The University of Missouri gymnastics program has celebrated multiple accolades, with the coaching staff named College Gym News Coaching Staff of the Year and redshirt senior Helen Hu recognized as Comeback Gymnast of the Year. Head coach Shannon Welker picked up the National Coach of the Year from the Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA), marking a historic season that concluded with the team's third-place finish at the NCAA Championship Final, the highest ranking for any Mizzou women's sports team. The coaching success is further highlighted by nine WCGA All-America honors and the team’s best record in program history. Welker’s staff, including assistant coaches Whitney Snowden, Lacey Rubin, and Jackie Terpak, received national recognition for their expertise in guiding the gymnasts. Hu made history as the program’s first individual national champion, capturing the balance beam title at the NCAA Championship Semifinal.

By the Numbers
  • Missouri gymnastics finished third at the NCAA Championship Final, the highest in program history.
  • Welker's coaching staff secured nine WCGA All-America honors this season.
State of Play
  • This season marked the most successful year for Missouri gymnastics.
  • Welker received multiple coaching honors, including National Coach of the Year and Southeastern Coach of the Year.
What's Next

Future seasons for Mizzou gymnastics may see continued success, potentially leading to more individual and team accolades as the current staff remains intact and the athletes build on their achievements.

Bottom Line

The Missouri gymnastics team's national recognitions underscore a transformative period for the program, indicating a strong future as athletes and coaching staff continue to excel on the national stage.