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IOWA CITY, Iowa – Lydia Test has been named assistant coach for the University of Iowa women’s gymnastics program, it was announced Friday by head coach Jen Llewellyn.
“We are thrilled to welcome Lydia to the Hawkeye family,” said Llewellyn. “Lydia brings incredible energy, a positive perspective and a passion for student-athlete development that aligns perfectly with the values at the University of Iowa and the culture we are building. Her enthusiasm and commitment to excellence will help us continue the growth and momentum of our program moving forward.”
Test joins the Hawkeyes after spending the last four years at Southeast Missouri State, serving two seasons as a student assistant and the past two as a full-time assistant coach from 2024-26. She was the head floor and vault coach, while also leading the program’s recruiting efforts.
During the 2026 season, Test was named the WCGNIC Assistant Coach of the Year after helping guide SEMO to the Midwest Independent Conference Championship. She coached Taylor Ingle to a spot at the NCAA Lexington Regional as an individual on vault. It was her second NCAA qualifier in as many seasons.
Test earned 2025 MIC Assistant Coach of the Year honors after coaching Ingle and Joselene Hernandez to spots in the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitational Championships Event finals. She also coached Ingle to a spot in the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional in all-around.
As a student assistant, Test served as the team choreographer for two seasons, helping the Redhawks set a program record 197.050 at the Tennessee Collegiate Classic. The performance included a perfect 10.00 from Lindsay Ockler on bars.
Test competed for SEMO for two seasons before medically retiring. She appeared in eight meets on both vault and bars in 2021, helping the Redhawks capture the USA Gymnastics Team title. She was also a MIC Scholar Athlete and USA Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate Nationals Scholar Athlete.
The Plano, Texas, native graduated from Southeast Missouri State with a degree in physical therapy in 2024.