Alabama Gymnastics Coach Dana Duckworth Steps Down as Head Coach
University of Alabama gymnastics coach Dana Duckworth has announced via Alabama athletic communications that she plans on stepping down from her duties as head coach.
“It has been an absolute honor to compete for, recruit and coach so many amazing women who have been a part of the Alabama gymnastics family,” said Duckworth. “I cherish the relationships made by being a part of this program and our alumni sisterhood. The experiences we shared will stay with me for the rest of my life
“This decision was not an easy one as I am forever grateful to our student-athletes, their families, my staff and fellow coaches. The University of Alabama is a special place and I care deeply about the gymnastics program, but after 27 years of involvement, I have decided to step down and focus on my family for now. I have all the confidence in the world in this team and wish nothing but great things for their future.”
Duckworth, a Michigan native, came to Tuscaloosa as a gymnast under previous head coach Sarah Patterson in 1989. She was part of an NCAA and SEC team championships and was a two-time NCAA champion on balance beam. Duckworth earned eight All-America honors as an athlete and was named the NCAA Woman of the Year for the State of Alabama in 1993.
After her time as a student-athlete she transitioned into a volunteer role with the gymnastics program. Duckworth spent 20 years leading the program on the coaching staff as an assistant coach and later being named the immediate successor to Patterson.
During her tenure with the program he helped coach three NCAA team championships, six Southeastern Conference championships and 17 NCAA regional team championships. She's also overseen 17 individual NCAA champions and over 200 All-Americans and Scholastic All-Americans. Duckworth was named the the 2020 and the 2021 WCGA Region 1 Head Coach of the Year.
“We appreciate Coach Duckworth’s contributions to Alabama gymnastics, both as a coach and a student-athlete,” said Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. “She has had a lot of success over the years as a coach and as a leader in the community, and we wish Dana and her family all the best going forward.”
The Crimson Tide will elevate Gina Quinlan into the position of interim head coach until a replacement can be named. Quinlan joined the staff in July of 2021 after spending 11 years working at Metroplex Gymnastics in Allen, Tx.