Simpson College announces gymnastics coaching hires
INDIANOLA, Iowa -- Simpson College Director of Athletics Marty Bell has announced the hiring of Emily Barrett-Payne and Colin Payne as the head coaches of the men's and women's gymnastics teams.
Emily will oversee the women's squad after four years working at Thrive Gymnastics and Colin will guide the men following a four-year stint as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I United States Naval Academy. Competition will start in 2022-23 for the Storm.
"A major component for any program is leadership and this is even more critical when establishing a new program," Bell said. "I am extremely pleased that we were successful in attracting the caliber of coaching and expertise with Emily and Colin. They both embody the values and integrity that will be well suited for the culture of our athletic department, campus and community. We eagerly welcome these new coaches to the Simpson family. Our new programs will be in great hands with these two talented individuals."
The men's gymnastics program is only the third program in NCAA Division III and the lone team in Iowa. The women's squad becomes the third in Iowa and 15th in NCAA Division III.
"I am very excited to be joining the Simpson family," Emily said. "Thank you to Marty Bell for taking this step of adding women's gymnastics and for allowing me the opportunity to lead a brand new program. The culture of Simpson, paired with the support of the greater Indianola and Des Moines communities, will provide a strong framework for building this team."
Emily comes to Simpson after serving as a compulsory and optional coach at Thrive Gymnastics in Annapolis, Maryland since 2017. She competed for the University of Denver women's team and was a 2015 and 2016 NACGC/W Scholastic All-American. She graduated in 2016 with a degree in psychology.
"Women's gymnastics is a fantastic addition to the athletic department given Simpson College's focus on academic and athletic excellence," she said. "I look forward to getting started and working alongside a passionate and committed coaching staff."
Colin arrives on campus following a four-year stint as an assistant coach at the United States Naval Academy. Since working with the Midshipmen, Navy has won two ECAC Championships and have placed in the top 11 three times at the NCAA National Championships.
"Simpson is the perfect school to start a men's gymnastics program due to the vision of Marty Bell and the enthusiasm and cohesiveness of his staff," Colin said. "I cannot think of a more exciting and rewarding challenge than leading one of the first new men's gymnastics programs in decades. I will do everything in my power and lean heavily on the experience and expertise of our community to make sure this trust is not misplaced."
The three-time College Gymnastics Association Assistant Coach of the Year and two-time ECAC and USAG Assistant Coach of the Year coached at the Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy from 2012-17 and Harpeth School of Gymnastics from 2011-12. He earned a degree in anthropology from the University of Oklahoma in 2017.
