Cal Quad Invitational | GymDawgs Hit the East Bay

Jessa Hansen Parker was named the ninth head coach in the history of Washington gymnastics, announced by UW Director of Athletics Pat Chun on July 2, 2024. A veteran with more than a decade of experience in the coaching ranks, Hansen Parker brings a decorated resume to Montlake with stops at Iowa, UC Davis and Cal.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the University of Washington women’s gymnastics program,” Hansen Parker said. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Director of Athletics Pat Chun, women’s gymnastics sport administrator Kiley Strong, and the entire Husky athletics staff for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity. It is a privilege to lead these exceptional young women at such a prestigious institution that champions excellence in academics and athletics.

Prior to stepping into the coaching profession, Hansen Parker was a four-year letterwinner at Iowa from 2008-12, a career that produced two All-Big Ten selections, three Academic All-Big Ten honors and two Big Ten Sportsmanship Awards. She was also a NACGC Scholastic All-American from 2010-12, a Dean’s List honoree from 2009-11, a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, and was a part Iowa’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee from 2009-12.

In her pre-collegiate career, Hansen Parker was a teammate with 2008 Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson at Chow’s Gymnastics, the same club that later produced Team USA members Gabby Douglas and Rachel Gowey.

Hansen Parker graduated from the University of Iowa in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication and minors in studio art and sport studies. She and her husband, Bryan, were married in 2020.