There are athletes whose names become synonymous with excellence. For Baton Rouge native and Tchefuncta resident, Rheagan Courville Branton, her name is etched in LSU history not just for her near-flawless vaults, but for the legacy she carved into collegiate gymnastics. This September, that legacy will be officially honored as she is inducted into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame, a recognition reserved for those who have elevated the prestige of Tiger athletics through talent, dedication, and impact.

Raised just minutes from LSU’s campus, Rheagan Courville was destined for greatness. She became a national standout early in life, competing as an elite gymnast before bringing her talents to the LSU Tigers in 2012. From her very first meet, it was clear that Courville would help redefine the program. During her four years at LSU (2012–2015), she achieved an astonishing 23 All-American honors, a mark of consistent, elite performance. She claimed back-to-back NCAA vault national championships in 2013 and 2014, and was named SEC Gymnast of the Year twice. Her routines weren’t just athletic displays; they were stories told through explosive energy and perfect landings, time and time again.

But she was more than just medals and scores. She embodied the student-athlete ideal, fiercely competitive, academically committed, and always a team-first leader. She was a multi-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient, showing the same focus in the classroom as she did on the competition floor. Her impact helped launch LSU gymnastics into a new era of national relevance. Alongside legendary head coach D-D Breaux, Rheagan was part of a pivotal generation that made the Tigers a perennial championship contender, bringing new fans and greater visibility to the program.

On Friday, September 19, 2025, Rheagan will be inducted into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame during a special ceremony at the Manship Theatre in Baton Rouge. She will join five other celebrated inductees: former men’s basketball coach John Brady, golf coach J. Perry Cole, basketball greats Ronald Dupree, Cornelia Gayden, and Temeka Johnson. The evening will celebrate not just athletic achievements but the spirit of perseverance, integrity, and excellence that define LSU’s most honored figures. “Each of the inductees in our 2025 Hall of Fame class epitomizes athletics excellence and a commitment to character and integrity,” said LSU Director of Athletics Scott Woodward in a recent announcement. “This prestigious honor is well-earned based on the significant contributions each of these outstanding individuals has made to our university.”

Now a wife, mother, and mentor, Rheagan’s journey continues beyond the mat. But her impact on LSU gymnastics, Baton Rouge, and young athletes everywhere remains immeasurable. As her name is forever enshrined in LSU’s Hall of Fame, she stands as a shining example of what it means to represent one’s community, university, and sport with passion and purpose. Congratulations Rheagan!