Stanford Athletics

STANFORD, Calif. – Associate head coach Chris Swircek, who has played an instrumental role in the success of the Stanford women's gymnastics program, announced his retirement on Wednesday.
 
Swircek, a native of Omaha, Nebraska., and former gymnast at San Jose State, came to The Farm in 2004. His primary coaching responsibilities the last 15 years have been overseeing the vault and the uneven bars. Additionally, Swircek coordinated team travel, club and summer camp programs and assisted with recruiting.
 
"I will forever remain grateful for the commitment and dedication of Chris and Shelley Swircek to the Stanford gymnastics family," said head coach Tabitha Yim. "Chris has been at the heart of building and developing our history and legacy as a program. He's had an incredible coaching career and his accolades speak for themselves. However, they don't capture the integrity, passion and joy he has brought into the lives of Stanford student-athletes."
 
During Swircek's tenure, the Cardinal produced conference titles in 2004, 2006 and 2008, two NCAA champions on bars (Carly Janiga in 2010 and Elizabeth Prince in 2018) and one NCAA vault winner (Elizabeth Price in 2015). Ten Stanford gymnasts claimed NCAA Regional crowns on bars and seven on vault.
 
Swircek has produced 53 All-Americans: 25 on bars, 13 on vault, three on floor and 18 in the all-around.
 
Named NCAA regional assistant coach of the year in 2007 and 2016, Swircek helped Stanford secure four top-four national finishes and Seven Super Six appearances.

"I would like to thank all of the coaches, student-athletes and staff I have had the good fortune to work with and learn from during my 15 years at Stanford," said Swircek, who will remain with the program as a volunteer assistant and camp director. "I look forward to helping out in any way I can."

Yim is excited he will stay involved.
 
"We will all miss his consistent presence in the gym but are thrilled he will continue to share his wisdom and love," she said. "I feel so blessed for the impact Chris has had on my life as a student-athlete, coach and colleague. He will always be a cherished member of the Stanford women's gymnastics family."