The state of Texas has a rich history of producing elite gymnasts, including Olympic champions like Simone Biles and Nastia Liukin. However, until now, these athletes have had to leave the state to compete at the NCAA Division 1 level.
Texas State University is set to change that by launching the state's first Division I women's gymnastics program in early 2028. The program will be a significant addition to the university's athletic department and will represent a new level of national prominence for the institution.
The search for the program's first head coach is currently underway, with recruiting to start immediately afterward. The university's president, Kelly Damphousse, expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating that the program will provide a chance for talented gymnasts to compete close to home.
Texas has a long history of producing collegiate gymnasts, with many training at prominent clubs based in the state. The NCAA women's Division I championships have been held in Fort Worth every April for several years, and the state has hosted numerous USA Gymnastics events.
With the addition of the women's gymnastics program, Texas State will join the Pac-12 conference and become the first Division I school in the state to offer the sport. The university's athletic director, Don Coryell, expressed confidence in the program's potential, stating that the university is committed to building a well-planned and sustained program that will serve student-athletes and the state of Texas for years to come.
