Xiao Promoted to Head Coach of Michigan Men's Gymnastics Program
4/25/2022 6:30:00 PM | Men's Gymnastics
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics Warde Manuel announced Monday (April 25) the promotion of interim men's gymnastics head coach and longtime assistant Yuan Xiao to head coach.
The appointment is accompanied by a five-year contract running through the 2027 season.
"I am thrilled that Xiao will continue to lead the men's gymnastics program following a successful tenure as a valued assistant and interim head coach," said Manuel. "His leadership and talents are known throughout the gymnastics community, as are his contributions specifically here at Michigan. The sport of men's gymnastics is fortunate to have someone of his character."
"I would like to thank Warde Manuel for this opportunity," said Xiao. "I am fortunate to have been alongside Kurt Golder for 16 years and am proud of what this team accomplished a season ago. I look forward to leading this great program for years to come, and I am very appreciative of those who have supported us this past season."
The fifth head coach in program history, Xiao led the Wolverines to the 2022 Big Ten Conference championship and a share of the league regular-season title to go along with a third-place finish at NCAAs, two NCAA individual titles, 11 NCAA All-Americans and a 24-3 record. He was named Big Ten Coach of the Year and College Gymnastics Association Regional Coach of the Year.
Xiao has been part of three NCAA team championships and five Big Ten titles in his Michigan coaching career. He was named CGA National and Regional Assistant Coach of the Year during the 2010, 2013 and 2014 seasons.
He and his wife Julia, a former Cirque du Soleil performer, have two daughters, recent U-M graduate Pearl (26) and Sophia (14).
