Analyzing The Big Ten Coaching Changes For 2018

Analyzing The Big Ten Coaching Changes For 2018

The Big Ten Conference saw a lot of coaching changes this offseason and will bring excitement to the 2018 season.

Sep 19, 2017 by Keri Monstrola
Analyzing The Big Ten Coaching Changes For 2018
The Big Ten saw a lot of coaching changes this offseason, which will bring plenty of excitement and change to 2018. The new head coaches consist of former head coaches at other universities along with new faces to the head coaching role. The conference also has new faces in the assistant coaching role. Let's take a look at how these new changes will shake out in the Big Ten this year. 


Head Coaches


Sarah Brown | Penn State


Coach Sarah Brown comes to Penn State after one year at Eastern Michigan as head coach. Brown is sure to bring a big boost to the Nittany Lions after some tough years from the program. Although just one year of experience at head coach, Brown brings a boast of knowledge, success, and personal experience that is sure to bring big things for Penn State. Look for Brown to create a very positive environment all the way around that will bring a close bond between the team and coaches. This positive environment will be contagious and bring great change to the Penn State team. 

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Nadalie Walsh | Illinois


Coach Nadalie Walsh comes to Illinois after four years at the helm of the Utah State gymnastics. Walsh comes into Illinois following the exit of Kim Landars to NC State. She'll look to bring a spark and fresh approach to the Fighting Illini team. Illinois has shown talent in recent years but is looking to show the consistency and depth required to be a top contender in the Big Ten. Walsh will bring postseason experience, having led Utah State to four straight regional appearances. With a new face at the helm of Illinois look for a fresh and more competitive Illini team this season. 

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Mike Row | Michigan State


Coach Mike Rowe has secured his place as head coach at Michigan State after a stint as interim head coach last year. Rowe has been at Michigan State for three years and will look to turn a program around this season. Rowe has promoted Nicole Curler to associate head coach along with adding assistant coach Brittany Harris. 

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Meredith Paulicivic | Ohio State


Coach Meredith Paulicivic lands her first head coaching position at Ohio State after two seasons at Utah as assistant coach. Paulicivic comes to Ohio State after Fagan moves into the athletic department. With years of coaching experience. Coach Paulicivic will use great experience learned from Utah and Arizona as she looks to bring Ohio State to a top team within the Big Ten. Look for Paulicivic to change the culture and expectations with the Ohio State team that will lead to more success this season. 

Assistant Coaches


Scott Vetere | Michigan


With the surprise exit of Dave Kazara moving to Pitt, Michigan welcomes new assistant coach Scott Vetere. Vetere has made an internal coaching change at Michigan as he was an assistant coach for the Michigan men's gymnastics team. Verere has outstanding coaching experience and will be a big part of Michigan's vault and floor success this season. 


Kaitlin Dewey | Rutgers


Kaitlin Dewey comes back to the NCAA coaching scene at Rutgers after four years as a coach at Texas Dreams. Dewey coached at her alma mater, Brockport, during the 2008 season. Dewey will be a great addition to Rutgers with her passion and experience. 

Lucas Wasson | Ohio State


Head coach Paulicivic has added Lucas Wasson to her coaching staff. Wasson has coached the last seven years at Perfection Gymnastics School in West Chester, Ohio. Wasson will bring a technical boost to the vault and floor lineups this season. 

Brittany Harris | Michigan State


Brittany Harris will bring new energy and enthusiasm to the Spartans this season. Harris has a great background with high level athletes and a desire to win. Look for Harris to help the Spartans as an assistant this season.

Dallas Becerra and Rob Drass | Penn State


Head coach Brown add two assistant coaches to the Penn State team this offseason. Dallas Becerra comes from Eastern Michigan where he coached alongside Brown last season. Becerra will be a key to the bar lineup this season. Rob Drass is a new addition to the team as Brown was a gymnast under him in her time at Missouri from 2008-10. Becerra will be returning to Penn State and will have a large impact on the philosophy of gymnastics and mental aspect of the sport. 

Related: 

Nadalie Walsh Named Illinois Gymnastics Head Coach
Meredith Paulicivic Named Ohio State Head Coac
Sarah Brown Named Penn State Head Coach
Scott Vetere Named Michigan Gymnastics Assistant Coach
Brittany Harris Named MSU Assistant Coach
Michigan State Hires Mike Rowe As New Head Coach
Kaitlin Dewey Hired As Assistant Coach for Rutgers Gymnastics