After rumors about Texas State University adding gymnastics spread through the gymnastics world last fall, the Bobcats have officially announced they are launching the first Division I NCAA women’s gymnastics program in the state.

The university, located in the Austin suburb of San Marcos, tentatively plans to begin competing in spring 2028.

A national search for the first head coach of the team is underway, and recruiting will begin upon that coach’s hiring.

Olympic gold medalists Jordyn Wieber and Carly Patterson are serving on the steering committee for the new program.

“Texas has long been the nation’s greatest producer of elite gymnasts, yet until now, those athletes had to leave the state to compete at the NCAA Division 1 level,” Texas State President Kelly Damphousse said. “That is about to change. [Texas State’s] women’s gymnastics program will represent opportunity, ambition, and a new level of national prominence for our university, our future student-athletes, and our state.”  

The team will compete in the Pac-12 conference, which Texas State will officially join on July 1. Its conference opponents will be Boise State, Oregon State, Utah State, and Southern Utah.

“Women’s gymnastics holds a deep and storied legacy throughout the Pac-12’s history as well as a bright and exciting future for our new league, and today that tradition and future grow stronger with Texas State’s addition to the sport,” Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould said. “We can’t wait to see what the Bobcats and the San Marcos community bring to the floor alongside Boise State, Oregon State, Southern Utah and Utah State in Pac-12 women’s gymnastics.”

Texas State is the second Texas university to add gymnastics this year, following Division III McMurry University – a private Methodist school in Abilene – which announced the addition of men’s and women’s gymnastics in April. McMurry plans to begin competing a the same time as the Bobcats: spring 2028. The War Hawks are also currently searching for a head coach.

READ MORE: The complex history of college gymnastics in Texas

There are now three NCAA women’s gymnastics programs in the state of Texas, with Texas State and McMurry joining Texas Woman’s University – a Division II powerhouse.

When rumors of Texas State adding gymnastics swirled last fall, Director of Athletics Don Coryell shared the following with Gymnastics Now:

“Texas State University is continually exploring opportunities to enhance our athletics offerings and student-athlete experience. While we are currently evaluating the potential for a gymnastics program, no final decisions have been made at this time. Any future additions to our athletics portfolio will be the result of thorough assessment and alignment with the university’s mission, resources, and long-term strategic goals.

“We appreciate the enthusiasm and support from our community and will share updates if and when official plans are finalized.”

Dickies Arena in Fort Worth currently hosts the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships annually and will continue to do so through at least 2028.

In addition to being the location of the season finale for NCAA women’s gymnastics, Texas is home to some of the top club gyms in the country and has produced Olympians and NCAA stars for decades. Now, there will be a Division I program that can recruit that talent within state lines.

Clemson went from being a new program in 2024 to finishing within the top 15 in 2026. With the proper resources, the Bobcats could see similar success.