In June, Seattle Pacific University announced its decision to discontinue the women’s gymnastics program, along with its sponsorship of the youth club team and gymnastics youth camps.
When Seattle Pacific instituted its gymnastics program in 1974, it joined a competitive landscape. However, the sport experienced significant downsizing at the NCAA Division II level. Currently, only five other schools sponsor women’s gymnastics, with the nearest ones located more than 2,000 miles away for meets. The coronavirus pandemic’s impact on the program’s funding further expedited the decision.
The University will continue to honor scholarships for current gymnastics student-athletes — including four-year grants awarded to students who began in fall 2020. Student-athletes who wanted to join another institution’s roster were released without penalty.
The program produced outstanding alumnae, including women who earned 32 individual national championships and 221 All-American awards. The Falcons’ legacy in the gymnastics arena featured three national team champions: 1986 (NCAA Division II), 1992 (USAG), and 1997 (USAG).
