UI Athletics news release
IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa Gymnastics Head Coach Larissa Libby has resigned from her position effective Friday, May 10.
During her 20-plus year tenure leading the Hawkeyes, the program has been a consistent top 25 team nationally and appeared in 24 straight NCAA Regional appearances (individually or as a team) along with a 2021 Big Ten regular season title.
Coach Libby was a three-time Big Ten and two-time NCAA Regional Coach of the Year and coached 12 WGCA All-Americans and six first-team All-Americans at the NCAA Championships. Libby coached 15 Big Ten champions, six NCAA Regional champions, 11 NCAA Championships qualifiers, while student-athletes earned All-Big Ten honors 58 times, including 28 first-team selections.
Hawkeye gymnasts also excelled in the classroom and had a strong community presence during Libby’s tenure. Student-athletes earned Academic All-America distinction 51 times.
Jessa Hansen Parker will serve as the interim head coach as a national search for the program’s next head coach is ongoing.
Statement from Larissa Libby
“My time at Iowa has been a tremendous journey. Filled with amazing people, immense growth, and incredible firsts. Joining this Athletic Department under Dr Christine Grant as a young coach, was one of the best decisions I have made and one that essentially shaped the course of my career. I am very proud of all of our accomplishments both in the classroom and in the competitive arena. I am grateful for the amazing Iowa community and the many people who dedicated themselves to supporting the team. I will never forget the many young women and coaches who have journeyed through our program and are now out in the world contributing to society at the highest level. Leaving behind all of the wonderful coaches in all different sports, who mentored, encouraged, and inspired me throughout my years at Iowa will be the hardest part of saying goodbye. I will miss your friendship and unconditional support, but I look forward to the future and bringing all I have learned to whatever new opportunities lie ahead.”