The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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28 ■ THE WOLFPACKER TRACKING THE PACK KIM LANDRUS Coach • Women's Gymnastics In seven seasons as the head coach of women's gymnastics at Illinois, Kim Landrus led her squad to seven straight NCAA postseason appearances, three times taking it to the NCAA Championships. Each year it qualified for the championship meet, Illinois finished in 11th place — the best showings in school history. In all seven seasons at Illinois, Landrus' teams were 25th or better in the year-end ratings, and in five of those years finished within the top 20. When Landrus expressed an interest in the NC State opening, the Wolfpack moved quickly to secure her. Landrus replaced Mark Stevenson, who had been the only wom- en's gymnastics coach in NC State history and retired after 38 years with the program. "I am extremely excited for the opportunity to lead Wolfpack gymnastics," Landrus said in a prepared statement. "The athletic vision of excellence at NC State aligns well with my goals for NC State gymnastics becoming a top tier program." Landrus was a stellar gymnast at Iowa State, winning the school's Female Athlete of the Year award in 1997 and earning induction into the Cyclones' Hall of Fame in 2013, becoming the first gymnast enshrined. She worked as an assistant at her alma mater from 2000-02 before taking an as- sistant job at Illinois in 2003. She was elevated to associate head coach in 2006, and became head coach in 2011. In 2015, while coaching a team that earned six All-American honors, Landrus was named the South Central Region Head Coach of the Year. "Kim immediately stood out during our process as a head coach with a proven track record at a very high level, and the vision to elevate NC State gymnastics," director of athletics Debbie Yow said. "She takes great pride in her relationships with her student- athletes, and helps them excel in the gym and in the classroom." Landrus will look to lead NC State to its first NCAA Regional appearance since 2015. The Pack will return some of its key gymnasts from last season — including rising senior Chelsea Knights, who was All-East Atlantic Gymnastics League first-team in the vault, uneven bars and all-around and a two-time EAGL Gymnast of the Week selection. — Matt Carter/Photo courtesy Illinois wolfpacker spotlight