“Really Unsettling”: Heartbroken Gymnastics Community Voice Out Backlash Over Husky Head Coach Moving to Iowa

The Iowa GymHawks seem to be perpetually waiting for their NCAA title. However, with them slipping to the 29th position in 2024 from the 26th, the odds appear quite against them. Also, a whole string of tumultuous issues have recently imbalanced the side. Earlier this year, an independent review began within Iowa’s gymnastics program, after concerns surfaced from internal team members regarding Head Coach Larissa Libby’s behavior. Subsequently, Libby resigned in May, years after she joined the side in 2005.

Indeed, this was a massive blow to the Hawks. Yet, it seems they have had an unexpectedly quick recovery from it. The University has just announced the appointment of a new gymnastics Head Coach. As per the Iowa Gymnastics’ recent X post, Jen Llewellyn has been named the next gymnastics Head Coach. She was previously associated with the University of Washington, spearheading the Huskies in the same capacity for the past three years. And now, Llewellyn has accepted to switch to Iowa, stating that she is “thrilled and beyond grateful” for joining the Hawkeye community.

Mainly, Llewellyn boasts a rather impressive resume. Under her leadership, the Huskies have made three consecutive NCAA second-round regional appearances. Recently in the 2024 season, the side bagged two 197+ scores, both under her mentorship. Also, before Washington, she was with Lindenwood University for nine seasons. There, specifically for the successive years of 2015 and 2016, she was named the USA Gymnastics Head Coach of the Year.

It is certain, that Jen Llewellyn is short of neither experience nor resolve. But despite these factors, the gymnastics community fans seem relatively disgruntled with this swap.

Fans seem thrown off by Jen Llewellyn’s appointment

Initiating a Reddit conversation, @r/Gymnastics discussed this mega-decision, which garnered many unnerving reactions from the fans. One of the Huskies fans expressed honest disappointment phrasing, “As a Washington fan this is devastating.” Echoing a similar sentiment, another fan added, “i am shocked.” To this, a third person agreed saying that it was “Not a good morning!💔” 

However, there were also avid game followers who voiced their apprehensions briefly. One remarked, “I can see why she would make the move for so many reasons but as a Husky fan this is really unsettling.” They continued to reminisce that Jen Llewellyn was doing a good job and had induced great optimism and stability within the Washinton side after the discouraging years. But, eventually “…. this doesn’t feel like a great moment in time for UW gymnastics.”

Another one added that they were “Very surprised by this!” Being from PNW and a former Pac-12 athlete herself, they thought Washington was a perfect fit for Llewellyn. They even cited that she had been there for a long time. And as one joins these dots, her decision seems very surprising.

Nonetheless, there was also a fan who looked at the issue from a pure gymnastics angle. They stated, “Thrilled for Iowa, but bummed for Washington.” They even hoped that this move would bestow an opportunity for Iowa to heal emotionally and “get their gymnastics groove back.” At the same time, they wished that Washington hired a coach who could fill in Llewellyn’s shows well. And maintain the atmosphere she created while continuing the upward trajectory on which she had the team.

Overall, it is certain that fans are heartbroken with this shift, especially the Washington supporters. However, it surely marks a new chapter. But, what remains to be seen is where Jen Llewellyn leads the GymHawks.