Tabitha Yim: Past Experiences Help New Head Coach

Tabitha Yim: Past Experiences Help New Head Coach

Jun 16, 2015 by Keri Monstrola
Tabitha Yim: Past Experiences Help New Head Coach
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, Tabitha Yim. Yim was named head coach at Arizona in May. This will be Yim's first position as head coach.

A collegiate standout, Yim was a 14-time All-American at Stanford from 2005-08, earning the most All-America honors in school history. She placed among the top 10 in the NCAA all-around competition all four years and twice won Pac-10 and NCAA regional all-around titles. In addition, Yim was named Pac-10 and Regional Gymnast of the Year during her senior season.
 
Yim was an extremely versatile gymnast, which has helped in her transition to coaching. She won two regional titles and one Pac-10 championship on the balance beam, was a two-time regional uneven bars champion, and twice placed third in the floor exercise at the NCAA Championships.
 
A native of Irvine, Calif., Yim competed for the United States national team that placed third at the 2001 World Championships, the same year she won the floor exercise at the U.S. Championships. She also won a U.S. Championship on beam in 2002 and finished fourth in the all-around at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials.



Gymnastike recently spoke with Tabitha Yim 

Is it exciting to be coaching among so many friends and fellow elite gymnasts?
It is a testament to the sport and the experience we had as gymnasts. We have all learned amazing life lessons as a gymnast and it is exciting to give back to those gymnasts coming up now. It is a lot of fun to connect with gymnasts I competed against. It has been fun reconnecting with Elise Ray and Kristen Maloney along with fellow judges who also coach in Liz Crandall and Jenny Rowland. I also have loved to connect with Courtney McCool. 
 
Are you still judging? 
Yes I will still be judging during the summer. I am scheduled to judge at both the Secret Classic and P&G Championships this summer. It is an interesting experience to be on the other side now. I learned that judges get nervous too! I have an appreciation for the high level of skills along with the pressure the gymnasts face. 
 
What is the best part about being a NCAA college coach?
I had an incredible college experience and learned a lot from the coaches at Stanford. I've learned many life skills beyond the sport and I value being able to pass those on as a head coach. I love being able to give my athletes the confidence to learn skills beyond the gym. I value having a family atmosphere and providing them with life long memories and skills. 
 
What brought you to Arizona?
Family has always been an important part of my life. I couldn’t have gotten through some tough losses in my family without my church and gymnastics families. I was still able to pursue dreams because of the new family I made with those people in my life. So when I came to Arizona I asked myself, Can I find a home and family here? Arizona gave me that feel and is one big circle and I felt that immediately. Arizona has a strong history and foundation in place. When I met the team that was when I knew for sure this was my new home. The girls are amazing in and out of the gym and I am excited about the dedication they show.  
 
You have only been at Arizona for a short time, what has been the best part so far? What are your goals for this season?
It has been a whirlwind but I am so grateful that John Court has been so supportive. With bringing on David McCreary we have created a bond and it feels like a family already. It was a top priority to put a top staff together and I feel like we have done that. We are excited and motivated for the upcoming year. I have felt very welcomed by the whole Arizona community and I am so grateful. We have goals to be the hardest working staff and team in the nation. We also strive to peak at the right time physically, mentally and emotionally. 
 
How did your time at Stanford as a gymnast and a coach help you as a coach today?
I can’t say enough about my time at Stanford! I am still very close with my class and we have all moved on to do amazing things. Seeing my peers have such success helps motivate me as a coach. I want to provide that same experience to my athletes to set them up for success. I have been a part of a lot of different teams, all with different stories, but I have stuck with five main areas of focus- passion, belief, family, commitment and balance. 
 
What did you learn as an elite gymnast that you can use to help you with your gymnasts today?
The experience of going to the ranch and through the preparation for a World and Olympic Team was helpful. Going through it myself I am able to understand and relate to the gymnasts. It is not easy to make that transition to college and join a team sport. I know what it is like to not have all my dreams come true and I am proof that you can still have success even if you come up short. 
 
College gymnastics has really exploded over the last few years, is that exciting for you to see? 
It is very exciting! I am very passionate about college gymnastics so I love to see the growth. College gymnastics was 3rd in viewership last season and it exciting to see so much gymnastics on TV. Fans are getting into the sport and what is more exciting for them to see a perfect 10 and the competition come down the very last routine! I think the sport is going to continue to grow and gain more fans. 
 
What are your thoughts on the change to the size of the Olympic Team?
Having gone through the process and knowing how many gymnasts have the dream, it is sad that the opportunity has been limited. I don’t think it will affect USA as much with such a strong field to draw from. I wish we could make more dreams come true. 
 
Anything else you would like us to know about you?
I am just beyond grateful and blessed for all of those who have helped me get to where I am today. From every coach I have had growing up to my coaches at Stanford I am grateful. My brother Jonathan has always been one of my biggest fans. He inspires me as well as I watch him chase him dream to become an NBA coach. I am humbled to all of those who have helped me and I want to say thank you! I am lucky to have stepped into great networks where I have been able to pursue my dreams. I value all of the relationships I have made and look forward to making new ones here at Arizona. 

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