Head Coach Katie Minasola Reflects On Atmosphere At Eastern Michigan

Head Coach Katie Minasola Reflects On Atmosphere At Eastern Michigan

Katie Minasola will be at the helm of the Eastern Michigan Eagles as a first year head coach for the 2017-18 season.

Sep 26, 2017 by Keri Monstrola
Head Coach Katie Minasola Reflects On Atmosphere At Eastern Michigan
Katie Minasola will be at the helm of the Eastern Michigan Eagles as a first-year head coach for the 2017-18 season. Minasola, a Michigan native, has returned home to make a big impact in the MAC Conference. She comes to EMU after spending the past six years at Iowa State as both an assistant coach and the associate head coach; she brings a total of 13 years of coaching experience.

FloGymnastics recently caught up with Katie Minasola.


FloGymnastics: What was the reception like from the team, as they have had a lot of coaching changes in the last few years? 


Minasola: Things are going very well . . . they have been very accepting of me. They did have questions and wanted to know my plans. I am their fourth head coach in three years and this team has been through a lot, but they are also very resilient. The team welcomed me with open arms and seems very happy.  


What are you most excited about for this season? 


I am most excited about the direction that this team is already heading and where they want to go. They already have goals to win MACs and consistently make regional appearances. This team already had drive and determination and big goals before I came in. 

What did you learn at Iowa State that will be the most valuable to you? 


I was given a lot of responsibility and trust at Iowa State that will be very helpful to me. I was the head beam and floor coach along with helping make decisions in recruiting. I was able to figure things out as an assistant that will make an easier transition as head coach. I really learned the behind-the-scenes work within the office, and I am thankful for that. 


What has been the biggest surprise to you so far as head coach?


That things are going much better than I had thought. I have all the decisions on my shoulders now and the amount of support I've had with this is outstanding. I haven't really had a chance yet to stop and take it all in. 


What are your goals for your first season as head coach? 


I have the same goals as the team. As a coach, I want to keep the team healthy and prepare them to do their best gymnastics. I want them to take ownership of their own gymnastics. 

What does it mean to you to be back in the state of Michigan? 


It means a lot to be back in the state of Michigan. I have dreamed of being a head coach and it is exciting for my first job to be where I am from. I have so much support from so many around me. It is also great because I have a young baby at home with lots of family around to help out. 


What is it like to be back in the MAC conference?


It is exciting to be back in the MAC in a new role. I haven't been back to CMU since I left so it will be exciting to be there again. I am ready to contend for a MAC championship again, in a new role. 

Anything else you would like to share with us? 


I am excited about this year and what is to come. I would love to see everyone at our meets to support EMU! I want to make this university well-known and grow the fan base. 


Related:  
Head Coach Meredith Paulicivic On Changes, Surprises, & Goals At Ohio State