Sarah Brown has been named the first head coach at Texas State, the school announced, marking a major step forward as the Bobcats prepare to begin competition in 2028. Brown arrives in San Marcos after nine seasons as head coach at Penn State, where she guided the Nittany Lions to two of the top five team scores in program history and coached six individual NCAA nationals qualifiers.
“I am incredibly honored to be trusted with building the first ever Division I gymnastics program in the state of Texas,” Brown said. “This is truly a historic moment, and I want to extend my sincerest thanks to President Kelly Damphousse and Athletics Director Don Coryell for their unwavering support and commitment to expanding opportunities for women in sports, through gymnastics. The energy at Texas State is palpable—from my very first visit, I could feel a campus-wide culture of support that assures me this program will reach the highest of highs. I look forward to meeting the Bobcat family and can’t wait to get started!”
The hiring signals Texas State’s intent to build a competitive program from the ground up, leaning on Brown’s experience as both a head coach and a former elite and collegiate gymnast. At Penn State, Brown developed lineups that consistently improved throughout the season and cultivated athletes capable of contributing across multiple events—an approach that will be critical as she constructs Texas State’s inaugural roster.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sarah to Texas State as we begin this historic journey,” Director of Athletics Don Coryell said. “As we searched for the right person to build our gymnastics program from the ground up, Sarah’s vision, leadership, and commitment to developing student-athletes stood out immediately. She has demonstrated the ability to elevate programs, recruit at the highest level, and create a culture centered on excellence.”
Brown’s familiarity with the transfer landscape could also prove valuable. As a collegiate gymnast, she began her career at Utah before transferring to Missouri, where she finished her NCAA career. That firsthand experience navigating a transition, combined with her years on the coaching side during an era of increased transfer activity, positions her well to identify and attract athletes who can make an immediate impact.
Before her coaching career, Brown was a highly accomplished elite gymnast. She trained at GAGE and became a member of the U.S. national team in 2002. A four-time USA Championships qualifier, she finished as high as ninth in the all-around in 2005 and earned multiple international medals.
“Sarah Brown is exactly the kind of leader we envisioned when we committed to building the first NCAA Division I women’s gymnastics program in Texas,” said university president Kelly Damphousse. “This is an exciting day for TXST and for gymnastics in our state. Sarah has excelled as both an athlete and a coach. During the interview process, I enjoyed hearing her plans to shape a program that reflects the excellence, ambition, and spirit of our university.”
Texas State announced the addition of women’s gymnastics earlier this month, setting the stage for the program’s debut in 2028. With Brown now at the helm, the focus shifts to assembling a staff, building a roster, and establishing the foundation for long-term success.As the first head coach in program history, Brown will play a defining role in shaping Texas State gymnastics—from its competitive identity to its culture. With just over two years before the Bobcats take the floor, that work begins now.
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Article by Elizabeth Grimsley
