Aug. 17, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
University of Maryland gymnastics coach Brett Nelligan announced today the hiring of former University of Florida gymnast Erinn Dooley as assistant coach for the Terps.
"Maryland is fortunate to have Erinn join its staff," Nelligan said. "Her experiences at the highest levels of collegiate and international competition will greatly benefit our student-athletes. Erinn is an accomplished gymnast, strength trainer and coach, and will play a significant role in our mission to be one of the elite programs in the country."
Dooley was a seven-time All-American gymnast for the Gators. A team co-captain in both her junior and senior years, she also was named four-time All-SEC Second Team and was twice named SEC Gymnast of the Week.
Prior to her years at Florida, she was a US National team member from 1995-2000. She competed with the 1997 and 1999 teams that both finished second at the Pan-American games and competed in the John Hancock U.S. Gymnastics Championships from 1998-2000. Dooley won the all-around competition at the 1997 American Classic in the junior division. She placed ninth in the 1999 world team trials and she competed with the first-place U.S. team in the 2000 Senior Pacific Alliance in New Zealand.
"I'm extremely excited to join Maryland Gymnastics," Dooley said. "The support system for athletics is extraordinary in College Park. Maryland cares about its athletes and its staff and wants us to be successful. Our program has tremendous potential and I look forward to helping us compete at future EAGL and NCAA Championships."
Dooley will be returning to coach near her former gym, Hill's Gymnastics Training Center, which is owned by distinguished coach and former Maryland gymnast, Kelli Hill. While at Hill's, Dooley was responsible for working with teams of all ages, but specifically gymnasts at the elite levels. She also worked at Philbin's Athletic Training Center.
"I am thrilled for my college team," Hill, a former U.S. Olympic team coach, said. "Maryland hired one of my hardest working athletes. Erinn Dooley knows what it takes to be a champion and I am sure that the Terrapins will benefit from her work ethic."
Dooley hails from Gaithersburg, Md., and attended Gaithersburg High School. She earned her bachelor's degree in Fitness/Wellness from the University of Florida in 2000.
