AUBURN, Ala. – Rachael Donovan will join the Auburn gymnastics program as volunteer assistant, head coach Jeff Graba announced Friday.
"We are extremely excited to have Rachael join our program," Graba said. "She brings positive energy to the team and has a wealth of experience both as an athlete and as a coach."
Donovan joins the Tiger staff after spending a year as volunteer assistant for Illinois women's gymnastics. She'll be working with all aspects of the program, including floor and beam coaching and choreography.
"I'm so excited to a part of the Auburn gymnastics coaching staff," Donovan said. "I can't wait to join the program for the upcoming season!"
Donovan is a former Illini gymnast who competed from 2016-19. After graduating, she coached at Hills Gymnastics and at the Parkettes Gymnastics Training Center, working with Level 10 and elite gymnasts.
As a gymnast, Donovan was a consistent bars worker throughout her career. In addition, she was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
Donovan graduated from Illinois in 2019 with a degree in psychology. In December 2021, she earned a Master's in Sports Management from West Virginia.