In a move that keeps the Cougars' gymnastics program in familiar hands, BYU has announced Natalie Broekman as its new head coach—a promotion from within that brings both continuity and a wealth of experience to the mat.
Broekman, a BYU alum who competed for the Cougars from 1996 to 1999, steps into the role nearly a month after former head coach Guard Young's contract was not renewed. Young, an All-American gymnast himself, led the program for 11 seasons, guiding BYU to six top-25 national finishes and earning Big 12 Coach of the Year honors in 2026 after a strong 11-9 season that included a third-place conference finish and an NCAA regional appearance in Tempe.
But now, the spotlight shifts to Broekman—a coach who knows the Cougars' culture inside and out. She first joined the coaching staff in 2015 and was elevated to associate head coach in 2021, making her a key architect of the team's recent success. Under her guidance as the primary balance beam coach, BYU has posted six of its top 10 beam scores of all time. She also helped develop All-American Elease Rollins and coached Brynlee Andersen-Broekman to an individual NCAA national championship qualification on beam in 2025.
“We are excited to name Natalie Broekman the head coach of BYU gymnastics and look forward to the program taking the next step forward under her leadership,” said BYU athletic director Brian Santiago. “Natalie brings continuity and the ability to uniquely lift, build and empower her student-athletes. She is all-in on BYU and what we’re about here. The future is very bright for BYU gymnastics.”
Beyond the beam, Broekman has been a driving force in recruiting, student-athlete development, summer camps, community outreach, and alumni relations—skills that will serve her well as she takes the helm. And as a former Cougar standout who broke the school's all-around record with a 39.475 in 1999 and earned All-American honors on beam in 1996, she brings a champion's mindset to the head coaching chair.
For a program looking to build on its recent momentum, Broekman represents a seamless transition—and a bright new chapter for BYU gymnastics.