew 148,468 fans. Earlier this season, LSU had 11,475 fans against Auburn and 15,157 fans at the Pete Maravich Center against Tennessee.
In the NCAA National Championship game, LSU and Iowa set records for the most-watched game in tournament history, according to ESPN. The game drew 9.9 million viewers and 12.6 million viewers for the tournament.
LSU gymnastics thrives on the strength of their fan base, averaging 12,075 home fans in the Southeastern Conference.
“The fans value[the players]a lot and they are role models,” Torino said.
In the year In 2021, LSU football set a home attendance record of 3,021 fans. During that time, the LSU volleyball team reached 105,000 followers and generated 1.6 million unfollowed viral impressions on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
© Jamie Hall, LSU Tigers Athletic Foundation The LSU women’s basketball team has recently gained a younger fan following this season.
What made your fan base grow? LSU gymnastics coach Jay Clark said fans are drawn to the appeal of the campus and its sports teams.
“This place is unique and different in terms of people’s needs,” Clark said. “The build up wasn’t difficult. Now you have to win to back it up. We quickly followed.”
Geaux Tigers: The NCAA Champions arrived in shock
LSU made a good move when they hired women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey after the 2020-21 season. Malki brings championship pedigree to the athletic program. The visibility of the basketball team increased and spilled over into other women’s sports.
“I think winning the women’s basketball national championship puts LSU in front of a lot of faces and on a lot of TV screens,” Torina said. “I think it’s good for all of us.”
Both LSU football and volleyball have competed in the NCAA tournament. The women’s track and field team is ranked first in the nation, the women’s golf team is ranked third, and the beach volleyball team is ranked 5th.
Meanwhile, the LSU gymnastics team is headed to the NCAA finals.
“10 years ago, we knew we had a unique fan base,” Clark said of his early years at LSU. “Getting out into the community and meeting our fans, our athletes, was key. At the same time, the program has become more successful than ever.”
Women’s sports culture change leads to LSU recruiting.
According to LSU’s women’s coaches, the overall interest in women’s sports has also had an impact on recruiting. Clark said recruits are drawn to LSU’s culture. He cited expanded facilities, fan support and athletic programs as key factors. These factors have helped clubs sign nine new players ahead of the 2022 season.
Ohio State’s Kathryn Poole recalled the star transfer and said Tiger fans influenced her decision to sign.
“She’s the most LSU fans I’ve ever seen in the PMAC in my life,” Malke said.
LSU women’s basketball is ranked #1 in the nation this season. The Tigers welcome sophomore Mikayla Williams to Baton Rouge. She has won two gold medals and is the Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year. Alia del Rosario, Angelica Velez and Jane Kent will join Williams in the 2023 Class of 7s.
LSU gymnastics is recruiting well. Clark also had top athletes Haley Bryant, Aaliyah Finnegan and Bryce Wilson. Each earned All-SEC honors. LSU also has TikTok sensation Olivia Dunn, who helps LSU stay in the news and broke Nielsen’s recommendation record for female athletes.
“I think it’s great when we can tap into recruiting and show our potential and commitment to women’s athletics,” Torina said. “It’s something we’re proud of and something that attracts a lot of great athletes to LSU.”
Other top athletes on campus include track and field stars Thelma Davis and Shania Bellamy and swimmer Maggie McNeil.
“I call it the light that catches the flies,” Clark said of the team’s fan support and gear.
LSU continues to be very successful.
From world-class facilities to improved sports psychology to the benefits of cryotherapy, LSU offers a program that appeals to fans and prospective athletes alike.
“Everybody in the state of Louisiana loves the LSU Tigers,” Clark said.
This article originally appeared on USA Today: LSU Women’s Sports Time: Interest in Tigers Gymnastics, Basketball and More
