The world of college gymnastics never truly stops, even in the offseason. One week can bring a whirlwind of news, from seismic shifts in coaching lineups to athletes unveiling jaw-dropping new skills in training. It’s easy to miss a beat, but don’t worry—we have you covered. This is your weekly dose of everything you need to know from the gymternet, delivering the biggest headlines, crucial updates, and stories you might have missed. Let’s dive into the week’s action!
Top Storylines
Stack-Eaton Named California Head Coach
Minnesota assistant coach and former Alabama gymnast Geralen Stack-Eaton was named head coach at California. Stack-Eaton spent 11 seasons on the Gophers’ coaching staff and now joins a Golden Bears program that’s spiraled after the offseason departures of co-head coaches Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell, as well as multiple recruits.
Former Oklahoma Standouts Enter Coaching Ranks
Former Oklahoma standout Olivia Trautman was named as an assistant coach at Utah State. Her former teammate Ragan Smith joined the coaching staff at Iowa State, also as an assistant. Both positions are the first paid coaching positions for the former Sooners.
Transfer & Eligibility Updates
Incoming Transfers
- Former Northern Illinois gymnast Haley Zampella transferred to Eau Claire with two years of eligibility remaining, per her Instagram bio.
Eligibility Updates
- Rising Utah senior and former walk-on Sarah Krump earned a full scholarship for her senior year.
Coaching & Staff News
Tarver Named SCSU Head Coach
Former Fisk head coach Corinne Tarver was named head coach of Southern Connecticut. Tarver departed Fisk midway through the 2025 season; the program was cut after the season ended. She will take the helm for the Owls from interim head coach Jerry Nelson.
Scharns Promoted to WMU Associate Head Coach
Western Michigan assistant coach Al Scharns was promoted to associate head coach. Scharns is entering his 12th season on the Broncos coaching staff.
Rice Named Assistant Coach at Denver
Former Brandy Johnson’s (FL) club coach Mary Rice was named as an assistant coach at Denver.
McDonough Named Assistant Coach at Clemson
Former Olympus (UT) club coach Jessie McDonough was named as an assistant coach at Clemson.
Training Updates
New Skills Spotted
- Rising Utah senior Makenna Smith is training a Podkopayeva on vault.
- Incoming Rhode Island freshman Kylie Montague is training a full-in dismount on bars.
- Rising Georgia sophomore Nyla Aquino is training a front pike half vault.
- Incoming Ithaca freshman Olivia Lane is training a double layout dismount on bars.
- Rising Oklahoma sophomore Lily Pederson is training a Ray on bars.
- Rising Oklahoma sophomore Addison Fatta is training a full-twisting double layout dismount on bars.
Rehab Progress
- Rising Central Michigan junior Heather Parker recently underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff and bicep, according to an interview with the All Things Gymnastics podcast.
- Rising sixth year Danae Fletcher is tumbling on the air track eight months after tearing an ACL for the second time.
Fifth Year News
Recruiting Buzz
College gymnastics recruiting news moves fast! For in-depth coverage of commitments, signings, and all the latest recruiting developments, be sure to check out our weekly Recruiting Roundup.
READ THIS NEXT: 2025 Recruit Ratings by the Numbers
News curated by Katherine Weaver with assistance from the editors of College Gym News
