I would be remiss if I didnt take the opportunity to address a very disturbing and grave incident that occurred last year while I was on the Gymnastics team at the University of Alabama. I cherish the relationships made by being a part of this program and our alumni sisterhood. If one can say such a thing about such a decidedly feminine sport, Duckworth was an absolute stud. With the first team acting as a club sport In 1972, The University of Alabama Gymnastics Team existed and competed with such teams as Jacksonville State until it was later sanctioned as a viable gymnastic team in 1975. Basketball (W) Schedule Roster News. Johnston closed with a message to the fans and supporters of Alabama gymnastics. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Ashley Priess-Johnston has been named the head coach of The University of Alabama gymnastics program, UA Director of Athletics Greg Byrne announced. As with other luminaries before her, Patterson pretty much got to name her own successor, and there was little doubt that the job would stay in-house. Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date on the very latest! Alabama has won 29 individual NCAA championships. 6 LSU in Baton Rouge by a score of 196.775 to 196.425. June 3, 2020 8:13 pm CT Former University of Alabama gymnast, Tia Kiaku, shared via Instagram, that she had been involved in a "very disturbing" incident that included a racially inappropriate. Alabama not only scored a season high total, they also scored a season high on floor and vault, while also tying a season high on bars. This decision was not an easy one as I am forever grateful to our student-athletes, their families, my staff and fellow coaches. The Crimson Tide has won six NCAA Championships (1988, 1991, 1996, 2002, 2011, 2012), 10 SEC Championships and an NCAA-best 32 regional titles. Alabama entered the Super Six that year as the No. Dana Duckworth steps down as head coach of Alabama Gymnastics, Taylor scores 28, leads No. ", "This decision was not an easy one as I am forever grateful to our student-athletes, their families, my staff and fellow coaches. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. Ashley Priess-Johnston has been named the head coach of The University of Alabama gymnastics program, UA Director of Athletics Greg Byrne announced Monday. Former Duckworth assistant and Alabama gymnast Gina Quinlan was named interim coach as the search for Duckworth's successor begins. Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne briefly thanked Duckworth for her service to the gymnastics program before introducing Johnston. And there Duckworth would stay for the better part of a decade, until legendary Sarah Patterson stepped down in 2014. Particularly criticized has been the floor routine. The worst you can say about Dana, is that she ran a clean and talented program with genuine passion; that she did so under the most difficult situations imaginable: following in the footsteps of living legend. 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Alabama gymnasts nervously watch a floor routine during the NCAA semifinal women's gymnastics regionals at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Friday, April 5, 2019. Popular LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne celebrated the Tigers' big win at Alabama and her return to competition after missing the entire season by hanging out with another popular (sort of) sports figure on TikTok: Katie Sigmond. Proud Parent. "We appreciate Coach Duckworths contributions to Alabama gymnastics, both as a coach and a student-athlete, said Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne in a press release. I have seen a myriad of news stories of Coaches saying inappropriate/racist statements such as this who are no longer in a leadership position. During a practice, only the three African American girls (including myself) just happened to be on vault drills together. Johnston will be formally introduced at a press conference on Friday. Its so disheartening to know that there will be other black woman, like myself, to walk through Alabamas doors and they pose the risk of going through the same things I went through. Webster, Casey As a student-athlete at Alabama, Duckworth was part of NCAA and SEC team championships and was a two-time NCAA champion on balance beam. During that time, she was part of three NCAA team championships, six Southeastern Conference championships and 17 NCAA regional team championships. The experiences we shared will stay with me for the rest of my life. One of only seven gymnastics teams to win the national title, the Crimson Tide has won six NCAA championships, ten SEC championships, and an NCAA-record 32 Regional championships. Gymnastics Coach Dana Duckworth unexpectedly steps down: What is her legacy? "I cherish the relationships made by being a part of this program and our alumni sisterhood. She has the spent the last four years as the associate head coach at Auburn, helping build up the Tiger program to national relevance. They built the Crimson Tide. Duckworth competed at Alabama from 1990-93 where she was part of the 1991 NCAA championship team as well as a conference title in 1990. Just when Bama is starting to show signs of resurgence. She used her retirement from collegiate and elites well Dana picked up an MBA and postgrad degrees at Alabamas Business school, then ventured into coaching in 1999. Blanco, Corinne Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. 38 Alabama, 4-3. Saturday's meet was the Crimson Tide's first quad meet of the season. 2023 www.tuscaloosanews.com. I have all the confidence in the world in this team and wish nothing but great things for their future.". No. Alabama will be in the market for a new head coach for just the second time in the last five decades. For now, we assess Dana Duckworths legacy with the Crimson Tide. DDs have a team-mate committed there so was a relief for her! College of Marin has been providing exceptional educational opportunities since 1926. Duckworth has been a part of three national championships (2002, 2011, 2012)as an assistant and two SEC championships(2015, 2021)ashead coach. Tennis (M) Schedule Roster News. Because, even as Bama was consistently scoring well enough to keep itself ranked highly, even as the Tide were doing enough to advance out of Regionals, one rarely got the sense that the Crimson Tide were a true threat to win it all. Last season, the Crimson Tide set records throughout the season with three scores of 198 or better, but fell short in the semifinals with a 197.100. The Tide hosts its home matches in Coleman Coliseum on the university's Tuscaloosa, Alabama campus. She was a standout on the Pattersons teams that vaulted Alabama from elite status to annual championship contender.. I wonder who is next? When Does My Athlete Need Instagram For College Recruiting? Johnston becomes just the third Alabama gymnastics coach since 1979 following her former coach Sarah Patterson (1979-2014) and Dana Duckworth (2015-2022). Dana Duckworth, the head coach for the last nine seasons, announced she would be stepping down. 18 Georgia and No. Quinlan, Justin like Talladega College in Alabama. 24 Texas A&M over No. Senior Nyah Smith, making her first appearance in the beam lineup since MSU's season opener at Alabama, scored a season-high 9.800, while freshman Nikki Smith scored a 9.875. Something that seems like a very inappropriate (racist) statement to me was just deemed as a very bad joke by Alabama! Ashley Priess-Johnston Named Head Coach of Alabama Gymnastics - University of Alabama Athletics. Alabama gymnastics coach Dana Duckworth announced on Thursday she will step down after 27 years with the program, including the past eight as head coach. When can you tell you aren't at the right gym. Alabama has won six national championships in gymnastics with the most recent coming in 2012. "This decision was not an easy one as I am forever grateful to our student-athletes, their families, my staff and fellow coaches. Duckworth was also awarded both an NCAA and SEC Postgraduate Scholarship. Adams, Luisa Waligora, Ashley TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - Dana Duckworth stepped down as head coach of Alabama Gymnastics following her eighth season. In fact, it should be unacceptable across the board! The experiences we shared will stay with me for the rest of my life. From there, an investigation, completely separate from athletics, took place. Alabama won two SEC championships and no national titles in her eight seasons. Alabama won the SEC title during her first season in 2014 and also in 2021. DDs have a team-mate committed there so was a relief for her! However, there began to be some slippage in the consistency of the team and this of course must be graded on the curve of Alabama as an elite program. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Alabama gymnastics is one of the top draws in women's collegiate athletics, averaging a school and SEC-record 13,786 fans in 2010 and ranked second in the nation for all women's sports in 2014 . Alabama's seventh head gymnastics coach since 1974, Johnston is just the third since 1979. Scouting Ball State (8-3, 0-0 Mid-American) I look forward to reconnecting with each and every one of you. The Alabama Crimson Tide gymnastics is a Division I gymnastics team representing the University of Alabama in NCAA competition. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Dana Duckworth has elected to step down as head coach of Alabama gymnastics following her eighth season at the helm. TUSCALOOSA, AL University of Alabama gymnastics coach Dana Duckworth has resigned after eight seasons, the university athletic department confirmed in an announcement on Thursday. More:Alabama gymnastics season ends in NCAA Championships semifinals, Dana Duckworth talks Suni Lee:'Great for college gymnastics', "We appreciate Coach Duckworth's contributions to Alabama gymnastics, both as a coach and a student-athlete," Alabama athletics directorGreg Byrne said in a school release. All rights reserved. The season-long motto of "We Climb" for the LSU gymnastics team was reflected in the Tigers' national rankings Monday. Alabama entered the 2013 postseason primed for a close battle with Florida in the Super Six, but uncharacteristic mistakes saw Alabama slip to third place behind Oklahoma, while Florida won its first national title. Additionally, words such as Nigga (whether one thinks its funny or not), implicit biases, stereotyping, grouping terminology, and statements with underlying racism should NOT be tolerated from anyone. The team won its second national title in 1991 before a home crowd in Tuscaloosa. "She has had a lot of success over the years as a coach and as a leader in the community, and we wish Dana and her family all the best going forward.". The fund was set up to provide disadvantaged women with means for early detection and treatment for breast cancer. She earned eight All-America honors along with Academic All-America recognition. Odds & lines subject to change. Again, contrasting with Georgia, its not like the Bama program was in such dire straits. For . Copyright 2022 WBRC. The team is led by first-year head coach Ashley Priess-Johnston, who succeeded Dana Duckworth following the 2022 season. We appreciate Coach Duckworths contributions to Alabama gymnastics, both as a coach and a student-athlete, said Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. You are using an out of date browser. Bunagan, Ella "It has been an absolute honor to compete for, recruit and coach so many amazing women who have been a part of the Alabama gymnastics family," said Duckworth. NEW! Duckworth led the Crimson Tide to a. In 2021, riding a class of super freshmen and an outstanding pair of veterans, Alabama would claim another, and far more improbable, SEC title. Duckworthwas part of the 1991 NCAA championship and 1990 SEC team championships as a gymnast and was a two-time individual NCAA champion on balance beam. As an assistant coach from 2000-2014, Alabama won three national championships, six SEC titles and 17 NCAA regional championships. "Everyone we've spoken to holds her in the highest regards as a coach, mentor and leader, including long-time head coach Sarah Patterson, who I've had wonderful conversations with during this search and I really appreciate her support. "Thank you to Greg Byrne and the amazing executive team for allowing me to share my vision, passion and commitment to student-athlete well-being and to the future of this storied program. Ashley was an elite under MLT and was rumored to have quit the day before nationals or Olympic Trials because she was injured and MLT etc wanted her to compete anyway knowing she would not make the team. Penney Hauschild 1985; Stephanie Woods 1996; Andre Pickens 2002; This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 04:59. Little, Cameron THE COMPETITION - No. Started by the legendary Sarah Patterson during the 2004-05 season, Alabama gymnastics' Power of Pink breast cancer awareness initiative is in its 16th year. Yet, she still tried to forge her own path, succeeded more than she failed, and even had a few enviable high points. Basically - in fall, asst coach Bill Lorenz calls the black gymnasts training together the "back of the bus." Tia files a complaint. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. In the midst of that complaint, Dana calls Tia's mom and casually suggests that her daughter is a slut and is probably a slut because her dad isn't in the picture. May 27, 2022 1:52 PM EDT TUSCALOOSA, Ala. In a room packed with current gymnasts, former gymnasts, current Alabama head coaches like Nate Oats and Kristy Curry, and former head coaches,. Katie Windham is a staff writer for BamaCentral covering Alabama Athletics. #2 Alabama Crimson Tide (26-4, 16-1 SEC) at #24 Texas A&M Aggies (22-8, 14-3 SEC), Alabama Hoops lands major commitment: 4-Star Combo Guard Kris Parker is coming to the Capstone. 19, 2022 at 11:12 AM PDT TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - Dana Duckworth stepped down as head coach of Alabama Gymnastics following her eighth season. I have all the confidence in the world in this team and wish nothing but great things for their future.. 7 Alabama Gymnastics beat No. In 2007, the Tide marked their first absence from the Super Six since 1997. While practicing, one of the black gymnasts said look all the black girls are all on the same event responding to the statement, the Assistant Coach walked over and said What is this, the back of the bus? Something that seems like a very inappropriate (racist) statement to me was just deemed as a very bad joke by Alabama! The College has earned a reputation as a quality educational institution that provides a pathway for achievement and success for students of all ages. She was a four-time All-American and four-time All-SEC all-arounder. Gravier, Lilly After. How do we get Kupets out? https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/2020/06/03/former-alabama-gymnast-shares-disturbing-racial-incident-at-practice/, 2023 NFL Combine results for Brian Branch. Alabama finished the 1996 season with their third national championship, recording a record team score of 198.025. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. In a room packed with current gymnasts, former gymnasts, current Alabama head coaches like Nate Oats and Kristy Curry, and former head coaches, Ashley Priess-Johnston was officially introduced as Alabama gymnastics' newest head coach. Machado, Isabella "Thank you all for the opportunity to share my vision for this program that has meant so much to me and for my excitement for coming home to the University of Alabama.". During her her eight seasons, three gymnasts would claim individual national titles: Louisa Blanco (Beam. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. Dana Duckworth has elected to step down as head coach of Alabama gymnastics following her eighth season at the helm. Games two and three of the series on Saturday and Sunday will remain at 2 p.m. and 12 p.m., respectively. When do parents set up an instagram for their child? She inherited a Hogs squad that had won just four SEC meets in the previous four seasons, and slowly started turning them around: winning two meets her first season, and three her next. In 2015 Dana Duckworth was announced as the head coach after Sarah Patterson retired. The Alabama Crimson Tide gymnastics is a Division I gymnastics team representing the University of Alabama in NCAA competition. Over a decade of Pink Meets, almost $1.5 million has been raised for cancer research at the DCH Fund. It has been an absolute honor to compete for, recruit and coach so many amazing women who have been a part of the Alabama gymnastics family, Duckworth said in a press release. "As I look out and see so many familiar faces, teammates, mentors, and just current members of the Crimson Tide team, I'm reminded that I'm home.". University of Alabama Athletics Main Header Main Navigation Menu Sports Baseball Basketball (M) Basketball (W) Football Golf (M) Golf (W) Gymnastics Rowing Soccer Softball Swimming & Diving Tennis (M) Tennis (W) Track & Field, Cross Country Volleyball General Athletics A-Club Athletic Student Services Athletics Communications Camps/Clinics "She has had a lot of success over the years as a coach and as a leader in the community, and we wish Dana and her family all the best going forward.". Johnston and her husband Jason, have a son, Colton. Feb. 3,2023 According to the release, assistant GinaQuinlan will serve as interim head coach until a replacement is found. However, 1997 saw the Crimson Tide fail to reach the Super Six for the first time since 1983. Head coach Corrinne Tarver says the team has become family. Oh, for sure, Wieber has the performance pedigree. 2 Florida and at No. The Power of Pink is the name given to one of the Crimson Tide's home meets each season in which all the participants and fans wear pink to support breast cancer awareness. I have all the confidence in the world in this team and wish nothing but great things for their future.". FLOOR MSU earned three scores of 9.900 or higher to contribute to its 49.425 score on floor in the second rotation. Despite putting on one of the top performances of the preliminaries, Alabama stumbled in their first rotation at Nationals, sinking as low as sixth place during the final competition before rallying back to finish 3rd. Kiaku also shared how the incident was reported in a complaint to the University Office of Title IX Compliance, and what the response was after their full investigation: They deemed it a bad joke and (the assistant coach involved in the allegation) is still coaching at The University of Alabama. Talent is not the problem and has never been the problem. It was Alabama's first win at LSU since 2013. The Huskers finished the weekend with a 2-1 record. Katie Windham is a staff writer for BamaCentral covering Alabama Athletics. . The gap between whoever was No. And Arkansas has finished in the top half of floor every season in the SEC. However, the team never finished higher than third at nationals in Duckworth's tenure, and the Crimson Tide hasn't made the finals at NCAAs since 2017. They didn't give Jay Clarke this much time when he took over after Youclan. If Alabamas problem is that it is stuck in 2010, then Alabama needs to look to what the program will resemble in 2030, not 2023. Ribeiro Named Interim Head Coach; CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois men's gymnastics icon Justin Spring, who has served the Fighting Illini as head coach for the last 12 seasons and led the program to the 2012 NCAA Championship, is leaving the Illini in a move to the University of Alabama as an assistant coach for the Crimson Tide women's program. Please check your email for a confirmation. Postgame thread: Texas A&M 67, Alabama 61. She led the Tide to a 1990 SEC Championship, picked up two individual SEC titles in Beam, and won two National titles on the Beam (1992-1993) and was an All-American on the Floor. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Metoyer, Monica The 2019 WGCA Central Region Assistant coach of the Year in her first season with Auburn, Johnston started her collegiate coaching career as an assistant at Illinois during the 2018 season. Paradise, Rachel News Gymnastics Gymnastics . About College of Marin. That begs the obvious question then, where does the Tide turn to now? 1 Florida in the process. The University of Alabama is a special place and I care deeply about the gymnastics program, but after 27 years of involvement, I have decided to step down andfocus on my family for now. She has had a lot of success over the years as a coach and as a leader in the community, and we wish Dana and her family all the best going forward.. We are a department that is committed to providing a just and inclusive community for all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, operating with integrity and respect.. These injustices are happing right in the middle of Alabamas gymnastics team and they did very little about it. Much like softball, the question is: did she do enough with what she had? Olsen, Jordyn "I'm so very honored to be stepping into this role as head coach of Alabama gymnastics," Johnston said. JavaScript is disabled. For that reason, we have arrived at one name: Arkansass Jordyn Wieber. "The first conversations by Zoom, we were incredibly impressed with her ability to communicate, share her vision, talk about the gymnastics world, and especially the University of Alabama," Byrne said. The Tide hosts its home matches in Coleman Coliseum on the university's Tuscaloosa, Alabama campus. After her retirement, she became an Assistant Coach for the UCLA Bruins where she specialized in those exciting Floor routines that have captivated the nation, including coaching viral sensation Katelyn Ohashi. While practicing, one of the black gymnasts said look all the black girls are all on the same event responding to the statement, the Assistant Coach walked over and said What is this, the back of the bus?. She said during her recruiting process, she was looking for a place would lead her on the journey to becoming a champion, and knew Alabama would be that place. Among Patterson's early supporters was the local DCH Regional Medical Center, which created the DCH Breast Cancer Fund. 1996 University of Alabama gymnastics coaches Sarah Patterson and David Patterson 1995 Ken Swindle, Ted Sexton and Dempsey Marcum 1994 Bessie Aubrey and Myrtle Gray 1993 Dr. Joyce.