June 15, 2006

DAVIS, Calif. - Yale University assistant coach and former Sterling Academy of Gymnastics owner John Lavallee has been selected as head women's gymnastics coach at UC Davis, director of athletics Greg Warzecka announced Thursday.

Lavallee replaces Ray Goldbar, who established the Aggie varsity men's and women's programs from club status in 1974 and coached the UC Davis women's team to a USAG Collegiate Division title in 1999. His appointment begins July 1.

Lavallee completed a successful three-year stint as the top assistant for longtime Yale mentor Barbara Tonry. In the past two seasons, he and Tonry have guided six Bulldogs to at-large appearances at the NCAA Northeast Regional. Furthermore, Yale captured an Ivy League title in 2005.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to teach and coach at UC Davis," said Lavallee. "It is a tremendous institution. UC Davis Athletics is moving in a positive direction and I am honored to be a part of it. I am committed to continuing the great gymnastics tradition that Coach Goldbar has created and am confident that my contributions to this program will continue to build upon this tradition."

Before arriving in New Haven, Lavallee spent 11 years as director and head coach of the Sterling Academy of Gymnastics in Sterling, Mass. In addition to his work with club's recreational programs, which grew to more than 1,000 students, Lavallee coached champions at the state, regional and national level, plus a member of the 2002 Junior Olympic National Team. He served a meet director at many levels including the 1999 USAG Eastern Championships. Also during his time at Sterling, Lavallee taught gymnastics as a physical education course at Atlantic Union College in Lancaster, Mass.

While at the Sterling Academy of Gymnastics, Lavallee earned three USAG Service Awards for his contributions to his sport and served as a member of the USAG State Administrative Committee as Massachusetts' Junior Olympic representative.

Lavallee was a collegiate gymnast at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. In 1986, he earned U.S. Gymnastics Federation All-America honors on floor exercise and served as team captain. Lavallee earned his bachelor's degree in general studies in 1987, then returned for his Master of Education in 1992. While completing his master's work, he served as a graduate assistant for the Chiefs (now the Pride) and taught gymnastics classes in the physical education department.

"John is an exciting addition to our coaching staff," said Warzecka. "His experience at Yale and with the Sterling Academy of Gymnastics combine to make him an excellent fit for UC Davis Athletics."

In joining the Aggie program, he becomes the fourth head women's gymnastics coach at UC Davis. In addition to Goldbar's tenure, Pete Gibson took the helm during the late 1970s and most of the 1980s. Longtime assistant Perry Siu also served one year as interim head coach in 1995.

UC Davis finished second at the 2006 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships then matched that finish at the USAG Collegiate Nationals last April.