There’s a lot that happens on the gymternet each week. So much so that it can be hard to keep track of it all. From training updates and COVID year announcements to recruiting rumors and coaching news, we don’t blame you for missing some important points here and there.
That’s where we come in. Last Week in College Gym is your one-stop shop for all the important headlines from the previous week in college gymnastics. No matter if you’re taking a social media break, went on vacation or just don’t have the capacity to follow every single gymnast, team and fan, we have you covered.
Top Storylines
Sienna Crouse Named Lindenwood Assistant Coach
Crouse, a former Nebraska standout, spent 2021 as a volunteer at Kentucky. She joins former teammate and head coach Catelyn Orel on the Lions’ staff.
What our Editors are saying…
“Although Crouse has only a year of collegiate coaching experience, her understanding of what it takes to be successful will be an asset to the Lindenwood gymnastics program. Coaching under the Garrisons, who have built a program consistently at the top of the national rankings, will give Crouse the foundation for a successful transition to Lindenwood. Some might question the choice to select such a young coaching staff, but Lindenwood’s track record of success under Jen Llewellyn proves that experience is not the only factor that predicts a championship caliber program. The youth of the Lindenwood coaching staff will keep the program lively, full of fresh ideas and passion for the sport. I’m excited to see how the transition between coaching staffs goes this season.” – Tavia Smith, MIC & WIAC Editor
Greenville University Adds Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics
The Greenville, Illinois, school will begin competing in the 2022 season in Division III. The men’s program is the first non-GymACT team to be added in over six decades.
What our Editors are saying…
“There was some justified uproar online over Greenville’s evangelical code of conduct. While it is absolutely vexing to see programs added at a university that is not inclusive of the entire gymnastics community—especially at a moment in the sport when LGBTQ+ athletes seem to feel freer to be their authentic selves publicly—I hope fans will choose to support future Greenville athletes and use their collective platforms to educate, rather than denigrate, gymnasts. Institutional policies are another story.” – Emily M, managing editor
Scotty Bauman Signs Contract Extension
Southern Utah head coach Scotty Bauman signed a contract extension through the 2024 season. Bauman has served as head coach for 30 years—making him the longest tenured coach in school history—and has led the Thunderbirds to many school records and regional appearances.
Other Newsworthy Items
- Auburn took out a billboard to celebrate Suni Lee’s all around gold.
- The CoSIDA Academic All-America At-Large Team was named. Megan Skaggs of Florida, Leah Clapper of Florida, Lexy Ramler of Minnesota and Emma Schulz of Cortland were named to the first team. Isabel Goyco of TWU, Ona Loper of Minnesota, Natalie Wojcik of Michigan, Courtney Christoforo of Ithaca College and Blaise Wilson of UW-Whitewater were named to the second team. Alix Pierce of TWU, Anastasia Webb of Oklahoma, Brooke Merila of Gustavus and Emily Speciale of Cortland were named to the third team.
- Neal Gallant will be an assistant coach with the San Jose Spartan’s for the upcoming season. Gallant previously coached at Stanford for six years with the women’s gymnastics team.
- Air Force’s freshman class has arrived on campus.
- Former LSU National Champion Sarah Finnegan got married over the weekend.
- Felica Hano was promoted from volunteer assistant coach to assistant coach at Arkansas. Hano joins head coach Jordyn Wieber and assistant coach Chris Brooks.
- Savannah Schoenherr, Leah Clapper and Alyssa Baumann completed their undergraduate academic degrees over the weekend. All three Gators will be competing for Florida in 2022.
NIL Brand Deals
- Hannah Joyner partnered with Zoila Athletics, a Black woman-owned brand that sells African-inspired leotards.
Training Updates
- Dymiana Cox posted a double pike to her Instagram story. The Penn State junior has suffered knee injuries that kept her out of competition.
- Terp Emma Silberman shared a bar routine, noting it was her first back since she suffered an ACL injury during her sophomore campaign in March 2021.
- Illinois junior Mia Takekawa is working on a marathon upgraded combo pass: roundoff + one and a half + barani + split jump + front tuck.
- Kendall Huff was seen training a FHS double full on floor. This E pass is an upgrade for the Centenary rising junior.
- Michigan is playing with double Arabians. The floor crew all practiced them into the pit; Carly Bauman even did a double Arabian half out.
- Lindenwood senior Paige Sorenson was seen practicing a side aerial on beam via her Instagram story.
READ THIS NEXT: BREAKING: Oklahoma to Join SEC Starting With 2026 Season
Article by the editors of College Gym News
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