Gymnastics | 8/26/2024 2:28:00 PM

DENTON, Texas (August 26, 2024) – On Monday, the Texas Woman's gymnastics team announced the hiring of Zan Jones as an Assistant Coach.

"It is an honor and privilege to join the coaching staff at Texas Woman's University," Jones said. "This program has such a rich tradition of service, leadership and competitive success in all phases of its existence. The commitment to transformational growth and learning, along with the unwavering support from the Pioneer community is what makes this program unique. I am excited to be a part of this program, share my passion for the sport, and witness this team continue to inspire and soar to new levels of success! LET'S GO PIONEERS!"

Most recently, Jones worked as a Volunteer Assistant Coach at Talladega College, during their inaugural year of women's gymnastics. While at Talladega, Jones assisted primarily on vault and floor exercise. He helped create practice plans. Additionally, he also choreographed floor routines.

During his time with Talladega, Jones helped guide the team to historical heights, coaching the first All-Americans in program history. He coached one USA Gymnastics (USAG) All-American on floor, two USAG All-Americans on vault and two All-Around All-Americans. Among those All-Americans, he also coached a National Champion on vault and the Runner-Up National Champion on floor.

Jones' energetic coaching style, leadership and creativity assisted in guiding Talladega to success. After one season of competition, Talladega College dropped their women's gymnastics due to lack of resources. 

While coaching at Talladega, Jones also worked at the Trussville Academy of Gymnastics in Trussville, Ala. as a recreational and team coach. At Trussville, Jones guided young athletes in their development of skills and growth in the sport of gymnastics. He worked to progress their skills and strength on vault, bars and floor.

Furthermore, Jones attended the University of Alabama, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in human performance and exercise science. While pursuing his degree, Jones worked as a Student Manager for the Women's Gymnastics program. He oversaw equipment and maintained the proper inventory for athletes and individual apparatuses. During his time with Alabama, Jones was able to gain valuable guidance and experience in the operation and leadership of a high-level program.

With the Crimson Tide, Jones assisted with one Super 6 Team, three National Championships Qualifying Teams, four Top Three Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championships finishing teams and one SEC Championship Title Team.

"We are thrilled to add Zan to our coaching staff," said TWU Gymnastics Head Coach Lisa Bowerman. "When you watch him coach you cannot deny his electric energy, contagious joy and passion for the sport and his athletes. Zan knows how to execute the perfect balance of light-heartedness and enjoyment out of time in the gym with holding high standards and expectations for his athletes. Zan is a great addition to our team, and I have no doubt that he will help us continue to grow this program and reach new heights."