re: #4 LSU at #17 Auburn gymnastics meet thread: LSU falls to Auburn

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Why isn't recruiting improving?

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I think that you're going to see recruiting change a good bit with the new rules. Prior to this year you have to start getting girls to commit at the ages of 12,13 or 14 Now with the new rules they have to be a little older before you can even contact them. They would be more equipped to make decisions and not feel so pressured so young

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Talent level at LSU behind Finnegan and Edney just doesn't look near as strong as the last 5-6 years. Seems odd given that the facility they have is unmatched in the country.

Why isn't recruiting improving?

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The idea that the facility is that big of a factor is another false narrative. Sure, the facility is gorgeous, top of the mountain at this point. There are so many other factors and every recruit has different priorities.

The most important thing about the facility is whether it is good enough for them to train safely and efficiently. After that, the school, the location, the culture, the other girls on the team, and the support structure come into play. The culture in CA at UCLA is fairly different from the culture in LA at LSU. Not a whole lot can be done about that.

Also, all of these girls know each other from the circuit, so one might choose a school for one factor and another chooses to be with her friend(s). You also have to account for the fact that most of these girls have lived a very sheltered/sequestered life and did not go to regular school, which also complicates things.

Needless to say, recruiting these girls is very difficult and tricky. Even with the best facilities and the best recruiters, it's difficult and takes some luck to land the best girls in a given year.

Edited for typo.