Elise Ray and Kristen Maloney receiving their 2000 Olympic bronze medals
© John Cheng

Elise Ray Named New Gymnastics Assistant

SEATTLE – University of Washington head gymnastics coach Joanne Bowers announced the hiring of former Olympian Elise Ray as the new assistant coach of the Gym Dawgs, joining current assist David McCreary in rounding out the staff.

"We are so excited to add Elise to our gymnastics staff," said Bowers. "She knows what it takes to compete in this sport at the highest level and can also bring a passion and enthusiasm for the dance part of our sport. She will be choreographing and helping coach beam and floor. Another area we see as a plus is Elise has great communication skills and will be able to help with our recruiting efforts."

Ray was born in Tallahassee, Fla.., but grew up in Maryland where she is currently living, coaching at Carroll Gymnastics Center in Hampstead, Md.

Read the full release at GoHuskies.com.

 


 

Decorated Gymnasts Named Assistant Coaches

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University gymnastics coach Jay Ronayne announced the hiring of Kristen Maloney and Katie Minasola, a pair that will bring a wealth of experience to the Cyclones.

Maloney, a former NCAA national champion at UCLA and a member of the 2000 USA bronze-medal winning Olympic squad in Sydney, Australia, comes to Iowa State after a year as an assistant coach at New Hampshire. Minasola joins the Cyclones after seven years as an assistant at Michigan State and a decorated career as a gymnast. Minasola helped lead Michigan State to the best finish in school history at the NCAA Regionals.

"They both bring a wealth of experiences with them to Iowa State," Ronayne said. "As athletes, they were both very, very successful at the International Elite level and in the NCAA, which will instantly bring them credibility with the team. As coaches, they bring a youthful enthusiasm and positive energy to the gym. I feel their personalities are the perfect fit for the Cyclones and their influence will be felt immediately."

Maloney won a pair of individual NCAA national titles (vault and beam) and three team titles during her time at UCLA. She racked up nine All-America honors and was the 2005 Pac-10 and NCAA West Regional Gymnast of the Year. The Pen Argyl, Pa., native was the first Bruin to register a perfect 10.0 on all four events during collegiate career. Prior to arriving at UCLA, Maloney was a member of the United States national team from 1994-2000. From 1998-2000 Maloney won four national championships (all-around, all-around, vault and floor), and was tabbed the 1998 USA Gymnastics Sportswoman of the Year. She would later win the gold medal on beam at the 1998 Goodwill Games.

Read the full release at Cyclones.com.