Release via UNH Athletics

DURHAM, New Hampshire -- University of New Hampshire gymnastics head coach Gail Goodspeed is pleased to officially announce that Sunny Marchand (Pelham, N.H.) has been hired as an assistant coach.
 
"We've followed Sunny's career since she was an elite gymnast and we are so excited to have a New Hampshire native of her caliber join our UNH coaching staff," said Goodspeed.

She made a seamless transition at the end of July and we are thrilled to have her join us in our goal of continuing as a top level Division I women's gymnastics team in the Northeast.

 In her role, Marchand assists with program operations, recruiting, and overseeing the community gymnastics class program. She organizes team meals on road trips, is involved in meet setup, and will be the primary contact for enhancing social media efforts.
 
"Sunny has great experience in both the private club and collegiate program and can coach any of the women's events. She has already made an impact and contributed to an extremely cohesive coaching staff."

The UNH coaching staff collaborates on event coaching; however, Sunny will be the primary coach on vaulting as well as providing input on all four events.

Marchand served as a graduate assistant at Ball State University in the student-athlete academic support office, as well as with the strength and conditioning department for the 2016-2017 school year. Her responsibilities included designing and implementing strength programs for women's cross country and men's swimming. She also assisted in the weight room with the gymnastics and women's volleyball teams. She is currently completing her Master's Degree in sports performance from Ball State University through on-line courses after her year of residency.
 
Prior to Ball State, Marchand spent the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons as an assistant coach at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) where she served as the primary vault and floor coach and the team's academic and community service coordinator. In 2014 she helped lead the Falcons to their best conference finish in 22 seasons.
 
Marchand coached at the club level as the director of gymnastics and head coach of Synergy Gymnastics of Bowling Green from 2013-2015. For the 2016 season she served as an optional team coach at Ace Gymnastics in Ipswich, Massachusetts, helping two athletes qualify to the Level 10 J.O. national championship.
 
Marchand was a 2013 graduate from BGSU where she was four-year member of the gymnastics team (2009-2013). She was co-captain for the 2013 season and an NACGC/W academic All-American.
 
Marchand qualified for the 2006 and 2009 J.O. national championships. As an Elite, she qualified for the 2006 U.S. Classic meet.
 
The Wildcats have competed in the NCAA regionals in 34 of 36 seasons under legendary head coach Gail Goodspeed. The 'Cats have defeated their last 28 opponents at Lundholm Gym in a streak that dates back to March 8, 2014.