There are many former elite gymnasts who now are coaches in the NCAA. This week we take an in-depth look at our next coach, Katie Teft-Minasola. She is an assistant coach at Iowa State University.   
 

Teft-Minasola trained with John Geddert, at Twistars USA in Michigan. She competed in the 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials, finishing eighth in the all-around which earned her the opportunity to serve as an alternate for the 1996 U.S. Olympic team. She helped the U.S. earn gold at the 1995 Pan American Games with a fourth-place finish on the balance beam. In 1994, Katie finished eighth in the All-Around at the Coca-Cola National Championships. Her list of accomplishments also includes a first-place finish on beam and in the all-around at the 1993 Junior Olympic National Championships.

Teft-Minasola accomplishments did not stop there. Teft-Minasola began her NCAA career at UMass where she competed for three years. Katie then transferred on a scholarship to Central Michigan University after the program closed at UMass. At CMU she earned two perfect 10.0’s on bars, was MAC Champion on bars, Atlantic 10 Champion on bars, and an NCAA qualifier on bars.

Following her college career Teft-Minasola was hired by MSU as an assistant coach. Teft-Minasola spent 7 years at MSU before moving on to Iowa State. She has now been at Iowa State for four years. 

 

Gymnastike recently caught up with Katie Teft-Minasola

What was it like being a part of two college programs? 

It was hard for me to accept, I found out online that UMass was losing their program. With the program closing before my senior year, I had to be recruited all over again. I had some injuries during my time at UMass so few colleges were looking at me. I had a teammate also get recruited to CMU so I decided to transfer there too. UMass and CMU could not have been more different. It was hard to start over as a senior. It was worth it in the long run and I was grateful to finish my college career on a high note. 

 

What is it like coaching with so many fellow world team members?

It was really cool because I was on the National Team from 93-97. I built relationships that many years later we still have. We are all still together in the same sport. Kristen (Maloney) and I were on the National Team from 93-97 and it is great to be coaching alongside her now. 

 

What is the best part of coaching? 

There so many things that I love about coaching. My favorite thing is when they come in as freshman and are so young, and to watch them turn into young women. I like to help them grow through the ups and downs in and out of the gym. I get to know them as people and not just as gymnasts. I have developed so many relationships and I cherish those. 

 

What brought you to Iowa State? What did you learn at MSU? 

I just felt it was time to move on and learn from other coaches. I was at MSU for 7 years and I got a lot of experience from Kathie Klages. Kathie took me in under her wing as a young coach, and I am so grateful. I have been at Iowa State for four years now and love it here. 

 

What goals do you have as a coach?

My ultimate goal is to become a head coach. 

 

You were an NCAA gymnast at two schools, how does that help you as a coach?

I think it does help me as I learned from both teams and coaches. I learned what the transfer process is like first hand. I know what freshman go through coming into a new team, so I can help them from experience. 

 

What is your role at Iowa State? 

I coach beam and I have grown and become more confident in my coaching role. I am also the recruiting coordinator. It is a great learning lesson and I like getting to know other coaches as well. I am pushing myself to get the best possible gymnasts to Iowa State. 

 

College gymnastics has really exploded in the last few years. What do you think is the cause of the growth? 

It really has taken off and it gets me very excited. I love my job and I am very passionate about the sport. It is creating so many opportunities and there is lots of healthy competition. It is great to see so many elite gymnasts competing in college gymnastics. I would love to see a Texas college get on board and join the NCAA. 

 

Anything else you would like to share?

I love my job at Iowa State, it is a great job and culture. It is fun to work with such a supportive athletic department. We have diehard fans and I love it! My next goal is to be a head coach and until then I will keep learning and growing until that day comes. 

 

Related: 

Erinn Dooley: College Coaching ‘At Home’