Texas State University is set to make history by launching the first NCAA Division I women’s gymnastics program in Texas, a significant development for the state’s athletic landscape. For years, Texas has produced a wealth of gymnastics talent, yet aspiring collegiate gymnasts have often had to leave the state to compete at the highest level. This new program aims to change that.
Carly Patterson, the 2004 Olympic all-around champion, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative. “I wanted to be a part of it because I love the sport of gymnastics and how monumental this news is. I just wanted to lend my voice and support in any way possible,” she said, highlighting the importance of the new program for young female athletes in Texas.
Patterson is not alone in her commitment to the program; she, along with fellow Olympian Jordyn Wieber, is serving on the steering committee tasked with guiding its development. Wieber, a former NCAA head coach, emphasized the transformative power of gymnastics in collegiate settings. “Texas State adding a gymnastics program is exciting for our sport and for women’s athletics as a whole,” she remarked. “This creates new opportunities for young women to compete, earn scholarships, and develop leadership skills.”
Patterson believes the establishment of this program is long overdue. “It’s about time; this is very long overdue,” she stated, echoing sentiments shared by many in the gymnastics community. Despite Texas producing numerous Olympians and world champions, the lack of a Division I women’s gymnastics team has been a notable absence.
<p"The state has some of the most talented gymnasts and coaching in the nation, making it a hotbed for the sport for years," Patterson noted. However, many athletes have had to pursue their college careers out of state, a trend that is expected to shift with the introduction of this program.
USA Gymnastics Women’s Program Vice President Annie Heffernon acknowledged this gap, stating that many high-level athletes have sought opportunities in other states. “With Texas State joining the ranks of NCAA Division I programs, this opens doors for Texas athletes who are currently competing elsewhere,” she said.
Looking ahead, the program is anticipated to begin competition in spring 2028, positioning Texas State among other prominent gymnastics teams in the PAC-12. Heffernon expressed optimism about the university’s potential leadership role in collegiate gymnastics.
“Texas is home to over 100 NCAA gymnasts and trains a significant portion of the nation’s elite talent,” she added. With the new Division I option, local athletes will have the opportunity to compete at a high level without leaving their home state.
Patterson remains hopeful about the future of gymnastics in Texas, believing that this program could inspire other schools to follow suit. “I think it’s just a matter of time before we see more major universities in Texas jumping on the bandwagon,” she said.
The university is currently conducting a national search for the program’s inaugural head coach, after which recruitment will commence. Texas State President Kelly Damphousse expressed his excitement about the program, noting, “Texas has long been the nation’s greatest producer of elite gymnasts, yet until now, those athletes had to leave the state to compete at the NCAA Division I level. This is about to change.” He emphasized that this initiative represents a significant step forward for both the university and the state.
This announcement marks a transformative period in Texas State’s history, coinciding with record enrollment and graduation rates, as well as the university’s upcoming membership in the PAC-12. The introduction of a women’s gymnastics program is a pivotal addition to the university’s expanding athletic offerings.
