On Tuesday night, Illinois athletics announced that Josh Nilson will be the new head coach for Illinois women’s gymnastics. Following former head coach Nadalie Walsh’s contract not being renewed, Nilson is taking Walsh’s title after two years as the associate head coach for the Illini.
“For the last two years, Josh Nilson has been a highly influential presence in our gym, and he received an outpouring of support throughout this process from team members, recruits, and others across the national gymnastics community,” said athletic director Josh Whitman in a press release. “From our first conversation, Josh’s enthusiasm for our program and bold vision for its future were immediately apparent. I want to thank Josh, his wife, Amanda, and their family for trusting us and believing in the University of Illinois.”
Nilson came to Illinois under Walsh’s tenure after the pair worked together at Utah State. Before his time at Utah State, Nilson started his coaching career at Texas Woman’s University for two seasons as an assistant coach. Nilson then spent the 2016-17 season at Penn State after five seasons at Utah State. He started off as the assistant coach and moved to co-interim head coach for the Nittany Lions.
After Penn State, Nilson moved to the United States Air Force Academy where he served a one-year stint as an assistant coach for the team. For the following five years, Nilson had the opportunity to lead the program at Temple University. While at Temple, Wilson went on to become the most decorated head coach in team history.
Now, he will bring that experience as well as familiarity with the Illini culture to his new role running the program in Champaign.
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“First and foremost, I want to thank Athletics Director Josh Whitman, Chief Sports Officer and Senior Woman Administrator Sara Burton, and Senior Associate Athletics Director Cassie Arner for their trust in me and belief in my vision for this program,” Nilson said in the press release. “My family and I have fallen in love with this community, and we proudly bleed orange and blue. This program has all the tools to become a national contender and dominant force in the Big Ten. I consider this both a tremendous responsibility and a true honor. I’m energized, motivated, and ready to get to work.”
Despite being relatively new to the Illini community, Nilson’s two seasons in Champaign are a major bonus. A majority of the Illini are on the younger side, spending much of their collegiate careers working alongside Nilson. There is sure to be an existing rapport and connection amongst the players and Nilson that should make the transition process much smoother.
Nilson agreed to a contract for five years. The Board of Trustees will officially approve his contract in July’s meeting.
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