IOWA CITY, Iowa – Ryan Ruckdaschel has been named director of operations for the University of Iowa women’s gymnastics program, it was announced Monday by head coach Larissa Libby. Ruckdaschel has been associated with the GymHawks since 2016.
“We had some incredible candidates for this position, but in the end, Ryan’s investment and familiarity with the program was the difference,” said Libby. “Ryan has been involved with Iowa Athletics since he was a child. He has seen it from the outside looking in, as he grew up in Iowa City and for the last several years his work, not only the gymnastics team, but with several other divisions at Iowa, has only strengthened his knowledge and expertise.
“Ryan’s skills coupled with his knowledge and investment level for Iowa Athletics make him the ideal candidate for this position. I thankful to have the opportunity to continue to work with him and develop the GymHawk program.”
Ruckdaschel most recently served as a non-coaching graduate assistant from 2019-21. The GymHawks made history in 2021, winning the first Big Ten title in school history.
During his time in Iowa City, Ruckdaschel has managed and monitored social media accounts for the women’s gymnastics program, reaching more than 35,000 followers. He has aided in the growth of the team’s social platforms, including an increase of 13,000 Instagram followers.
He has also planned and operated camps, alumni gatherings, in-house events, team retreats, travel, community service, meet-day themes and promotions and on-campus appearances and engagements during his tenure.
Ruckdaschel also served as social media manager for the Iowa Athletics Department in 2019-20 and he was a promotions manager for the department from 2017-19. He joined the GymHawks in 2016 as a student manager, where he assisted in year-round efforts with the program.
The Iowa City, Iowa, native graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in sport and recreation management in 2019. He also earned his master’s degree in sport and recreation management in 2021.