Two-time NCAA All-American gymnast elevated from associate head coaching post
DURHAM, N.H. – University of New Hampshire Director of Athletics Marty Scarano announced Wednesday that Lindsey Bruck Ayotte has been hired as the new head coach of the Wildcat women's gymnastics program. Bruck Ayotte, who served as associate head coach under legendary Gail Goodspeed for the past three seasons, replaces Goodspeed, who retired July 1 after a 40-year career at the University.
"We are very fortunate to have someone of Lindsey's capability and unique background succeed Gail Goodspeed," said Scarano. "Gail set a standard that will be difficult to meet, but Lindsey's time spent with UNH prepares her well to do so. Most of all, Lindsey has been a valued member of our UNH family, and she will continue to lead this fabulous program with class."
"I am extremely honored and excited to be named the next head coach of women's gymnastics at the University of New Hampshire, and I thank Marty Scarano for this opportunity," said Bruck Ayotte. "I have been very fortunate to coach this program for over five years and to have used my experience as a Division I gymnast at the University of Michigan and performer/coach at Cirque du Soleil to assist our student-athletes."
As associate head coach from 2016-19, Bruck Ayotte oversaw all team choreography, handled in-season team travel arrangements, worked alongside Goodspeed in all facets of the training program and was the gymnastics summer camp director. Previously, she was a UNH assistant coach for two seasons (2008-10). The Wildcats have reached the NCAA Regional Championships all five seasons that Bruck Ayotte has been on staff.
"Ed Datti and I are thrilled to hand the reins of the UNH women's gymnastics team over to Lindsey Bruck Ayotte," said Goodspeed. "Lindsey is the right fit for UNH and she will continue the family environment and long-standing tradition of excellence. Lindsey is a strong technical coach with great choreography skills and excellent spotting abilities. She is unmatched in her people skills and has gained the respect of our student-athletes, the gymnastics community and our entire UNH athletic department.
"UNH is very fortunate that Lindsey has accepted the position and we hope her family --husband, Mark and two sons, Cameron and Declan-- can have the same longevity that Ed and I had with our family," Goodspeed added.
Lindsey Bruck Ayotte (middle) with Ed Datti and Sunny Marchand
In 2019, Bruck Ayotte was named NCAA Northeast Region Assistant Coach of the Year after helping the Wildcats win their third EAGL Championship in program history at the Whittemore Center. She shared the award with assistant coach Sunny Marchand and Datti, the volunteer assistant coach who rides off into the sunset of full-time retirement with Goodspeed, his wife, after 38 years of service to UNH.
"Gail Goodspeed and Ed Datti built an extraordinary program, and I look forward to being part of the future development and growth. I know UNH gymnastics has a lot of inspiring performances coming in the future, and I am delighted to lead this team," Bruck Ayotte added.
From 2008-10, Bruck Ayotte was the Wildcats' primary choreographer. Her other responsibilities included co-teaching the movement and gymnastics exploration class, overseeing the UNH community gymnastics class program and coordinating the program's paperwork for numerous aspects. She then left UNH to pursue a life-long dream of performing with Cirque du Soleil and joined a show called Amaluna, where she was an Amazon character. She was captain of the squad, performed a unique uneven-bar act and was promoted to artist coach. She also learned numerous other disciplines and coached contortion, the water bowl act, suspended pole and corde lisse.
A native of Marietta, N.Y., Bruck Ayotte was a two-time All-American for head coach Bev Plocki at the University of Michigan from 2004-08. She was a Honda Award finalist, 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year nominee and a two-time NCAA Northeast Region Gymnast of the Year. Her other accolades included 2008 Big Ten Gymnast of the Year, three-time All-Big Ten First Team honoree, NACGC/W Academic All-American, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District First Team and four-time Big Ten All-Academic Team.
About UNH Gymnastics
The UNH gymnastics program has reached the NCAA Regional Championships 36 times in the 38 seasons in which the sport has been sponsored at the Division I level. New Hampshire went 23-4 in 2019 and won the third EAGL Championship in school history.
Bev Plocki, Head Coach, University of Michigan
"The University of New Hampshire is getting an amazing coach in Lindsey Bruck Ayotte. Lindsey was a terrific athlete and now she brings her passion and attention to detail into her coaching. She cares deeply for her athletes and will build an amazing program at UNH."
Justine Turner '09, All-EAGL Team (2006-09)
"Lindsey is the epitome of everything you want in a leader of your program. She makes you want to work harder to achieve your goals and become the best you can be for your team and for your school. Her knowledge and passion for the sport has helped her bring out the best in each athlete and bring much success to the program. I can't wait to see the program continue to grow and reach huge accomplishments with her at the helm. There is no one more deserving of leading this team, and New Hampshire is so lucky to have her step into this new role."
Ali Carr '12, All-EAGL Team (2009, 2011-12), UNH Assistant Coach (2013-15)
"I couldn't think of someone more passionate and dedicated to the success of this program. She is eager to make a difference and is willing to put in the work to lead our team to success. She takes the time to create meaningful relationships with each athlete and values the athlete as a whole, which is very special. She's a fantastic role model and is someone who knows how to motivate and inspire anyone she meets."
Danielle Mulligan '19, EAGL Uneven Bar Champion (2017-19), All-EAGL Team (2016-19)
"Lindsey truly takes the time to get to the know her athletes both athletically and personally. This provides an inviting platform for very healthy and productive practices and competitions. Lindsey is well respected by her athletes, all UNH staff and the NCAA gymnastics community, and I can only see good things for the UNH gymnastics program with Lindsey as head coach."
Riley Freehling and Lindsey Bruck Ayotte
Riley Freehling '20, Senior Co-Captain, All-EAGL Team (2017-19)
"Lindsey will be a great head coach because she comes in excited to work and always puts a smile on our faces. She is a strong leader and is always there for someone if they need to talk. Lindsey's experience as a collegiate athlete makes it easier to understand the student-athlete balance. She expects hard work but also understands the importance of having fun as well. I am very excited for this upcoming season!"
