Olympian Grace McCallum Leaves Utah to Begin Coaching Career at Minnesota
Apr 17, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Utah Utes gymnast Grace McCallum performs on floor exercise during the 2025 Women's National Gymnastics Semifinal at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Utah Utes gymnast Grace McCallum performs on floor exercise during the 2025 Women's National Gymnastics Semifinal at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Winding up her four-year tenure in Utah, Olympian medalist Grace McCallum has just updated her status. And her destination this time is way back home, in Minnesota.
On June 12, the Golden Gophers announced the 23-year-old as the assistant coach. And having spent the past season as a student coach at Utah, McCallum expressed her feelings about her new role.
“It’s hard to describe what this opportunity means to me,” McCallum said. “From being a young gymnast who admired this program, to now joining Minnesota gymnastics as a coach, it truly feels like a full-circle moment.”
Jul 27, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Grace McCallum (USA) competes on the uneven bars during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Grace McCallum (USA) competes on the uneven bars during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
McCallum earned Big 12 Gymnast of the Year and 15 All-America honors. She recorded 78 career victories as one of the top all-arounders and bars workers in the country. As a student coach, she helped the Red Rocks to a regional finals appearance in 2026.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from and work alongside such an amazing staff and group of student-athletes,” she added. “I can’t wait to help continue the tradition and excellence that make this program so special. Forever and Always Golden!”
While she’d now look forward to her new start, Minnesota also wasted no time expressing enthusiasm for the hire.
Minnesota's Head Coach Explains Why McCallum Is the Right Fit
Apart from her NCAA success, the gymnast also clinched a silver (team) at the 2020 Tokyo Games. And Golden Gophers head coach, Jenny Hansen, explained why McCallum is the best suited for this role.
"We are thrilled to welcome Grace McCallum to our coaching staff,” she said. “Grace is one of the most accomplished gymnasts ever to come out of Minnesota. Her success on the world stage and at the University of Utah speaks to her talent, work ethic, and commitment to excellence.”
McCallum will be joining the program as a replacement for Minnesota great Mya Hooten. Who has recently sought a coaching role at her former club gym, Classic Gymnastics.
Moving forward, how do you think her new coaching career will look? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy