2025 WCGA National Award Winners Announced: Celebrating Coaching Excellence
The Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) just announced its 2025 Coach of the Year Award winners. These awards honor some of the most dedicated leaders in NCAA women’s gymnastics.
The WCGA recognizes excellence across Divisions I, II, and III. This year, standout head coach Shannon Welker of Missouri took home the top honor, along with assistant coaches Whitney Snowden, Lacey Rubin, and Jackie Terpak, also from Missouri.
They’ll present the awards at the WCGA Annual Meeting later this year, right after the NCAA Championships. It’s a big moment for Missouri’s program and for the sport as a whole.
Celebrating the Best in NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Coaching
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The WCGA Coach of the Year Awards carry a lot of weight in collegiate gymnastics. Each year, WCGA members vote to pick winners for both head coach and assistant coach categories.
Only coaches in good standing can win, and head coaches must nominate their assistants. This peer-driven process means the recognition comes from colleagues who truly understand what it takes.
In 2025, Missouri’s gymnastics program really stole the spotlight. Both the head coach and all three assistant coach award recipients are from the Tigers’ staff.
It’s not just about individual achievement—it says a lot about Missouri’s culture and teamwork.
Shannon Welker – 2025 WCGA Head Coach of the Year
Shannon Welker has led the Missouri Tigers with a blend of competitive drive and athlete-focused coaching. Under his guidance, Missouri has become one of the most consistent programs in the NCAA, earning high rankings and delivering impressive performances on the national stage.
Welker’s style mixes technical know-how with a focus on mental strength. He’s created an environment where gymnasts can really thrive, both in competition and in life.
This award reflects his dedication and his knack for inspiring athletes to reach their best. He’s also played a big role in recruiting top talent and mentoring younger coaches, which isn’t always easy.
Assistant Coaches Driving Excellence
Missouri’s assistant coaches—Whitney Snowden, Lacey Rubin, and Jackie Terpak—were also recognized for their exceptional work. The WCGA Assistant Coach of the Year Award highlights those who do the daily work of athlete development, team strategy, and everything in between.
Each coach brings something different to the table, from technical expertise on certain events to building strong relationships with athletes. That kind of trust and confidence matters more than people realize.
It’s pretty rare for all assistant coach award recipients to come from the same program. Missouri’s staff clearly shares a vision and a set of values that set them apart.
The WCGA’s Role in Advancing Collegiate Gymnastics
The Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association acts as the professional voice for NCAA and NAIA women’s gymnastics coaches. As a membership-led group, the WCGA pushes for the growth and visibility of the sport.
By recognizing coaching excellence every year, the WCGA celebrates individual achievement and sets the bar for everyone else. These aren’t just trophies—they’re a nod to integrity, athlete well-being, and the pursuit of excellence.
The Selection Process
The WCGA designed its selection process to be fair and credible. Coaches must be members in good standing, and only head coaches can nominate their assistants.
After nominations, the full WCGA membership votes to pick the winners. This peer-review approach means those who really know the job are the ones deciding.
Winners are announced shortly after the NCAA Championships. The awards get presented at the WCGA Annual Meeting, where coaches from all over gather to share ideas and celebrate achievements.
Missouri Gymnastics: A Rising Powerhouse
Missouri’s sweep of the 2025 WCGA coaching awards shows just how far their program has come. Over the last few seasons, the Tigers have climbed the national rankings and put up big performances in tough meets.
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This kind of success doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of a tight coaching team, smart recruiting, and a real commitment to developing athletes at every level.
Welker’s leadership, along with the support of Snowden, Rubin, and Terpak, has built a culture of resilience and excellence. The staff adapts to the sport’s changing demands while keeping athletes’ well-being front and center.
Impact Beyond the Gym
Missouri’s coaches don’t just focus on gymnastics. They help athletes build leadership skills, achieve academically, and get involved in their communities.
It’s not uncommon for their gymnasts to go on to successful careers outside of sports. That says a lot about the holistic approach the coaching staff takes.
Looking Ahead to the Future of NCAA Gymnastics
The 2025 WCGA Coach of the Year Awards honor this season’s achievements, but they also hint at where the sport is headed. As gymnastics gets more competitive and more popular, coaches will play an even bigger role.
Leaders like Welker, Snowden, Rubin, and Terpak set a high standard. They blend technical skill with empathy, creativity, and a real understanding of what athletes need.
The WCGA’s commitment to recognizing these leaders helps keep the sport moving forward. Whether it’s new training methods, better support for athletes, or more community involvement, these coaches are shaping the future of collegiate gymnastics in ways that’ll stick around for a long time.
Why These Awards Matter
In gymnastics, athletes usually grab the spotlight. But the WCGA Coach of the Year Awards remind us just how much coaches shape success behind the scenes.
Coaches design training plans and offer emotional support when it matters most. They really are the backbone of every gymnastics program.
Recognizing their work validates all those long hours and tough decisions. It also nudges others in the profession to reach for that same level of excellence.
As the 2025 season wraps up, Missouri’s coaching staff has set a new standard for programs everywhere. Their story? It’s one of vision, teamwork, and a bold belief in their athletes’ potential.