Photo: Manuel, Mark (uploader)
Iowa State University is ending its women’s gymnastics program.
ISU Athletics Director Jamie Pollard says the decision stems from ongoing conflicts between athletes, coaches, and parents that ended the current season early.
He says a senior leadership team was put together to look at the ongoing issues in the women’s gymnastics program.
"Unfortunately, our continued inability by our department to provide our women's gymnastics team members that same level of experience, that the other 17 sports are receiving, is disappointing and very concerning." Pollard says.
He says the program went through similar issues in 2018 and again in 2023. The entire coaching staff was replaced after 2023.
Pollard says the women's gymnastics program will be replaced with another sport that provides equal or additional participation opportunities for female athletes. He says no decision's been made on what sport will be added.
Pollard says scholarships will be honored for any gymnast who chooses to stay at ISU, but the school will also help any gymnast who wants to enter the transfer portal and go to another school.