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Gymnastics SCSU Athletic Communications

Gymnastics Head Coach Jerry Nelson Announces Retirement

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Southern Connecticut State University gymnastics head coach Jerry Nelson has announced his retirement, effective at the conclusion of the 2018-19 academic year. Nelson has been the Owls' head coach for the past 15 years.

"I want to thank Jerry Nelson for his commitment to Southern Connecticut Athletics," director of athletics Jay Moran said. "In his time as the leader of our gymnastics team, he has guided the program to great heights and has been an excellent ambassador of the university in his commitment to shaping the lives of our student-athletes. We wish Jerry the best of luck in retirement. Over the next few months, we will begin a national search for his replacement."

Nelson was recently named the 2019 ECAC Gymnastics Coach of the Year, an honor he also received in 2018 and 2010 and was also named the 2007 National Coach of the Year. Nelson won three ECAC Championships, in 2005, 2006 and 2008, and has coached 19 All-Americans and 18 ECAC Event Champions.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to work at my alma mater and be surrounded by awesome athletes and coaches," Nelson said. "I am extremely proud of the high-quality student-athletes that we have recruited over the years. They are the reason I have always loved my job! Of course, special thanks to my long-time assistant coach Linda Mullin, and also to past assistants, Tara Michaels, Abigail Bensley and Jennifer Rochefort."

In addition, Nelson has coached 82 USA Gymnastics All-America Scholar-Athletes, 73 WGCA Scholar-Athletes, eight ECAC Scholar-Athletes of the Year, five ECAC Rookies of the Year and five student-athletes who have earned ECAC Athlete of the Year or Most Outstanding Performer laurels.

In addition to his position at SCSU, Nelson has also served as Chairman of the USA Gymnastics Collegiate Women's Championship Committee and on the Executive Committee for the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women.

Nelson is a SCSU graduate and was a member of the Owls' 1973 and 1975 NCAA Division II National Championship men's gymnastics team for Olympic coach Abie Grossfeld.

He became the Director of Events for USA Gymnastics (USAG) in Indianapolis from 1999-2001 and directed all aspects of the national and international televised events for the sport's national governing body.
 
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Players Mentioned

Abigail Bensley

Abigail Bensley

Senior

Players Mentioned

Abigail Bensley

Abigail Bensley

Senior