IOWA CITY, Iowa – New Iowa gymnastics head coach Jen Llewellyn was our guest on Monday’s Hawk Fanatic radio show and podcast.

She addressed multiple topics, including her decision to leave the University of Washington where she led the Huskies to three straight NCAA second-round regional appearances, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2023.

A native of Kenmore, Washington, Llewellyn attended college at Oregon State and was three-time All-American and a national runner-up on bars.

Llewellyn has spent much of her life living on the West Coast, but she now looks forward to life in the Midwest with her husband, her two children and her mother, who has accompanied her daughter to Iowa City.

Llewellyn said the chance to work under Iowa Athletic Director Beth Goetz was a big factor in her decision, along with Iowa’s commitment to upgrading its facilities for gymnastics.

Llewellyn’s interview starts about 55 minutes into the podcast and lasts for about 25 minutes.

The interview ends with her picking an act/entertainer to fill Kinnick Stadium; a question we ask as a long-standing tradition whenever we interview an Iowa coach or student-athlete for the first time.