Lindenwood University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Brad Wachler announced Friday that Catelyn Orel has been selected as the next gymnastics head coach.
 
"The foundation for the Lindenwood gymnastics program has been well established over the last several years culminating in our first trip to the NCAA Regional Championship in 2019," said Wachler.  "With her passion, enthusiasm and expertise, I believe Catelyn is the absolute best coach to elevate this program to a new standard of excellence throughout the NCAA gymnastics world.  It is clear from Catelyn's track record that she holds herself and her student-athletes to this high standard, and I am excited to witness the transformation of our program as we move forward."
 
Orel will be the third head coach in program history, as the team heads into its 10th season.
 
"I'm honored to join Lindenwood gymnastics as the new head coach," said Orel.  "Jen Llewellyn developed an outstanding competitive program, and I'm excited to build on the successful culture that is already in place.  I am grateful to have worked under Coach Jordyn Wieber at the University of Arkansas for the last two years whose mentorship and support has been invaluable in helping prepare me for this moment.  I'd like to thank Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Brad Wachler for his support of the gymnastics program.  I'm excited to be a Lindenwood Lion in leading this team."
 
Orel comes to Lindenwood after serving two seasons on the staff at the University of Arkansas.  Orel coordinated all community outreach and volunteer activities for the program, as well as assisted in planning summer camps for Arkansas gymnastics.  A native of Blue Springs, Mo., Orel was responsible for monitoring academic progress and eligibility requirements, as well as recruiting.  During her time with the Razorbacks, Orel contributed to marketing the program through promotions, social media, and leotard design.  Orel served as an assistant coach during her final year in Fayetteville, Ark., as she was the interim assistant coach during the 2020 campaign.
 
Orel competed as a student-athlete at the University of Nebraska from 2015-19.  As a member of the Nebraska gymnastics program, Orel was named academic all-Big Ten twice, and earned scholar-athlete honor roll four times.  Orel was honored with the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award in 2017, and was an NACGC/W Scholastic All-American in 2016.  Orel completed her business administration in management degree in 2019, while earning a minor in sociology.