Hall of Fame
One of the most recognizable figures within the United States gymnastics community, Sandra Thielz '68 began the journey towards a legendary career while a student-athlete at Southern Connecticut State.
She was a four-year member of the women’s gymnastics squad (1965-68) who also served as a team captain for the Owls. She was a two-time Eastern Intercollegiate champion on the bars and a key member of the 1968 team that placed third at the National Collegiate Women’s Gymnastics Championships.
Thielz was the head women’s gymnastics coach at West Chester University from 1973-94. Over that stretch, she led the Golden Rams to five NCAA National Championships appearances, one NCAA Regional championship and an overall mark of 180-82-1. A two-time NCAA Regional Coach of the Year, Thielz was the head coach for the United States at the 1981 World University Games in Bucharest, Romania. She is also an internationally renowned gymnastics judge who has filled that role at multiple Olympic Games. Thielz, also an assistant professor in kinesiology at West Chester from 1973-2004, holds a master’s degree in physical education from WCU.
