GymHawks Vault Into New Era Behind First-Year Coach Jen Llewellyn

PHOTO: HAWKEYESPORTS.COM Cassie Lee is one of three Canadian Olympians who joined the Hawkeye gymnastics team this year.

Jen Llewellyn didn’t face the challenge many college coaches deal with when taking over a new program.

In an era when the NCAA’s transfer portal can become a busy escape hatch after a coaching change, rebuilding hasn’t been a concern for Llewellyn, who became Iowa’s new women’s gymnastics coach in early June.

“From the moment we got here, the team was extremely welcoming,” Llewellyn says. “They’re super driven, super hungry for success, and they’re a very united group.”

“The key for success is just going out there as a team and supporting one another.” —Cassie Lee

Llewellyn takes the reins of the GymHawks after leading the University of Washington to three consecutive NCAA second-round regional appearances. Iowa’s program has had its own success, with Emily Erb, Ilka Juk, and Karina Muñoz returning this winter after advancing to the NCAA regionals last season. But it was the strength of the university’s other women’s programs that also played a role in Llewellyn deciding to come to Iowa.

“What was so attractive about Iowa was the attention to women’s sports,” Llewellyn says. “A lot of great things are going on here. I’ve always been a huge supporter and believer in women’s empowerment, so I felt like it was a special place that has huge opportunities.”

Llewellyn has already made an impact on the GymHawks.

“Coach Jen has made it easy to make the transition to college,” says Cassie Lee, one of three freshmen from Canada, along with Aurélie Tran and Sydney Turner, who were part of the national team that finished fifth at the Olympics this past summer. “Coming from elite to NCAA competition is a lot different, and she’s been super helpful and easygoing with our transition.”

The freshmen join a program with high expectations this winter. Three-time All-American JerQuavia Henderson (23BA) has announced her return to gymnastics after stepping away last season, while fifth-year senior Adeline Kenlin returns after tearing her ACL last winter.

“I think the key for success is just going out there as a team and supporting one another, because I know last year they all had it a little rough, so being there for each other and just lifting each other up is going to be a big key this year,” Lee says.

New Practice Facility Set to Open

Llewellyn’s hiring comes at a key time in the program’s advancement, with the GymHawks moving into their new training facility in January.

“It’s a dream come true,” Llewellyn says. “I am so excited and grateful to be at a place that is investing in the program.”

PHOTO: BRIAN RAY/HAWKEYESPORTS.COM New Iowa gymnastics coach Jen Llewellyn

The new Gymnastics/Spirit Squad Training Center is a one-story, 32,500 square-foot climate-controlled practice facility on the west edge of Iowa’s campus off Prairie Meadow Drive, south of Hawkeye Tennis Recreation Complex. The center features competition-style beams, vault runways, uneven bars, and a floor exercise space, along with space for coaches and athletic training medical staff.

Iowa has been practicing in the Field House, but it lacks many modern amenities.

“Everything will be more efficient,” Llewellyn says. “It helps make the student-athletes’ days easier, too, with the fact that they can do everything all in one space. There will be a study lounge, they can take naps, they can shower, they can rest and recover, and it’s just a great space so that they can be completely all in for what they need to do to be at their best.”

The $20 million project is being funded by athletics department revenue and private gifts through the Hawkeye Women: RISE campaign.