Alabama hires away former star Ashley Priess-Johnston as new head gymnastics coach

Alabama has found a new head coach for their gymnastics team in a former Crimson Tide star, Ashley Priess-Johnston. Priess-Johnston was a ten-time All-American for the Crimson Tide, and part of a back-to-back NCAA Championships as an athlete.

Former Alabama gymnastics star to coach team

“Alabama has hired Auburn associate head coach Ashley Priess-Johnston as its new gymnastics coach after last week’s resignation of Dana Duckworth,” explained AL.com’s Mike Rodak.

Priess-Johnston is taking over the Alabama program after spending four years with Auburn as an associate head coach. The Tigers finished fourth-place nationally last season, their highest in program history. Priess-Johnston was named WGCA Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year in 2019, her first season with Auburn.

“I am honored to be trusted as your new head gymnastics coach,” said Priess-Johnston on accepting the position. “Thank you to Greg Bryne and the amazing executive team for allowing me to share my vision, passion and commitment to student-athlete well-being and to the future of this storied program. I look forward to reconnecting with each and every one of you. With a very full heart, I want to say, ‘Thank you,’ and ‘Roll Tide!'”

“We are beyond excited to have Ashley Johnston take over the reins of our gymnastics program as our head coach,” athletic director Greg Byrne said. “Everyone we’ve spoken to holds her in the highest regards as a coach, mentor and leader, including long-time head coach Sarah Patterson, who I’ve had wonderful conversations with during this search and I really appreciate her support. Throughout this process with Ashley, we’ve been very impressed with her commitment to the total student-athlete. One of the grittiest and most accomplished competitors in our program’s proud history, she has translated her achievements as a gymnast into a standout career as a coach, and we are thrilled to have her back in Tuscaloosa.”