Florida Head Coach Rhonda Faehn Resigns To Take Position With USAG

Apr 24, 2015 by Becca Reed

Florida head coach Rhonda Faehn has resigned from her position and will be joining the USAG staff as the Senior Vice President of Women's Program.

At Florida, Faehn broke through barriers as she lead the team to their first National Championship title in the program's 43 years. The team continued their success as they won the NCAA title the following two years, most recently just this past weekend at the 2015 NCAA Championships.

Gator Zone released a statement from Faehn:

“The University of Florida has provided an opportunity of a lifetime for me, my family and our student-athletes and I am so grateful. I couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding and supportive atmosphere to do what I love.

“This amazing opportunity with USA Gymnastics provides a new and different way for me to impact young lives. I will always love the University of Florida and will treasure my time here. But my passion and excitement for Elite gymnastics is pulling me a different direction and the timing is right for me and my family. I want to have a positive influence on the athletes and coaches that will represent our country at the highest level.”

“I would like to thank the Florida administration, my staff and all my current and former student-athletes for helping to build such an amazing tradition of excellence. I know the program will continue to thrive and I will always be a Florida Gator.”– Rhonda Faehn

Faehn will relocate with her family to Indianapolis, IN where the USAG offices are located and will officially begin her new position on May 11.

In a press conference, Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley said they would begin a search for the next head coach immediately.

Press release via USAG:

USA Gymnastics today announced that Rhonda Faehn of Gainesville, Fla., has been named Senior Vice President of Women’s Program. Faehn, who recently led the University of Florida Gators to their third consecutive NCAA gymnastics title, will provide overall leadership to the women’s program, including supervision of the national team program alongside National Team Coordinator Martha Karolyi. Faehn has been head coach of the Florida Gators women’s gymnastics team since 2002, and has been named SEC Coach of the Year six times, as well as National Coach of the Year.

“Rhonda brings an incredible background to this role”, said Steve Penny, President of USA Gymnastics. “Our women’s program has seen tremendous growth and success over the years, and Rhonda’s experiences as an athlete and coach will be valuable assets in this role. She has outstanding relationships with many of our national team staff and coaches, along with an exceptional understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level of the sport.”

Faehn, who is originally from Minnesota, was a member of the USA Gymnastics national team from 1985-1988, and was the highest all-around finisher for the United States at the 1987 World Championships. She was an alternate on the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team. A graduate of UCLA, Faehn also served as an assistant coach at the University of Maryland, and the University of Nebraska prior to taking the head coaching job at Florida.

“This is an incredible honor and privilege for me,” said Faehn, who will officially begin her duties on May 11. “The chance to contribute to the incredible success being achieved at USA Gymnastics is a once in lifetime opportunity and I look forward to working with the athletes, coaches, and entire gymnastics community to keep things moving in the right direction.”

Faehn will be relocating to Indianapolis with her husband, Jeremy, and their two sons, Noah and Isaiah.

Related:
Interview with Faehn After 2015 NCAAs
Beyond the Routine with Faehn and the Florida Gators
Utah Head Coach Greg Marsden Retires after 40 Years