SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State Athletics has named Sarah Brown the first head coach of the university's NCAA Division I women's gymnastics program, marking another historic milestone as the Bobcats prepare to launch the first Division I program in the state of Texas.

"I am incredibly honored to be trusted with building the first ever Division I gymnastics program in the state of Texas," Brown said. "This is truly a historic moment and I want to extend my sincerest thanks to President Kelly Damphousse and Athletics Director Don Coryell for their unwavering support and commitment to expanding opportunities for women in sports, through gymnastics. The energy at Texas State is palpable—from my very first visit, I could feel a campus-wide culture of support that assures me this program will reach the highest of highs. I look forward to meeting the Bobcat family and can't wait to get started!"

A proven program builder and nationally respected leader, Brown arrives in San Marcos following nine seasons as the head coach at Penn State, where she guided the Nittany Lions to sustained success in one of the nation's premier gymnastics conferences. During her tenure, she led the Nittany Lions to multiple NCAA Regional appearances while coaching numerous NCAA Regional qualifiers, All-Americans and All-Big Ten performers. In 2024, she was named the WCGA Northeast Region Head Coach of the Year.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sarah to Texas State as we begin this historic journey," Director of Athletics Don Coryell said. "As we searched for the right person to build our gymnastics program from the ground up, Sarah's vision, leadership and commitment to developing student-athletes stood out immediately. She has demonstrated the ability to elevate programs, recruit at the highest level and create a culture centered on excellence. We are excited for her to lead the first Division I gymnastics program in Texas and establish a foundation that will make Bobcat gymnastics a source of pride for our university and our state."

In 2026, Brown guided Penn State to its fourth consecutive NCAA Regional appearance and a No. 19 national ranking while producing five All-Big Ten honorees. The success followed another strong campaign in 2025, when the Nittany Lions earned their third straight NCAA Regional berth, posted an 11-7 record with an unbeaten home mark and continued to rank among the nation's top teams academically.

Brown led Penn State to one of the best seasons in program history in 2024, guiding the Nittany Lions to their first NCAA Regional Final appearance and a No. 15 national ranking. She was named WCGA Northeast Region Head Coach of the Year after leading the program to a school-record National Qualifying Score. The momentum carried over from 2023 after Penn State returned to the NCAA Regionals as a team for the first time since 2021, finished No. 25 in the national rankings and produced two NCAA Championships qualifiers.

In 2022, Brown coached four individual NCAA Regional qualifiers while Penn State remained nationally competitive on bars and floor exercise, after finishing in the top-25 of the events in 2021. Before the COVID-19 pandemic shortened the 2020 campaign, Brown led Penn State to eight dual-meet victories.

The 2019 season finished with an NCAA Regional appearance and a No. 24 national ranking, while producing two NCAA Championships qualifiers and three All-Big Ten selections.

Brown made an immediate impact in her first season in 2018, leading Penn State to an 11-8 record, an NCAA Regional appearance and three victories over nationally ranked opponents. The season featured two All-Americans, three All-Big Ten selections and the program's first perfect 10.0 on uneven bars.

Prior to Penn State, Brown served as head coach at Eastern Michigan for one season, where she revitalized the program and led the team to a Mid-American Conference regular season title, MAC Championship and an NCAA Regional appearance.
Brown spent the 2015-16 season as a volunteer assistant at Michigan, helping the program to a Big Ten championship, and was previously an assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State and the director of operations at Missouri.

A standout gymnast at Missouri, Brown was a two-time Big 12 Gymnast of the Year and four-time All-American. She graduated from Missouri with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies before earning a master's degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis in sport psychology.

As a freshman, Brown helped Utah to a runner-up finish at the 2007 NCAA Championships, and she was also a member of the USA National Team from 2002-05.

"Sarah Brown is exactly the kind of leader we envisioned when we committed to building the first NCAA Division I women's gymnastics program in Texas," said TXST President Kelly Damphousse. "This is an exciting day for TXST and for gymnastics in our state. Sarah has excelled as both an athlete and a coach. During the interview process, I enjoyed hearing her plans to shape a program that reflects the excellence, ambition, and spirit of our university. I look forward to watching Sarah work alongside Don and our entire athletics department to build something truly special here in San Marcos. I am happy to welcome her to Bobcat Nation."

Brown takes over one of the most unique opportunities in collegiate gymnastics, becoming the founding coach of a program announced by TXST on June 1. The program will begin recruiting immediately, before being scheduled to make its competitive debut during the 2028 season. 

What they're saying about Brown…

I am thrilled to see Sarah Brown named the first Head Women's Gymnastics Coach at Texas State. Sarah is an outstanding leader with a genuine passion for student-athlete development and a deep understanding of what it takes to build a successful, championship-caliber program from the ground up. Her energy, integrity, and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly have a tremendous impact as she establishes the Texas State gymnastics program. I have no doubt that under her leadership, the Bobcats will grow and achieve great success both in the gym and in the classroom. Congratulations to Sarah and to Texas State on an exceptional hire.

Beverly Plocki, University of Michigan Gymnastics Head Coach (1989-2025)

I've known Sarah since her time as a member of the U.S. National Team and it has been a privilege to watch her journey from elite athlete to exceptional collegiate coach. She brings unmatched energy, passion and purpose to everything she does. Sarah cares deeply about her student-athletes and is genuinely committed to the future of our sport. I have no doubt she will build something truly special at Texas State and I'm excited to watch her thrive in this well-earned opportunity.

Jenny Rowland, University of Florida Gymnastics Head Coach