Iowa State shuts down troubled women's gymnastics program

Iowa State is ending its women's track and field program.The school's AD called the move "the right decision for our athletic program and student-athletes," citing challenges within the program.

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State is ending its women's gymnastics program.

Athletic director Jamie Pollard announced the decision Tuesday, shortly after the school canceled the remainder of the 2026 season due to "irresolvable" issues between players, coaches and parents.

Pollard said the school will replace gymnastics with other women's sports that "provide equal or additional opportunities for participation" for female athletes.

The school awards scholarships to all current or incoming gymnasts who choose to remain on campus, including ensuring they continue to have access to all departmental services available to Iowa State student-athletes.Pollard added that the athletic department will also assist any gymnast who decides to enter the transfer portal.

Members of the coaching staff, including head coach Ashley Miles Greig, will not have their contracts renewed.

Pollard called the move "the right decision for our athletic programs and student-athletes," citing a pattern of problems within the program over the past decade.

Women's gymnastics underwent a "full review" in 2018 due to various problems.In 2023, the university hired a Minnesota law firm to conduct an independent evaluation of the program, which included the introduction of a new coaching staff.

When similar issues arose three years later, Iowa State initially decided to cancel the remainder of the season because "the student-athletes felt the conflicts were too problematic" to continue.

The university's board of trustees spoke with various stakeholders about the program over the weekend before making the recommendation to end women's gymnastics.

"The student-athlete experience is at the heart of what our department prides itself on," Pollard said.

Pollard said finances did not play a role in the decision, saying whatever sports the Cyclones would add would likely be as expensive, if not more expensive, to compete in.

Iowa State has won four conference titles in women's gymnastics, the last in 2006.