The Illinois women's gymnastics team just made a new move that will link the Former Nebraska Assistant coach, Montana Rall, with the Fighting Illini going forward.

Wrapping her single-season tenure with the Huskers, the ex-Kentucky gymnast has been announced as the new assistant coach for Illinois this Wednesday. And Planet of Gymnastics took the news to X on May 28.

“Illinois hires former Nebraska assistant coach and Kentucky gymnast, Montana Rall, as the new assistant coach,” the post read. “Rall primarily coached floor and assisted on vault with the Huskers. She spent over a decade coaching club gymnastics prior to her time in Nebraska.”

Other than helping the Huskers reach a regional berth, Rall also oversaw routine construction, skill progressions, daily practice planning, etc. And Illinois ' head coach Josh Nilson highlighted what made Rall a standout.

"Montana stood out to me from the beginning. She is passionate about the sport, but also shares my passion for doing things the right way," Nilson said. "She cares about her athletes. And wants them to succeed in the classroom, community, competition, and in life.”

Rall will now continue to develop the Illinois athletes into future gymnastic champions. And she expressed excitement for her new role.

Montana Rall Is “Incredibly Honored” to Join Illinois

A testament to Rall’s expertise is that she has developed several collegiate and Division I scholarship athletes. And going forward, she expressed a deep gratitude towards Nilson for allowing her to coach the Illini.

"I'm incredibly honored to join the Illinois women's gymnastics program. I am grateful to Josh for the opportunity to be a part of a program with such a strong vision for the future," she said.

The former Huskers coach also outlined what her contributions will look like. She made sure to note the excitement about joining the program.

"I am excited to invest in these student-athletes and contribute to the culture that is being built. And create an environment in which each athlete can reach their full potential both in the gym and in life,” she added. “I can't wait to get started!"

Now, all eyes would be on Rall and how much she’s able to stand by her words about shaping the Illinois gymnasts.

How do you think her tenure with the Fighting Illini will look? Let us know in the comments.

Follow Gymnastics Digest for more.

Written by

Deblina Roy