Justin Spring Named Associate Head Coach of Alabama Gymnastics for 2025 Season
Justin Spring is the new associate head coach for the Alabama gymnastics team for the 2025 season. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and excitement for the future of the program.
Spring was an assistant coach since June 2022. During his tenure, he contributed to the team’s 39th NCAA championships appearance. He managed the vault unit and led 22 vault routines to scores of 9.9 or higher in the 2024 season. The team achieved two perfect 10s, one from Luisa Blanco and the other from Lilly Hudson. Gabby Gladieux secured the vault title at the SEC championships in 2023.
After the 2024 season, Spring served as an announcer at the Olympic artistic gymnastics event in Paris, where he saw Blanco represent Team Colombia. He has always been passionate about promoting the Olympic movement.
Spring’s coaching success includes helping four gymnasts earn 17 All-American honors. In the 2024 season, 13 gymnasts were Scholastic All-Americans. This marked the program’s 14th consecutive season with ten or more honorees.
Before joining Alabama, Spring had an impressive gymnastics career. He competed at Illinois, where he achieved multiple accolades, including 13 All-American honors. He was named Dike Eddleman Athlete of the Year and earned Big Ten Gymnast of the Year.
What are Justin Spring’s coaching philosophies that he plans to implement at Alabama gymnastics?
Interview with Justin Spring: New Associate Head Coach of Alabama Gymnastics
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Justin. Congratulations on being named the associate head coach for Alabama gymnastics starting in the 2025 season. How are you feeling about this opportunity?
Justin Spring: Thank you! I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. It’s an honor to take on this role within such a prestigious program. The future is bright for Alabama gymnastics, and I’m excited to contribute to our growth and success.
Interviewer: You’ve been with the team as an assistant coach since June 2022. Can you share some of your proudest achievements during your time here?
Justin Spring: Absolutely. One of the highlights has been our recent run in the NCAA championships. This past season, we made our 39th appearance, which speaks volumes about the program’s history and commitment to excellence. I had the pleasure of managing the vault unit, where we achieved impressive results, including 22 routines scoring 9.9 or higher. Witnessing Luisa Blanco and Lilly Hudson earn perfect 10s was truly special, as was Gabby Gladieux capturing the vault title at the SEC championships.
Interviewer: You also took on a different role after the 2024 season, serving as an announcer at the Olympic artistic gymnastics event in Paris. How was that experience?
Justin Spring: It was an unforgettable experience! Being able to witness the Olympic spirit firsthand, especially seeing athletes like Luisa represent Team Colombia, was incredibly inspiring. My passion for promoting the Olympic movement only grew stronger during that time.
Interviewer: Your coaching record is impressive, with four gymnasts earning 17 All-American honors while you’ve been with the program. How do you foster such individual success?
Justin Spring: It’s all about creating an environment where our athletes feel supported and are motivated to reach their personal best. We emphasize the importance of hard work, discipline, and a positive mindset. I think our recent achievement of having 13 Scholastic All-Americans and maintaining that standard for 14 consecutive seasons speaks to our collective efforts.
Interviewer: Before joining Alabama, you had a stellar competitive career yourself. What lessons from your time as an athlete do you carry over into your coaching today?
Justin Spring: My competitive background taught me resilience, teamwork, and the importance of mental strength. I try to instill those values in our student-athletes. Additionally, my experiences with the U.S. Senior National Team and competing in the Olympics have provided me with unique perspectives that I continually share with the team.
Interviewer: Head coach Ashley Johnston has praised your extensive knowledge and impact on the program. How would you describe the coaching dynamic between you two?
Justin Spring: Ashley is phenomenal. Our coaching dynamic is built on mutual respect and collaboration. We share a common vision for our program, and her insights have been invaluable. Together, we strive to create an experience that enriches our student-athletes both as competitors and individuals.
Interviewer: As you step into this new role, what are your main goals for the Alabama gymnastics program moving forward?
Justin Spring: My primary goal is to continue building on the amazing foundation that we have. We want to excel in competition while ensuring each student-athlete grows academically and athletically. Creating a culture of excellence, both in practice and in the classroom, is crucial. I’m excited to see where we can take this program in the coming years!
Interviewer: Thank you for taking the time to share your insights, Justin. We wish you and the Alabama gymnastics team great success in the future!
Justin Spring: Thank you! I appreciate the support and look forward to an exciting season ahead!
Spring secured three Big Ten Championship titles and four NCAA event titles throughout his collegiate career. He was also a member of the U.S. Senior National Team, winning various medals at international competitions. He competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, contributing to the U.S. team’s bronze medal performance.
After his competitive career, Spring coached at the University of Illinois for 16 seasons, including 12 as head coach. He was recognized as National Coach of the Year in 2012, leading the team to its 10th NCAA championship.
Head coach Ashley Johnston praised Spring’s knowledge and impact on the program. She highlighted his passion and experience, which have enriched the student-athletes’ training.