University of Arizona women’s gymnastics Head Coach Bill Ryden announced today that Meredith Paulicivic has been hired as the new assistant coach. Paulicivic will be taking the place of former assistant coach Randi Acosta.
 

“We are very excited to have someone with Meredith’s experience, knowledge and talent depth,” Ryden said. “She’s been coaching at the club level for the past 17 years and a year at UC Berkley prior to that. She has coached many elite and national championship athletes. Her experience with high level technical gymnastics is very exciting to me and along the lines of where I want the program to go. She knows the sport, she knows what it takes to be successful in the sport and she’s very driven. We are definitely extremely lucky to have her.”
 

Paulicivic graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s of Science in exercise and sports science with a minor in sports psychology in 1994. She coached for one year at Olympus School of Gymnastics in Salt Lake City. From there she served as assistant coach at UC Berkley in 1996 and since 1997 she has coached at SCEGA Gymnastics as the head choreographer for floor and beam. Then in 2007 she was named head coach. While at SCEGA Paulicivic coached past Wildcat Colleen Fisher and current gymnast Shelby Edwards.
 

“I’m excited for the new challenges that lie ahead,” Paulicivic said. “I have a different coaching style. I’m very spunky and energetic and I think that can also help when recruiting.  I think with my coaching background and my calm nature on the competition floor I will be a good balance to the staff. I also think having a female on the staff will add to that balance. I know what they’re going through at this age and becoming adults, so I can help them and be that mother figure on the team.”
 

Paulicivic was an accomplished gymnast herself. Her awards include being a two-time NCAA national team champion and a three-time NCAA All-American at Utah.

After graduating she coached six US National Team Members as well as World Bronze Medalist Rachel Tidd. While coaching at SCEGA, Paulicivic placed 31 athletes to full NCAA Division I scholarships.
 

“The girls look fantastic” said Paulicivic. “I know going to the NCAA Championships has been on their minds. I am a hard worker and very enthusiastic so I will do my best to get them there.”
 

The Wildcats look to prepare for a successful season and school year beginning on the first day of school, August 25.

Release via Arizona Gymnastics.


Related: 
Workout Wednesday with Paulicivic and SCEGA