Guard Young’s successor as BYU gymnastics head coach has been chosen, and the program is promoting from within.
Natalie Broekman was named BYU’s gymnastics coach Monday, nearly a month after Young did not have his contract renewed by the school.
“We are excited to name Natalie Broekman the head coach of BYU gymnastics and look forward to the program taking the next step forward under her leadership,” BYU athletic director Brian Santiago said in a news release.
“Natalie brings continuity and the ability to uniquely lift, build and empower her student-athletes. She is all-in on BYU and what we’re about here. The future is very bright for BYU gymnastics.”
Young was not retained despite being named the 2026 Big 12 Coach of the Year following a season where BYU went 11-9, finished third in the Big 12 and earned a 196.250 score with a third-place finish in their NCAA regional appearance in Tempe, Arizona.
Young, himself an All-American gymnast at BYU, had been the Cougars’ head coach for 11 years and finished in the top 25 national rankings six times during his tenure.
Now, Broekman takes over the helm of the BYU program.
She has been a part of the Cougars’ coaching staff since 2015 and was elevated to associate head coach under Young in 2021.
Broekman has served as the team’s primary balance beam coach and also assisted with other responsibilities, including student-athlete development, recruiting, summer camps, team promotion, community outreach, competitions and alumni relations.
During her time at BYU, she has helped develop All-American Elease Rollins and coached Brynlee Andersen-Broekman, who qualified for the 2025 NCAA national championship as an individual competitor on beam.
Since joining the Cougars’ staff, BYU has earned six of its top 10 beam scores of all time, with her coaching the event.
Broekman is also a Cougar alum — she competed in gymnastics for the program from 1996-99. In 1996, she earned All-American honors on beam, and in 1999, Broekman broke the school’s all-around record with a score of 39.475.
“I am honored and grateful to serve as the next head coach of BYU gymnastics and am grateful for the trust of president Shane Reese and athletic director Brian Santiago,” Broekman said in a news release. “This program has shaped me as a lifelong fan, former student-athlete and coach. The tangible, positive momentum surrounding BYU athletics inspires me.
“With the support of BYU’s administration, the athletic department and our passionate fans, we will elevate this team to a new level of national relevance. Together with my coaching staff, my commitment is to empower each of our gymnasts to dream big and compete boldly in a culture of excellence, accountability and joy. My heart bleeds blue forever. Go Cougs.”
