It was announced on Thursday that John Ceralde (top, third from left) would be stepping down after 19 seasons with Penn gymnastics.
Credit: Chase SuttonAfter 19 years on Penn gymnastics' coaching staff and 14 years as the head coach, John Ceralde has parted ways with the Red and Blue.
Ceralde left the team on a high note, having earned his fifth Ivy Classic title — and first since 2015 — last month. In March 2019 in a meet at Maryland, his team's score of 195.075 broke a 15-year-old record for best in program history.
"It has been an honor and privilege to work with some of the most talented and successful young women in the country," Ceralde wrote in a statement. "My 19 years at Penn can be culminated into two words — Penn Passion. I have given my heart and soul to the program. I am happy I was able to help bring the Ivy trophy back home to where it belongs and am proud of this year's successes and hope for the continued success of the program! I want to thank everyone for their unwavering support and belief in me throughout my tenure at Penn."
Ceralde joined the Penn coaching staff as an assistant to Tom Kovic in 2002, and took over as head coach just four seasons later.
Over his coaching career with the Quakers, Ceralde led Penn to a pair of Eastern College Athletic Conference titles in 2012 and 2013. Seven of his gymnasts were ECAC champions, and nine went on to compete individually at the NCAA Championships.
"I want to thank John for his many years of service to Penn gymnastics," Director of Athletics M. Grace Calhoun wrote. "I wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his professional career."
All athletic events have been canceled due to the spread of coronavirus, but Penn Athletics will begin the search for a replacement immediately.
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