Yale head coach Barbara Tonry, the longest-tenured coach in NCAA gymnastics history, has passed away at 84. She became Yale gymnastics’ inaugural head coach in 1973 and led the Bulldogs to 16 team and 93 individual Ivy League titles. During her tenure, Yale also won two ECAC team titles.
“Yale Gymnastics would not be where it is without Barbara Tonry at the helm. She devoted her life to the creation, development and success of this program. For nearly five decades, she prioritized the student-athlete experience and helped hundreds of Bulldogs achieve greatness at Yale and beyond,” said Yale athletics director Victoria Chun. “Barbara is beloved by generations of alumnae and alumni and she has left a legacy that will be felt for decades to come.”
An outstanding athlete in her own right, Tonry (then Gallagher) made the training squad for the 1964 Olympic team in artistic gymnastics. She also won multiple AAU national championships in tumbling and state championships in trampoline, tennis and diving.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Tonry graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Texas in 1961 and went on to earn her master’s degree at Southern Connecticut State University.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Article by Rebecca Scally
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