Springfield College Honors Legacy of Late Gymnastics Icon Kathy Corrigan Ekas

The gymnastics and collegiate sports community is mourning the loss of one of its most influential pioneers, Kathy Corrigan Ekas, who passed away on May 2, 2025, at the age of 80.

A proud 1966 graduate of Springfield College, Corrigan Ekas broke barriers for women in athletics. She became the first woman inducted into the Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987.

Her career spanned competitive gymnastics at the highest international levels and decades of coaching and mentorship. From winning multiple medals at the 1963 Pan American Games to representing the United States at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, her legacy is etched deeply into the history of the sport.

She dedicated her life to inspiring and training generations of gymnasts. You can read the official Springfield College tribute here.

The Early Years and Rise to Gymnastics Stardom

Kathy Corrigan Ekas’s journey to becoming a trailblazer in women’s gymnastics began long before she stepped onto the Olympic stage. As a student-athlete at Springfield College in the early 1960s, she quickly stood out as a leader and competitor.

She served as captain of the women’s gymnastics team and won the New England Intercollegiate All-Around championship twice. Her versatility and dominance across multiple apparatuses made her a force in collegiate gymnastics.

Her talent and dedication soon earned her a spot on the international stage. At the 1963 Pan American Games in São Paulo, Brazil, Corrigan Ekas delivered a standout performance that solidified her place among the world’s elite gymnasts.

She earned four medals, including:

• Team Gold – helping lead the U.S. women’s team to the top of the podium
• All-Around Silver – proving her skill across all events
• Bronze on Floor Exercise – showcasing artistry and precision
• Bronze on Vault – demonstrating explosive power and technical mastery

1964 Tokyo Olympics – Representing Team USA

After her Pan American success, Corrigan Ekas earned a spot on the U.S. team for the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. This was a monumental achievement for her and for Springfield College, which saw one of its own competing on the world’s biggest stage.

Wearing the red, white, and blue at the Olympics placed her among a select few athletes. She became known as one of the sport’s most dedicated and accomplished competitors.

Breaking Barriers and Making History at Springfield College

In 1987, Springfield College recognized Kathy Corrigan Ekas’s extraordinary contributions by inducting her into the Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame. She became the first woman ever to receive this honor.

This milestone reflected not only her personal achievements but also her role in paving the way for future generations of female athletes. Her induction sent a powerful message about the importance of women’s athletics, especially in an era when female competitors still fought for equal recognition and opportunities.

Legacy Beyond Competition

After graduating from Springfield College, she pursued a master’s degree in physical education at Penn State University. She coached the women’s gymnastics team there for two years.

Her coaching career continued at Weymouth High School and Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts. She developed and mentored young athletes, shaping the next generation.

The Kathy Corrigan School of Gymnastics

Corrigan Ekas’s commitment to the sport led her to create the Kathy Corrigan School of Gymnastics in Rockland, Massachusetts. This training center became a hub for aspiring gymnasts, offering not only technical instruction but also the values of discipline, sportsmanship, and resilience that she lived by.

Many of her students went on to compete at high levels. It’s a real testament to her skill as a coach and mentor.

USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame Induction

In 1992, the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame inducted her. This honor put her alongside the most respected names in the sport and acknowledged her as both a champion athlete and a transformative coach.

A Lasting Impact on Women’s Gymnastics

Kathy Corrigan Ekas’s story is one of breaking barriers and inspiring countless athletes to reach for their dreams. Her career bridged the gap between the early days of women’s competitive gymnastics and the modern era.

Her leadership as a team captain, her medal-winning performances, and her groundbreaking Hall of Fame inductions all stand as reminders of the importance of representation and recognition for women in sports.