CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Head coach Nadalie Walsh announced the hire of Molly Stuckey to complete the program's coaching staff. Stuckey will assume the title of Assistant Coach, Operations for the Illini. Her vast and varying background makes her a unique addition to the coaching staff, combining experience in coaching and judging with professional experience as a civil engineer and developer.
"It has been an extreme pleasure to add Molly to my staff as another assistant coach and assistant director of operations," head coach Nadalie Walsh said. "Molly has an incredible judging background where her knowledge and expertise has impacted the student-athletes in a very positive way. Molly's character and personality are a wonderful fit to the vision and philosophy of the program."
Stuckey has served as a judging official for the National Association of Women's Gymnastics Judges since 2016, covering both NCAA and USA Gymnastics Women's Development Program competitions. She has maintained a deep understanding of the sport's technical aspects through continuous personal development and stays informed about rule and policy updates. Combining her extensive knowledge with her professional prowess, Stuckey is developing an application for gymnastics coaches and officials to calculate an athlete's maximum scoring potential.
Stuckey's experiences in coaching and operations are just as extensive as the rest of her resume. She's served as on-site support for gymnastics invitationals with over 1,500 competitors, coached women at various clubs across the country (including International Gymnastics Camp, Aerial Athletics, and Mavericks Gymnastics), and held volunteering roles across the globe.
The Junction City, Kan., native holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University, and recently obtained a certificate in sports management essentials and gameday operations from The Sports Executive Path.
"I am thrilled to join the Women's Gymnastics staff at the University of Illinois and be part of such an incredible team," said Stuckey. "It's an honor to work alongside an exceptional staff and talented student-athletes at a premier academic and athletic institution. I'm excited to contribute to the success of this program while embracing the Illini spirit and community."
