Iowa Athletics to conduct review amid concerns about environment in gymnastics program

IOWA CITY — Iowa Athletics has retained legal counsel to conduct an independent review of the gymnastics program amid concerns about the environment of the gymnastics program under head coach Larissa Libby, the department said in a release Thursday.

“Recently, members of the team and staff brought forward concerns regarding the head coach, related to the environment within the program,” Iowa Athletics said in a statement. “After learning of these concerns, it was determined an independent review of the program was warranted.”

Libby, in her 20th year as head coach and 24th year with the program, is on paid administrative leave “to protect the integrity of the review” although it is “not a disciplinary measure,” according to the release. The department has tabbed Phil Catanzano, the co-founder of Boston-based Education and Sports Law Group, to conduct the review.

“We are committed to the well-being of our student-athletes and to ensuring that they train and compete in a respectful and safe environment,” Iowa Athletics said in its statement.

Libby was not immediately available for comment.

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