Ashley Priess-Johnston Hired As Next Alabama Gymnastics Coach

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama has hired former Crimson Tide gymnast and Auburn University associate head coach Ashley Priess-Johnston to be the next head coach of the gymnastics program, following the resignation of Dana Duckworth last week after eight seasons.

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The announcement was made Monday evening by UA Director of Athletics Greg Byrne and she will be formally introduced at a press conference on Friday.

Johnston comes to her alma mater after four years at Auburn, where she finished her tenure as associate head coach after helping lead the Tigers to a fourth-place national finish last season — the highest in program history.

"We are beyond excited to have Ashley Johnston take over the reins of our gymnastics program as our head coach," 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."

During her time at the Capstone, Johnstone was a 10-time Crimson Tide All-American and member of back-to-back NCAA Championship teams under legendary coach Sarah Patterson.

"I am honored to be trusted as your new head gymnastics coach," she said in a statement on Monday. "Thank you to Greg Byrne 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!'"

Johnston will be just the third head coach of the program since 1979.

UA also said the the financial terms of her contract remain subject to approval by The Board of Trustees.

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