Trending Now - Iowa State University Cuts Women's Gymnastics Program

WHO:

Jamie Pollard, Endowed ISU Director of Athletics

Iowa State University (ISU)

Current and incoming gymnasts of the women's gymnastics program

Coaching staff, including head coach Ashley Miles Greig

WHAT:

Iowa State University is discontinuing its women's gymnastics program.

The decision was announced on Tuesday, March 1, 2026.

The 2026 gymnastics season was canceled after four competitions due to "unresolvable" issues.

Scholarships will be honored for any gymnast who remains at ISU.

The athletic department will assist gymnasts who choose to transfer to other universities.

The coaching staff's contracts will not be renewed.

Iowa State won four conference titles in women's gymnastics, the last in 2006.

WHERE:

Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa

WHEN:

Decision announced on March 1, 2026

2026 gymnastics season canceled after four competitions in early 2026

Women's gymnastics program started in the 1973-74 academic year

WHY:

The decision to discontinue the program was based on a pattern of issues within the program over the last decade.

Conflicts between players, coaches, and parents created "unreconcilable differences" that prevented the team from competing and carrying out daily activities.

Pollard stated that the inability to provide a positive experience for the student-athletes was "disappointing and very concerning."

HOW:

A leadership council within the university consulted various stakeholders before recommending the discontinuation of the women's gymnastics program.

The athletic department will research options for adding another women's sport that provides equal or additional participation opportunities.

Iowa State University announced on Tuesday that it will discontinue its women's gymnastics program due to ongoing issues that have plagued the team for the past decade. The decision comes after the 2026 gymnastics season was canceled following just four competitions, with athletic director Jamie Pollard expressing disappointment over the inability to provide a positive experience for the student-athletes. Scholarships will be honored for those who remain at ISU, and the athletic department will assist gymnasts in transferring to other universities, while the coaching staff's contracts will not be renewed.