McMurry University Launching Men's and Women's Gymnastics in 2027

The private Methodist university aims to fill a talent gap in Texas gymnastics.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:23pm

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A fractured, cubist painting depicting a gymnast performing on the uneven bars, with the figure and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.The cubist, geometric visualization of a gymnastics routine captures the dynamic, multi-dimensional nature of the sport as McMurry University prepares to launch its new men's and women's gymnastics programs.Abilene Today

McMurry University in Abilene, Texas announced the addition of men's and women's gymnastics programs to its athletics department, with the teams expected to begin competing during the 2027-2028 school year. The university is currently conducting a national search for a head coach to establish the program's foundation, lead recruiting efforts, and prepare the team for its inaugural season.

Why it matters

Despite being home to some of the top club gymnastics gyms in the country, Texas has only one active NCAA gymnastics program - Texas Woman's University. The addition of gymnastics at McMurry University aims to create more opportunities for student-athletes and help fill this talent gap in the state.

The details

McMurry University, a private Methodist university with an undergraduate population of around 4,000, is intentionally building this new gymnastics program from the ground up with a focus on long-term success and strong leadership. The university is currently conducting a national search for a 'Head Coach of Gymnastics' who will be responsible for establishing the program's foundation, leading recruiting efforts, and preparing the team for its inaugural season.

  • McMurry University announced the addition of men's and women's gymnastics on April 14, 2026.
  • The gymnastics teams are expected to begin competing during the 2027-2028 school year (2028 NCAA gymnastics season).

The players

Dr. Grant Greenwood

Chief Operating Officer at McMurry University.

Don Coryell

Director of Athletics at Texas State University.

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What they’re saying

“This new program reflects McMurry's strategic commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for student involvement and competition.”

— Dr. Grant Greenwood, Chief Operating Officer

“Texas State University is continually exploring opportunities to enhance our athletics offerings and student-athlete experience. While we are currently evaluating the potential for a gymnastics program, no final decisions have been made at this time.”

— Don Coryell, Director of Athletics

What’s next

McMurry University hopes to hire the new 'Head Coach of Gymnastics' by this summer to begin establishing the program's foundation, leading recruiting efforts, and preparing the team for its inaugural season in 2027-2028.

The takeaway

The addition of men's and women's gymnastics at McMurry University represents an important step in addressing the lack of NCAA gymnastics programs in the state of Texas, which is home to some of the top club gymnastics talent in the country. This new program will create more opportunities for student-athletes and help fill a significant gap in the collegiate gymnastics landscape.