UI Opens a New Home for Gymnastics and Spirit Squads

After years of planning, fundraising, and development, the University of Iowa gymnastics and spirit squad programs have a new training center.

Coaches, athletes, administrators, fans, and donors celebrated the dedication of the Nagle-Duda Gymnastics & Spirit Squads Training Center on Thursday. The training center features competition-style beams, vault runways, uneven bars and a floor-exercise space. In addition to nearly 21,000-square-feet of practice space, the facility houses locker rooms, meeting and athletic training rooms, office space and a multi-purpose room.

“This facility lifts our program to new heights and will have such a positive impact on our current student-athletes and future Hawkeyes,” said gymnastics head coach Jen Llewellyn.

“Having the Marley dance floor and cheer mats permanently installed, the sound system built in, and game/fitness items just steps away is a game changer for our teams,” said head cheerleading coach and spirit coordinator Gregg Niemiec. “We will have one of the top training facilities in the country.”

The $20 million gymnastics and spirit squads project -- paid for by athletics department revenue and private gifts – stands adjacent to the women’s soccer facility on Prairie Meadow Drive. In recognition of a $5 million leadership gift from former Iowa cheerleader, Mary Lee Nagle Duda, the new facility was named the Nagle-Duda Gymnastic & Spirit Squads Training Center, further underscoring their dedication to advancing opportunities for Hawkeye athletes.

“The University of Iowa and Hawkeye Athletics play an important role in our family’s life. For many years, we have enjoyed relationships with University of Iowa and Athletics Department leaders,” said Fritz Duda. “Mary Lee’s time as a cheerleader was a highlight of her student experience at the UI. We are pleased to support the construction of a facility that will provide a fantastic new home for our Spirit Squads and the Iowa Gymnastics team.”