Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2016-17
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Vince Smurro has been named an assistant coach with the University of Iowa women’s gymnastics team, UI head coach Larissa Libby announced Monday.
“I am beyond thrilled to welcome Vince to the Hawkeye family,” said Libby. “He is an excellent fit for our program and staff. I believe his mindset pertaining to the definition of success for a student-athlete fall in line with the ideals and philosophies that we strive to uphold at Iowa.”
Smurro spent the last two years as an assistant coach at Central Michigan. The Manasquan, New Jersey, native helped the Chippewas to a 19th-place finish in the final 2015 NCAA rankings, assisting and spotting athletes on vault, bars, and floor. Smurro guided Central Michigan to a first-place finish during the regular season and at the MAC Tournament. He also served as the Chippewas recruiting organizer, travel plan administrator, community service coordinator, and social media manager.
“I am very excited to be a part of the Hawkeye family,” Smurro said. “I want to thank Larissa and the athletic department for this opportunity, and I am looking forward to working with our student-athletes as they strive for academic and athletic success.”
Prior to Central Michigan, Smurro served as the USAG Women’s Coach at Devlin Gymnastics in Manasquan, New Jersey. Smurro constructed daily workout assignments for levels 5-10 on uneven bars, vault, and floor.
Smurro boasts an impressive collegiate resume. He was a USAG All-American on the high bar in 2010 and the parallel bars in 2011 with the College of William and Mary.
After transferring to Illinois in 2011, Smurro helped the Illini to NCAA and Big Ten Team titles in 2012. In 2013, Smurro finished 10th at the NCAA Championships on floor, recording the third-highest floor score in school history. He also helped the team to a sixth-place finish at the 2013 NCAA Championships.
“Vince is a very driven and focused young coach, and he will certainly bring a new outlook and intensity to the program,” Libby added. “It was evident throughout the interview process that he had a clear understanding of what the student-athlete endures throughout their collegiate career. We know that he is prepared to assist them in becoming the best student-athletes they can be.
“Vince’s background in gymnastics combined with his work ethic and passion for the process will have an immediate impact on our program, and I am excited to see what the future holds for our new staff.”
A two-time College Gymnastics Association First Team Academic All-American, Smurro earned his bachelor’s degree interdisciplinary health at Illinois in 2013. He received his master’s degree in sports administration from Central Michigan in May, 2016.
