(Iowa City, IA) – Craig Ballard has been appointed as an assistant coach for the University of Iowa gymnastics team, as announced by head coach Jen Llewellyn. Llewellyn expressed excitement about Ballard joining the staff, praising his extensive knowledge, experience, and accomplishments in his 17-year coaching career.
Ballard comes to the Hawkeyes after a 13-year tenure at Kent State, where he served as an assistant coach for 12 years before becoming the associate head coach in 2024. At Kent State, Ballard played a key role in leading the team to six regular-season Mid-American Conference (MAC) championships and nine NCAA postseason appearances. He coached numerous award-winning gymnasts, including six MAC Gymnast of the Year, three MAC Senior Gymnast of the Year, three MAC Specialist of the Year, and two MAC Freshmen of the Year. Under his guidance, the team produced eight individual MAC champions and two WCGA All-Americans.
Before Kent State, Ballard spent three seasons as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Bowling Green and at Rhode Island. Ballard began his coaching career as a team manager and student coach at West Virginia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications.
