McMurry University adds men's and women's gymnastics

New programs set to debut in fall 2027 as part of broader effort to expand student-athlete opportunities

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a gymnast performing on the uneven bars, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the dynamic movement and energy of the sport.The introduction of gymnastics at McMurry University will bring a new dimension of athletic competition and artistic expression to the campus.Abilene Today

McMurry University in Abilene, Texas is expanding its athletics offerings by adding men's and women's gymnastics programs, with the first competitive season set to begin in fall 2027. The university says the new programs reflect its strategic commitment to creating more opportunities for student involvement and competition.

Why it matters

The addition of gymnastics teams at McMurry is part of a broader trend of smaller colleges and universities seeking to attract more student-athletes and strengthen campus engagement through the expansion of athletic programs. Gymnastics, in particular, has seen growing interest at the collegiate level in recent years.

The details

As part of the program's development, McMurry is conducting a search for a head coach of gymnastics, with a target hire date of summer 2026. The head coach will be tasked with establishing the program's foundation, leading recruiting efforts and preparing the team for its inaugural season. The university expects to begin forming its first recruiting cohort prior to the 2027 season, giving prospective student-athletes the chance to join the program's inaugural class.

  • McMurry anticipates the first competitive gymnastics season will begin in fall 2027.
  • The university is targeting summer 2026 for the hire of the new head gymnastics coach.

The players

Dr. Grant Greenwood

McMurry University's chief operating officer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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, McMurry University

What’s next

McMurry will begin the process of recruiting the first cohort of gymnasts for the new programs ahead of the 2027 debut season.

The takeaway

The addition of men's and women's gymnastics at McMurry University demonstrates the ongoing efforts by smaller colleges and universities to expand their athletic offerings and provide more opportunities for student-athletes, helping to strengthen campus engagement and student life.