Illinois announced Tuesday it will not renew the contract of women’s gymnastics head coach Nadalie Walsh, signaling the end of her eight-year tenure at the helm of the Fighting Illini program.
Walsh, who was hired in June 2017, is under contract through August 2025. A national search for her replacement will begin immediately.
“We appreciate Coach Walsh’s contributions to our program and wish Nadalie and her family all the best,” Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said in a statement.
Under Walsh, the Illini made eight regionals appearances (excluding 2020, when postseason competition was canceled due to COVID-19) and earned a second-place Big Ten finish in 2019—tied for the program’s best since 1990. Illinois finished sixth at this year’s Big Ten championship and placed third in round two of the Washington Regional.
Walsh was named WCGA Region 3 Co-Head Coach of the Year in 2022, guiding Illinois to a program-record 197.325 at NCAA Regionals and a No. 19 national finish.
Before arriving in Champaign, Walsh coached at Utah State, Ball State, and UW-Oshkosh, where she won an NCGA national title in 2007.
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Article by Elizabeth Grimsley
Hi. I’d just like to note that the article is incorrect regarding the statement, “… a second-place Big Ten finish in 2019—the program’s best since 1990.”
Illinois has placed in the top two more than once since 1990 and at least 4 times, including 2019, as I have detected from my quick research. The other years Illinois has placed in the top 2 at Big Tens since 1990 include 2009, 2015, 2017, and, of course, 2019.
Just thought I’d share. Thanks!
2017: https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltca750cef518bc6e4/blt61b0dde33dadfca5/64afc309ce1ee54cdd8fd972/2018-19_Women_s_Gymnastics_Record_Book.pdf
2015: https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltca750cef518bc6e4/bltdb95734d915c39b4/65ef540be55fcb6343233249/2015-16_WGYM_Record_Book.pdf
2009: https://stats.fightingillini.com/custompages/sports/w-gym/032109aaa.html
Hi again. Also, I believe there was no Arkansas regional this year…Nonetheless, Illinois competed in the Seattle regional.
Thanks!
I’m rather surprised by this news, I thought she was doing a solid job. I think the team met expectations this season, and seemed to have a really good vibe.