Lang
5/13/24
One University of Iowa gymnast is speaking out about the resignation of her head coach, Larissa Libby. Libby’s resignation is effective as of last Friday, and was announced on Monday.
Monday afternoon, UI gymnast Karina Munoz posted her reaction to the resignation to her Instagram account. The Junior from New Jersey wrote, “Thank you to my teammates and staff that stepped forward and spoke up. And a big thank you to the University of Iowa for taking the necessary steps to ensure we have a safe & respectful training environment.
This year has taken a toll on me mentally, emotionally and physically. From the weight of almost losing myself entirely to doubting my ability to even continue gymnastics. Though from the outside looking in and statistically, it looked like I had my best season yet, but at what cost?”
Munoz went on to praise her teammates and the team’s assistant coaches for getting her through what she called a “difficult time” before ending with the hashtag “ProudToBeAHawkeye”. The post was liked and shared by a number of Munoz’s teammates.
The UI launched an independent investigation into the program in March after several gymnasts and staff members expressed concerns with the environment being fostered by Libby. Jessa Hansen Parker will serve as the interim head coach as a national search for the program’s next head coach is ongoing.