BRISTOL, Tenn. – On Tuesday, King University director of athletics
David Hicks announced
Molly Hanley as the next head acrobatics & tumbling coach. Hanley replaces
Miranda Merkison, who stepped down after five seasons to pursue other opportunities.
Hanley was a two-time first team All-Conference Carolinas performer at Belmont Abbey College, where she was also a member of the inaugural team. In addition to the individual honors, she qualified for the conference championships in the event finals in both the open toss and trio pass during her time at Belmont Abbey.
"Molly has an incredible talent and passion for the sport of acrobatics & tumbling," said Hicks. "She brings vast experience as a successful student-athlete and understands what it takes to excel at a championship level."
Hanley competed in artistic gymnastics prior to pursuing an acrobatics & tumbling career in college, and is a level two coach, having served as a coach at private gym near her hometown in Tampa, Fla. This past summer, she attended the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA) Summit and completed the "3P" program, aimed at training and developing young coaches.
"I am so blessed and honored to be named the head coach for King University acrobatics & tumbling program," Hanley said. "This is such an incredible opportunity, and I am so privileged to be in this position. I want to thank Coach Merkison for building such a successful program that I will work endlessly to continue! I would also like to thank the founders of our sport; without The NCATA I would not be where I am today. I cannot wait to spread my love and passion for this sport to other women across the nation. I am very excited to be working with a championship level program and to help lead them to further success."
The Tornado have a solid group of returners and senior class than Hanley inherits.
Alexis Wynn was selected Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year in 2021 and
Alyssa Talabac earned All-Conference Carolinas a season ago. The senior class that will help lead the Tornado back to the top of Conference Carolinas includes
Camiel Oliver,
Katie Christian,
Liz Medved and
Alexis Marquith.
While at Belmont Abbey, Hanley earned her degree in Sport Management, with a minor in Psychology, and completed an administrative internship with the athletic department that focused on operations, promotions, and marketing.
"I'm excited for the student-athletes in our acrobatics & tumbling program," Hicks continued. "In addition to her success as a student-athlete and knowledge of the sport, Molly brings a desire to invest in the lives of our student-athletes, with a focus on their development on and off the mat."
The Tornado begin their fall practice and training sessions this week and will open their season in February.
