Gymnastics | 8/14/2026 9:50:00 AM

DENTON, Texas (Aug. 14, 2026) – On Friday, the Texas Woman's Athletics Department announced the hiring of Megan Walker Thigpen and A.J. Banker as Assistant Coaches of TWU Gymnastics.

"Megan and AJ bring an incredible depth of knowledge and experience to our program," Head Coach Lisa Bowerman said. "Both have dedicated countless hours to developing athletes and continually expanding their understanding of the sport. What sets them apart is not only their technical expertise, but also their genuine passion for building meaningful relationships and helping student-athletes reach their full potential—both in the gym and in life. I am confident that we have found the perfect people to help our program continue to grow, evolve and reach new heights."

Walker Thigpen joins the Pioneers staff as an accomplished former gymnast and established gymnastics coach at various levels.

During the 2025-26 season, she choreographed all floor routines for the University of North Carolina gymnastics program. She also has experience as an NCAA beam choreographer. When choreographing, Walker Thigpen said she specializes in "athlete-specific performance branding and artistry integration aligned with code-informed composition."

Beginning in 2016, Walker Thigpen began her role with Bay City Gymnastics, where she has served as an Optional Program Coach, the Recreational Director and the Facilities and Operations Lead. Specifically, for the past four seasons, she has worked as the primary optional coach for Levels 8-10. She developed the gym's first ever Level 10. Additionally, Walker Thigpen designed structured long-term progression systems to provide athletes NCAA readiness, constructed routines to maximize scoring potential and uphold composition integrity and implemented strong injury prevention methods. She also served as the leader of marketing and social media, which increased Bay City Gymnastics athletes' exposure and program visibility.

Walker Thigpen brings a decorated collegiate resume to TWU as well. As a gymnast at Auburn from 2012-15, she helped make history. During her senior season, she helped lead Auburn to the Super Six, as they broke or tied 52 program records that season. In 2015, she received All-SEC honors and was named a Second Team All-American on beam for the regular season and at the conclusion of the season. She was a two-time member of the SEC Community Service Team, a 2014 Sarah Wentworth Award Recipient, a 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year Nominee and a recipient of the Title IX Trailblazer & Leah Rawls Atkins (Most Outstanding Female Student-Athlete) Award. Walker Thigpen was also committed to success in the classroom, earning a Capital One Academic All-America honor, and she was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

Additionally, Walker Thigpen brings experience serving as a coach at various collegiate gymnastics camps.

"I am honored and excited to join the Texas Woman's gymnastics family," Walker Thigpen said. "I have been inspired by the dedication, intentionality and alignment of the coaching staff, support staff and student-athletes at TWU. I am eager to join a program that prioritizes student-athlete well-being, academic and competitive success, and the responsibility of proudly representing TWU. I am grateful for the opportunity to become part of such a storied program with a strong tradition of success. I look forward to working with our team, staff and the Pioneer community as we continue writing the next chapter of this program's legacy."

Banker joins the Pioneers with collegiate and club coaching experience. In collegiate gymnastics, Banker most recently served as a Volunteer Assistant Coach for Utica University Women's Gymnastics. In this role, he assisted the coaching staff in all areas, including recruiting, coaching and scheduling. During the 2026 season, Banker assisted the Utica coaching staff in leading a program record three gymnastics to compete in the 2026 NCGA Nationals.

While working with Utica, Banker additionally served as a Team Coach with Levels 3-10 for Valley Gymnastics since December 2021. While serving as the Team Coach, he additionally assisted with lesson planning, coaches training and equipment maintenance and repair.

Also, in 2021, Banker started Athletes First Gymnastics Consulting. As the owner, he works with gym owners, coaches and athletes to guide them to excellence by learning how to properly balance athletic success and overall wellness.

Banker has been working with gymnastics clubs, programs and camps for 16 years across the United States. He served as an instructor for men's and women's programs at Flip Fest Gymnastics Camp and International Gymnastics Camp. At Henrietta Recreation, he worked as an instructor and the head coach for the competitive girls' teams. Banker also spent time as a Volunteer Assistant Coach for four years with SUNY Brockport, before transitioning to the Assistant Varsity Women's Gymnastics Coach. He aworked for one year as a Volunteer Assistant with Hilton Central School District before being promoted to Head Coach of the Varsity Women's Gymnastics program at Hilton Central School District.

In Fairfield, Ohio, Banker spent one year with the Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy as a Level 7, 9 and 10 Team Coach. Following his one year with the Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy, Banker worked as the Optional Team Head Coach for Levels 8-10 and the Girls Team Coach for Levels 3-10 and Fast Track at Legacy Gymnastics in Lexington, Ky. for two years. 

Finally, before moving to Valley Gymnastics, Banker worked as the Team Program Director and Head Coach for Levels 3-20, HOPEs, TOPs and Fast Track with The Victors Gymnastics in Greece, New York.

Banker has served on the New York State Gymnastics Board, New York Alliance-Gym Act Leadership Board, the USAG Men's College Gymnastics Committee, the National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs (NAIGC) Board of Directors, and as a USAG National Congress Presenter,

As an athlete, Banker competed at The College of Brockport for four years and spent one year at Springfield College. During his four years at The College of Brockport, he served as the Team Captain for three seasons. Following his graduation, he spent time as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Men's Club Gymnastics Club Team. Prior to collegiate gymnastics, he also competed on the Junior Olympic Team and Elite for one year with Upstate Gymnastics Club.

"I'm thrilled to be joining one of the most successful women's gymnastics programs in the NCAA," Banker said. "Texas Woman's has a storied history, a strong culture rooted in student-athlete wellness and success, unmatched support and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to get to work alongside this outstanding staff and incredible team."