In this ongoing series, FloGymnastics spotlights this year's NCAA seniors heading into their final season. Next up is LSU's Ashleigh Gnat. 

LSU senior Ashleigh Gnat has been a key contributor to the Tigers' success in each of her first three seasons. Last year was no exception, as Gnat was a big reason that LSU finished second overall at the NCAA championships, its best placing in school history. Gnat is an 11-time NCAA All-American, including in the all-around and on vault, beam, and floor. Gnat is known for her difficult double-twisting Yurchenko vault, in which she scored a perfect 10 twice last season. She has also earned a perfect 10 on floor four different times. Gnat brings great energy, talent, and leadership that will be needed to bring LSU its first national championship.

Gnat's perfect 10 on floor at TWU:


FloGymnastics: What is your major? When are you graduating? 
Gnat: Major: sports administration. Minor: business. I will graduate in May 2017.

What have you learned about yourself in your time at LSU? 
I have learned a lot about myself as a person and a human being. I have learned to be confident in who I am.

What is your role on the team this season as a senior?
It has gone by so quick! Being a leadership position, I am here to perform for my team and practice in a way that is going to help our team.

What is your biggest accomplishment personally?
Competing at Super Six and finishing in second place, that has the biggest spot in my heart.

What are you still looking to accomplish this season? 
The goal is to win a national championship! We are gunning for it and to win it as a senior would mean so much.

What is your favorite part about competition day? 
I love the pre-meet part where we get ready together in the locker room. We play loud music and get ready to go as a team. Before the meet we also say a team prayer that sets the tone for peace and calm. 

How have your coaches at LSU helped you become a better gymnast? 
Not only have they helped me become a better gymnast, they have helped me become a better human being. [LSU head coach D-D Breaux] is setting such a good example in her 40th season for all of us. She is a great role model with her enthusiasm and work ethic. 

What are your plans after graduation? 
I plan to stay at LSU and complete grad school in sports management. 

How do you like to spend your time outside of the gym?
I like to hang with my friends and binge-watch Netflix. 

Tell us something about you that others might not know about you? 
I love to draw and paint! It is a good way to relax and unwind. I like to have a project to work on and the pride I feel when I complete the project. 

What is one word to describe your attitude/personality in the gym?
Enthusiastic.

What motivated you in and out of the gym? 
My motivation comes from God, and I give all the glory to him through what I am doing. I perform for my team, and it is an honor to be at LSU.   

What nicknames do your teammates have for you? 
Bugs -- I have had that ever since I was little.

LSU was close to winning a national championship last season. What will it take for the Tigers to get their first title in 2017?
It is always a close race for the title. We need to transfer what we do in the gym every day to the competition floor. We have such good team chemistry and a bond and that is what sets us apart from other teams. We are excited to get out there and perform come January. 

How is the new training facility? What are your favorite parts? 
It is amazing! My favorite part is the video room. We are able to watch film and make corrections. We also have different landing surfaces on each event. It allows us to be able to conserve everything we have. 

Why would you tell a future recruit to come to LSU? 
The family atmosphere! There is nobody that will care more about you than the staff at LSU. They support you in every single aspect.

Anything else you would like to share? 
I love being able to be a student-athlete at LSU. I am thankful to have these experiences at LSU.


Related: 
Senior Spotlight: Michigan's Nicole Artz
Senior Spotlight: Oklahoma's Chayse Capps 
Senior Spotlight: Georgia's Lauren Johnson