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After Haleigh Bryant’s LSU 5th Year Confirmation, Kentucky Wildcats Also Rejoice Over Isabella Magnelli’s Return

Published 05/01/2024, 8:45 AM EDT

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With the recent confirmation of Haleigh Bryant‘s fifth year at LSU sending ripples of excitement through the gymnastics community, the joyous news doesn’t end there. Kentucky Wildcats supporters now have their own reason to celebrate as Isabella Magnelli announces her return for a fifth year, adding another layer of anticipation to the upcoming season. This is the final collegiate season for both Haleigh Bryant and Isabella Magnelli.

Haleigh Bryant is a standout gymnast for LSU. She is widely regarded as one of the top gymnasts in recent history. According to her coach, “She’s an all-timer in my book.” Meanwhile, Isabella Magnelli has been a standout performer for Kentucky, earning multiple perfect 10.0 scores on the balance beam. So, it is natural that Kentucky Wildcats are simmering in anticipation.

Kentucky Wildcats welcome Isabella Magnelli back for 5th year

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A gymnastics community on Reddit shared a Facebook post assuring Isabella Magnelli’s return. Additionally, on the official Instagram page of the University of Kentucky, a reel showcasing Isabella Magnelli’s best performances on the mat confirmed that she’s back. The beam queen has been a driving force for the UK gymnastics team. She earned a spot on the WCGA National Championship All-America First Team for her exceptional performance on the Balance Beam. Magnelli was also the 2024 NCAA balance beam bronze medalist for Kentucky. Regarding her return, Isabella said, “I can’t wait to leave it all out there on the floor one final time.”

Isabella Magellan is back
byu/sabraybray inGymnastics

Joining her is UK’s Hailey Davis. The two appeared for an interview on BBN Tonight as per its recent X post that was captioned, “THEY’RE BACK,” announcing that fans will see them again on the mat for their senior year. When Isabella was asked why for the fifth year? She answered, “Yeah, I kind of decided to save it for my fifth year, after my sophomore year. I’ve known for a while, my body has been healthy throughout my gymnastics career.

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Meanwhile, Hailey Davis also opened up about her comeback in an interview, saying: “I feel like if you are getting an opportunity to have it with you, should definitely take it.” So, both are sure to be key contributors to the Wildcats’ lineups again in 2024. Isabella Magnelli said, “We’re super excited to be able to lead this team one more time.” As fans rejoice at the good news, anticipation mounts for a thrilling season ahead that will define collegiate gymnastics.

Wildcats supporters thrilled about Isabella’s comeback

Given Isabella Magnelli and Hailey Davis’ ability to pack an impressive crowd of 10,069 Big Blue Nation members at Rupp Arena, it is no wonder that everyone is ecstatic about their return. One enthusiastic Wildcats supporter was excited and exclaimed, “Yesssss, I was hoping she’d come back! Went to Kentucky vs. Florida this season and she’s an absolute beast, can’t wait to see what her fifth year looks like.”

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Another fan, who was eagerly waiting to book tickets, commented, “‘Woot!!! So glad to hear. And season tickets go on sale in May!” A fan full of emotions commented to express her feelings by Isabella returning,” Yes! Love her and couldn’t bear to lose both her and Raena.” Another die-hard fan of Isabella who’s super happy commented, “So happy about this!! She’s become one of my favorite ncaa gymnasts.” An ecstatic fan celebrating Isabella Magnelli’s outstanding performance said, “awww yay!!! (also shout out to her for the 9.95 on beam at nationals after 4 falls from bama, she’s a rock!)”

Fans are thrilled as they wait to see what Isabella Magnelli and Hailey Davis showcase on the mat in the 2024 season!

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Written by:

Anchal Ahuja

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Anchal Ahuja is a senior Olympic Sports Correspondent at EssentiallySports. With over 5 years of experience in journalism, Anchal decided to pursue her love for sports and cover various pathways of the Olympics. She actively covers swimming, track and field, and gymnastics.
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Edited by:

Suman Varandani