Remembering Kathy Corrigan Ekas: Gymnastics Legend and Springfield College Alumna

The gymnastics world and collegiate athletics community recently lost one of its most influential pioneers with the passing of Kathy Corrigan Ekas ’66. An Olympian, Hall of Famer, coach, educator, and trailblazer, Corrigan Ekas left an indelible mark on women’s gymnastics in the United States.

Her legacy stretches from international competition floors to college gyms, high school programs, and private training facilities. She shaped generations of athletes and redefined what was possible for women in sport.

The Life and Legacy of Kathy Corrigan Ekas

Kathy Corrigan Ekas died on May 2, 2025, at 80. A proud Springfield College alumna, she represented the school during a time when women in athletics often got overlooked.

With talent, grit, and leadership, she carved out a historic career that lifted not just her own achievements, but also the visibility and credibility of women’s gymnastics nationwide.

Springfield College announced her passing in early May, highlighting her profound influence on the sport and her lasting connection to the school. According to the official release from Springfield College Athletics, Corrigan Ekas stood alone in the long and storied history of the program for her impact, excellence, and leadership.

A Trailblazer at Springfield College

During her time on Alden Street, Corrigan Ekas became one of the most dominant collegiate gymnasts of her era. She won the New England Intercollegiate All-Around title twice—a feat that really underscored her versatility and consistency across all apparatus.

She also captained the Springfield College women’s gymnastics team. That role spoke to both her competitive excellence and her natural leadership.

At a time when women’s sports were still fighting for recognition, Corrigan Ekas helped set a standard for what a collegiate women’s program could achieve.

International Success and Olympic Achievement

Corrigan Ekas’s influence reached far beyond collegiate competition. Her performances on the international stage put her among the elite gymnasts of her generation and brought pride to both Springfield College and the United States.

Pan American Games Glory

One of the defining moments of her athletic career came at the 1963 Pan American Games in São Paulo, Brazil. Competing against top athletes from across the Americas, Corrigan Ekas delivered an exceptional showing, earning four medals and cementing her reputation as a world-class gymnast.

• Team Gold Medal representing the United States
• All-Around Silver Medal
• Bronze Medal on Floor Exercise
• Bronze Medal on Vault

These accomplishments mattered even more because women’s gymnastics had so few resources and so little exposure back then. Corrigan Ekas faced not just elite opponents, but also systemic barriers, which made her success even more impactful.

1964 Tokyo Olympic Games

Her Pan American Games performance led to her selection for the 1964 U.S. Olympic Women’s Gymnastics Team in Tokyo, Japan. Becoming an Olympian marked the pinnacle of athletic achievement and put Corrigan Ekas among a select group of athletes who have represented their country on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

For Springfield College, her Olympic participation remains a point of immense pride. It shows the institution can develop athletes who compete at the highest international level.

From Elite Athlete to Influential Coach

After graduating from Springfield College in 1966, Corrigan Ekas moved from competitor to educator and mentor. She made sure her knowledge and passion for gymnastics would benefit future generations.

Advanced Education and Collegiate Coaching

Corrigan Ekas went on to earn a master’s degree in physical education at Penn State University. She strengthened her foundation in sport science and coaching methodology.

While at Penn State, she spent two years coaching the women’s gymnastics team, gaining valuable experience in collegiate program development.

Her academic and coaching pursuits reflected a lifelong commitment to learning, teaching, and advancing the sport beyond personal accolades.

Impact at the High School and College Levels

Back in Massachusetts, Corrigan Ekas held coaching roles at Weymouth High School and Bridgewater State College. In these positions, she helped young athletes refine their skills, build confidence, and understand the discipline required to succeed both in gymnastics and in life.

Former athletes and colleagues often described her as demanding yet supportive—a coach who truly believed in preparation, accountability, and personal growth.