Danna Durante Named UNC’s New Head Gymnastics Coach

UNC reached into the depths of corporate America to find its new head gymnastics coach, as Danna Durante — who spent the last four years recruiting executive talent for Fortune 500 companies — was announced Friday as the new leader of the Tar Heel program.

Durante is a 20-year coaching veteran who most recently led Georgia to three Super Six appearances during her stint there from 2012-17. She takes over the UNC program from Derek Galvin, who recently retired after 39 years at the school.

Georgia made five consecutive NCAA Championship appearances from 2013-17 under Durante’s leadership — finishing as high as fifth in 2014. She also had two individual national champions in 2016 with Brandie Jay winning the vault and Brittany Rogers doing so on the bars.

A total of 24 athletes won 38 First Team All-American honors during Durante’s time at Georgia as well.

Durante also served as the head coach at California in 2011-12 and spent nine years with the Nebraska program — first as the beam coach and choreographer, then moving to associate head coach in 2007.

The Cornhuskers had 23 All-Americans with Durante on staff and finished fourth at the NCAA Championships in 2011.

She was also an assistant at Washington from 1999-2002, earning West Regional Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 1999.

As a gymnast at Arizona State, Durante was an All-Pac 10 selection from 1992-95 and even registered five perfect 10 scores. She was a two-time member of the U.S. Gymnastics Federation in 1988 and 1990 and qualified for the Olympic Trials in 1988.

UNC was led by interim head coach Marie Denick this past season, and put together one of the most successful seasons in school history— leaving Durante with a solid foundation to build upon.

“The athletic and academic excellence at the University of North Carolina speaks for itself,” Durante said. “The caliber of students that UNC draws is unparalleled and the athletic programs here are held in high regard.Derek Galvin built an incredibly strong and empowering culture at UNC and Marie Denick has continued to strengthen that culture. In addition to that strong foundation, there is a great deal of potential within this program. I’m honored to lead Carolina Gymnastics and I look forward to our journey together. ”

Photo via UNC Athletics

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