Head Coach Joanne Bowers Steps Down

After 10 seasons at the University of Washington, Joanne Bowers has decided to step down as head coach. She plans to relocate to Harrisonburg, VA, where her husband John is an assistant football coach at James Madison University.

“The deep relationships and friendships I have been blessed with here at Washington made this decision agonizing for me, but at the end of the day, the strain and challenges of living across the country from my husband as we both pursued our coaching dreams made it clear that my greatest desire was for us to live in the same place,” Bowers said. “I would like to thank the administration at Washington for giving me the opportunity to be a head coach and supporting me along the way, especially Stephanie Rempe, our sport administrator. I would also like to thank my terrific staff, including associate head coach Elise Ray, who I believe is well prepared to be a fantastic head coach.”

“Through 10 seasons as head coach, Joanne Bowers has brought success to all areas of the Husky Gymnastics program,” Jennifer Cohen, Interim Director of Athletics said. “Though I am sad to see her go, I am thrilled that her family will be reunited, and fully support her decision. We are very grateful for Joanne’s many years of service to the student-athletes here at Washington.”

“My time at Washington has been unforgettable,” Bowers said. “But, I am excited to return to a more normal home life and have the opportunity to live in the same place as my husband and watch my son play football.”