Iowa hires Washington’s Jen Llewellyn as next gymnastics coach

IOWA CITY — Iowa Athletics has tabbed Washington’s Jen Llewellyn as its next head gymnastics coach, the department announced Thursday in a news release.

Llewellyn comes to Iowa after three years as the head coach at Washington, where she led the Huskies to three straight NCAA regional appearances. That includes a Sweet 16 appearance in 2023.

“The tradition at Iowa is evident, and I am excited to build off the strong foundation that has been laid by the past and present women who have built it,” Llewellyn said in a news release. “It is the best time in history to be a woman in sport and to see the commitment to women’s sports at Iowa is extremely inspiring.“

Before her three years at Washington, Llewellyn was the head coach for the first nine seasons of Lindenwood University’s gymnastics program. She helped the Lions win six conference championships and was the USA Gymnastics Head Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2016.

“(Llewellyn) has a history of championship level success with a wealth of experience, including 12 years as a head coach,” Iowa athletics director Beth Goetz said in the release. “In addition to her competitive success, she is known for her ability to create an incredible team environment where student-athletes succeed in all phases of their collegiate experience.”

Llewellyn marks Goetz’s second head coaching hire as AD at Iowa, following the promotion of women’s basketball associate head coach Jan Jensen last month to head coach.

The Kenmore, Wash., native replaces longtime coach Larissa Libby, who resigned amid an external review. (Libby and Iowa reached a settlement agreement totaling $449,000.)

Jen Cohen, the former AD at Washington and current AD at USC, said in the release that Llewellyn is an “exceptional coach, leader and person.”

“She brings to Iowa Gymnastics a wealth of experience, a championship mindset and will build a culture where the young women in her program will thrive both in and out of competition,” Cohen said. “This is a great hire by Iowa.”

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com

Sign up for our curated Iowa Hawkeyes athletics newsletter at thegazette.com/hawks.