June 9, 2004
Larissa Libby has been named Head Women’s Gymnastics Coach at the University of Iowa. The announcement came today from Iowa Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby.
Libby has been part of the Iowa program for the past four years, having spent the past season as associate head coach. She has served as Iowa’s recruiting coordinator. Libby replaces Mike Lorenzen who recently resigned after five years in the head coaching position.
She was named 2003 North Central region Assistant Coach of the Year. She helped guide the Hawkeyes to consecutive NCAA appearances in 2003 and 2004.
Before joining the Hawkeyes in 2000, Libby served four years as an assistant at Louisiana State. While at LSU she coached nine beam all-Americans and helped the Tigers to four straight NCAA appearances.
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“In the last four years, I have had the privilege of being a part of the success of the Iowa women’s gymnastics program. I’m excited to have the chance to contend for a Big Ten title and continue the improvement we’ve already made.”
Larissa Libby
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“Larissa has a stellar history in the sport of gymnastics and has a very clear vision of where want to lead this program,” said Iowa Athletic Director Bob Bowlsby. “She has impressed me as an incredible person and leader who will serve as a terrific role model for our student-athletes.”
“Larissa has been instrumental in Iowa’s climb from 65th to 12th in the national rankings,” said Iowa Associate Athletic Director Mary Curtis. “She is a fabulous recruiter and proponent of Iowa. She’s one of the best balance beam coaches and overall choreographers in the country. I’m thrilled she has accepted the opportunity to lead our program.”
As a competitor, Libby was a member of the Canadian national team for eight years. She was also a member of the 1988 Canadian Olympic team. She has earned over 30 individual international event medals. She was honored as Canada’s Gymnast of the Year in 1989 and 1990. She competed on the college level at LSU.
“In the last four years, I have had the privilege of being a part of the success of the Iowa women’s gymnastics program,” said Libby. “I’m excited to have the chance to contend for a Big Ten title and continue the improvement we’ve already made.”
Larissa is married to Chad Libby. They are the parents of two daughters, Taylor and Bailey.