JOURNAL SPORTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The LSU Tigers have been here before, but it’s still special.

No team like the LSUS pilots has ever commanded the White House spotlight before.

Both national champion college baseball teams, along with travel parties filled with dignitaries, will be saluted at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue this afternoon at 3 Central time.

The ceremony, expected to feature President Donald Trump and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, can be streamed live at the White House’s website https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

Earlier today, the Pilots will tour the U.S. Capitol building, despite the federal government shutdown.

They are the first NAIA champions – in any sport – to receive acclaim at the White House. LSUS earned its trip with an historic undefeated season, going 59-0, a feat never achieved at any level of college baseball.

Johnson delivered the invitation to visit the White House during a June 2 community celebration of the Pilots in downtown Shreveport.

Speaking on a cell phone call played live over the sound system at the event, Johnson shared the happy news.

“As a Shreveport native and double alum to LSU in Baton Rouge, and as a kid who used to play on the fields at LSUS when we lived in south Broadmoor, I couldn’t be more proud,” Johnson said.

Soon afterward, the Pilots, led by head coach Brad Neffendorf, traveled to be honored at the Louisiana state Capitol by the Senate and House.

Other recognitions have followed, although much of the 2025 team roster scattered quickly once the season was complete, some going to professional baseball opportunities and others returning home. No players are Shreveport-Bossier natives but those who are back in school this fall are on the trip to D.C., along with plenty of local VIPs led by Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux and LSUS Chancellor Robert Smith.

The Tigers won their eighth College World Series championship in Omaha. It was the second NCAA crown in three years for coach Jay Johnson’s program.