Army West Point Athletics
Legendary Men's Gymnastics Head Coach Dr. Doug Van Everen Announces Retirement at Conclusion of Season
February 21, 2023 | Men's Gymnastics
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The legendary coach has transformed the gymnastics program at West Point, and stands as the second winningest coach in program history with a 165-172-1 overall record at Army. He has mentored four NCAA All-Americans in Imad Haque, Ben Hayward, Dustin Greenhill and Brian Lee. In addition, he has tutored 32 ECAC Champions, who have won a combined 80 titles.
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"For the past few years, I have given some thought about when would be the best time to step down from coaching. Earlier this year, I made the decision to do so at the end of this season. It was, and still is, a very difficult decision but I feel our program is now well-positioned for continued excellence.Â
From the beautiful facility - thanks to the Lichtenberg, Gross, and Creighton families; the tremendous support from the academy leadership, the outstanding supporters, and the best alumni support of any program in the country; the hundreds who contributed their time and money ($5 million and growing) towards the team's endowment; and finally, to the cadets - who make us proud to do what we do on a daily basis. These tireless efforts have helped create the lasting legacy that is Army Gymnastics.
I must thank all who have supported me and my family, but the two key people who took a chance on me were Rich Chew at San Jose State University and COL Al Vanderbush at Army. Thank you both for giving me the opportunity.
To the West Point Warriors, I thank you. To my coaching colleagues within the CGA and USAG, I thank you. To the facilities team, thank you. To the West Point community and athletic department, thank you. To all the athletes and 36 teams I have had the opportunity to coach, thank you. To my awesome wife and family, thank you; I know I missed a lot along the way.Â
I will forever be grateful for the memories and friends I have made, and know the program will reach new heights moving forward." - Dr. Doug Van Everen
ÂVan Everen has led the Black Knights to three Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) titles, claiming the top spot in 2005, 2015 and tying for the title in 2016. The team's first-place finish in 2005 was the first since 1962, snapping a 44-year drought. The 2004 and 2005 squads each earned berths to the NCAA Championships, a milestone no Army West Point gymnastics team had accomplished since 1963. More recently, the 2019 team qualified as a team for NCAAs for the first time since 2015.
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In addition to turning out nationally-ranked gymnasts, West Point has become a showcase as one of the premier venues for prominent gymnastics meets. Army West Point served as the host for the 63rd NCAA Men's Gymnastics Championships in 2005, was the venue again in 2010 and again in 2017. The Black Knights earned hosting duties for the ECAC Championships in 2008, 2009, 2015 and 2020.
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"The impact that Doug has had on decades of cadets is immeasurable. He truly built this gymnastics program from the ground up, and helped develop hundreds of leaders of character. His humor, passion and presence will be missed, but we are excited for Doug and Terri as they write their next chapter." - Army Director of Athletics Mike Buddie
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Van Everen has made a name for himself on a national level as well, serving as president of the CGA and coaching the USA National Team in 1995 and 1996. He has also served as chairman of the NCAA Gymnastics Rules Committee, has been on the Board of Directors of USA Gymnastics and developed the College Gymnastics Foundation in 1996.
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Van Everen will lead the Black Knights for the remainder of the 2023 season, with three meets on the docket in March ahead of the ECAC Championships on Saturday, April 1.
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