Megan Marsden, one of the most iconic names in the history of collegiate gymnastics, announced her retirement from coaching in a team meeting last week. Marsden, a member of Utah’s gymnastics coaching staff since 1985, plans to continue her involvement with Utah athletics as an ambassador for the department.

“Megan Marsden is and always will be a legend,” said Utah Director of Athletics Mark Harlan. “I have been so privileged to spend this last year with her and witness her compassion and care for all of her student-athletes. Utah gymnastics, with its championships and rabid fan base, will forever serve as a monument to Megan’s passion and leadership. I am grateful that she will stay with us in a very important ambassador role and help continue the advancement of the athletics department as a whole. In the coming months we will celebrate her amazing career and accomplishments, allowing Red Rocks’ fans and alumni to say ‘thank you’ to Megan for all that she accomplished and her enormous service to the University of Utah.”

Marsden completed her 35th season on the Utah gymnastics coaching staff at last weekend’s NCAA Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. She has served as Utah’s co-head coach since 2010—the last four years with Tom Farden—who now assumes sole leadership of the program.

“I cannot express how lucky I have been to spend all these years at the University of Utah competing alongside and coaching so many talented, strong, smart, amazing young women,” said Marsden. “To participate in multiple national championships as both an athlete and a coach at your alma mater is a thrill few people get to experience. But certainly the best part of my time here is the wonderful family of women we brought together at Utah and who will always be in my life.

I made a decision several months ago that this would be my last season as a coach and I am so proud of this team and all they accomplished. I am glad this season could be all about them as that is how I wanted it.”

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