CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini women's gymnastics head coach Josh Nilson completed his coaching staff on Wednesday with assistant coach Abby Mueller and director of operations Molly Stuckey. The pair rounds out Nilson's first staff after he was named head coach on May 20.
Stuckey remains at Illinois after joining the program in November, while Mueller returns to her alma mater in an assistant coaching role.
"I am very excited to welcome Abby back to the Illini family," Nilson said. "She was a strong and passionate student-athlete for Illinois, and she will now contribute in a different role. We are fortunate to have her back in Champaign as a coach! Welcome home, Abby!
"Molly is one of the most intelligent people I know. She is organized, consistent, and has an incredible passion for gymnastics. We are fortunate to have her commit to staying here and helping us as director of operations!"
Abby Mueller, Assistant Coach
Mueller spent her collegiate career with the Fighting Illini during the 2021-24 seasons, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors during her sophomore, junior, and senior years. A native of Rochester, Minnesota, Mueller holds the program's third-best floor score with her 9.950 at Nebraska in 2024.
"I'm incredibly honored to return to the University of Illinois as an assistant coach," Mueller said. "I believe in the vision Josh brings and the culture we're building: one grounded in trust, hard work, and high standards. As a former Illini, it's personal for me. I'm committed to helping our student-athletes grow, both inside and outside of the gym, while building a championship culture that reflects a path of excellence for Illinois gymnastics."
Graduating in May 2024 with a bachelor's degree in recreation, sport, and tourism, Mueller competed for one season with Nilson, appearing in all 16 meets and setting new career-best marks on floor and all-around as a senior.
She spent the 2025 season at Missouri, where she secured the leadoff position on vault in the first three meets of the campaign before holding the leadoff spot on beam in the last three meets of the year. Mueller also helped the Tigers record their best beam score in program history (49.575 at Arkansas).
A native of Junction City, Kansas, Stuckey enters her second season with the Illini after being tabbed as an assistant coach while also assisting with operational duties during the 2024-25 campaign.
"I'm incredibly honored and excited to step into the director of operations role for Illinois Women's Gymnastics," Stuckey said. "It's a privilege to join such a passionate and accomplished staff, and I'm eager to help bring to life the vision for this program under Josh's leadership. I look forward to serving the team and university with integrity, excellence, and a deep commitment to both the sport and the amazing Illini community. I-L-L!"
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 helped with 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.Â
She holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M and a certificate in sports management essentials and gameday operations from The Sports Executive Path.
