May 1, 2006

SEATTLE - University of Washington women's gymnastics head coach Bob Levesque announced his retirement today. Levesque just completed his 16th season at the helm of the UW gymnastics program.

"I want to thank Coach Levesque for his years of hard work and dedication to UW gymnastics," UW athletics director Todd Turner said. "I wish him nothing but the best in his retirement."

"I have really enjoyed my time coaching at the University of Washington," Levesque said. "I'm very proud of all the success the program has had in recent years and I hope it will continue."

In his 16 years as Husky head coach, Levesque led the UW to an NCAA regional berth 13 times, all but in 2006. He was named the Pac-10 and Regional Coach of the Year in 1997 and 1998. Under his leadership, nine Husky gymnasts earned All-America accolades and seven won Pac-10 individual championships.

The UW will begin a search for a new coach immediately.