Can you believe it? Just ten months after tearing her Achilles, Konnor McClain made an epic comeback—dropping a massive 9.900 on the floor at the NCAA Regional Final. Not only did she help LSU punch their ticket to Nationals, but she also snagged Gymnast of the Week. What a moment!
But behind the LSU star McClain’s great performances and resilience, there is a force that helps her keep going. That’s none other than her coach, Courtney McCool Griffeth, who has made her learn the nuances of gymnastics. Let’s dive into Courtney McCool Griffeth’s achievements and other details.
Who is Courtney McCool Griffeth, Konnor McClain’s coach?
Courtney McCool Griffeth is known for her achievements in both elite and collegiate gymnastics. Lee’s Summit North graduate participated in the 2004 Summer Games in Athens as a part of the US women’s gymnastics team. Her performance? She won silver, and later she became an All-American and NCAA champion before she moved to the coaching ranks.
Courtney McCool Griffeth obtained her bachelor of science in child and family development in 2011 and her master’s in sport management and policy in 2012, both from the University of Georgia. Her deep academic foundation plays into how she mentors athletes like Konnor McClain on and off the floor. The individual from Kansas City, Missouri, completed a bachelor’s degree in child and family development in 2011 and a master’s in sports management and policy in 2012 at the University of Georgia. Courtney McCool is married to Garrett Griffeth—an assistant coach for LSU gymnastics—and the couple have two daughters: Rae and Blakely.
Courtney McCool Griffeth’s career highlights and achievements
For athletes like Konnor McClain, Courtney McCool Griffeth’s gymnastics journey is a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport. From her early days as a standout gymnast to her influential coaching roles, she has consistently made her mark. McCool Griffeth was a member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team that secured a silver medal in Athens. Her collegiate career at the University of Georgia from 2007 to 2010 was equally impressive. During this period, she contributed to the team’s three consecutive NCAA National Championships and clinched the 2008 NCAA Individual National Championship on the floor. Additionally, she earned the 2010 SEC Individual title on the floor and was a three-time first-team All-American. And that was when she transitioned to a coaching career.
Transitioning from athlete to coach, McCool Griffeth brought her experience to various institutions. At Texas Woman’s University, she played a pivotal role in leading the team to the 2017 USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championship. Her coaching tenure also includes significant contributions at the University of Arkansas and the University of Utah. Notably, at Utah, she was instrumental in the team’s impressive 21-1 regular-season record and their third-place finish at the NCAA Championship Final. But what is one thing that works as a mantra for Griffeth? She once said, “Be where your feet are, be where you are, be in the moment you’re in, be so present that you can’t do anything but enjoy it.” Well, it seems like a deep thought.
Konnor McClain’s coach’s efforts were recognized when she was named the WGCA Region 2 Assistant Coach of the Year in 2020. Fast forward to 2022, McCool Griffeth joined the coaching staff at LSU. Under her guidance, the floor squad achieved a higher National Qualifying Score (NQS) in 2023 compared to the previous year. Her coaching led to three perfect 10s on the floor in 2023, with standout performances from gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and Haleigh Bryant.
Courtney McCool Griffeth said, “I’ve had the honor of coaching a few — a couple, two or three GAGE athletes in college — and it’s super special to me.” Courtney McCool Griffeth’s journey in gymnastics, both as an athlete and a coach, showcases her unwavering commitment and influence in the sport. Now that LSU is advancing to the NCAA Gymnastics Championship 2025 under coach Courtney McCool Griffeth, all eyes are on how the team will perform.
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