Coaches’ Corner: Q and A with Texas State Head Coach Sarah Brown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had a chance to connect with my former college teammate and the Head Coach of the Texas State Gymnastics program, Sarah Brown, about her new role. Texas State is the first NCAA Division I women's gymnastics program in Texas, and Brown is building the program from the ground up. Competition is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2028 as part of the Pac-12 Conference. Our Q&amp;A about all things Texas State Gymnastics is here!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What excites you most about starting the program at Texas State?&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>There is so much that excites me about starting this program!  Obviously, being the first Division I Head Coach to build a program in the state is HUGE, but the thought that hundreds of athletes can now have the opportunity to stay in their home state and compete in front of their home crowd is incredible!  There is so much talent and love for the sport of gymnastics in Texas, and the sport has been wanting a program like this for so long; it's so incredibly special to be a part of this moment in history</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What will the gym look and feel like?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>The plans for the facility are already underway, and it will be state-of-the-art, with all the necessary training and recovery equipment.  From a culture perspective, it will be full of positive energy, connectivity, women supporting each other, and a group of athletes competing to be the best version of themselves while representing their university at the highest level. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What does recruiting look like for a new program? Is it the same or different than recruiting for an established program?&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>In many ways, recruiting will be similar to programs that are already established.  We'll be looking for strong athletes</em> who are good teammates with a great work ethic, who<em> take pride in representing Texas State and competing to win championships.  From a class perspective, we will be recruiting freshmen in the 2027 class and looking to build classes around them using the transfer portal in the spring.  Similarly, we're already looking ahead to the 2028 class and following the progress of the 2029's and 2030's to recruit at the highest level when the compliance rules permit us to contact those athletes.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How would you describe your style of coaching? What makes you successful?&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I think most of my athletes would agree that I'm high-energy and passionate about the sport; I'm very positive, I try to model work ethic, and I appreciate open and honest communication.  I also hope they realize how much I care about their well-being in and out of the gym.  I would like to think they know how much I will advocate for them, always look for ways to move our sport forward, and connect with them personally to build a lasting relationship beyond their time in the gym.  Hopefully, honesty, positivity, hard work, integrity and discipline lead me to being successful.  </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Why should a gymnast consider Texas State in their recruiting journey?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Texas State Gymnastics has a tremendous amount of support, and being a member of the founding team will allow these athletes to leave a legacy that lasts generations!  They should know that they're laying the foundation that will be followed for years to come.  Athletes should choose Texas State to become a member of an incredible community that supports them in and out of the gym, guides them to their academic goals, and prepares them for life after college.  Athletes should know that everyone in the department is in their corner, that their coach will prioritize their mental and physical health, and that the hard work will pay off!  There's never been a better time to be a Bobcat!!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am so thankful to Coach Brown for sharing her thoughts and vision for Texas State's new program. I hope you can feel the excitement and passion she has for this sport and program. Stay tuned for more Texas State Gymnastics coaching announcements coming in 2026 and 2027, as well as merchandise sales, and summer camps!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->