Brad Cattermole: A legacy to be remembered in women’s gymnastics at Brigham Young University
Brad Cattermole, the revered former coach of the Brigham Young University women’s gymnastics team, died at the age of 71 on January 4. His indelible mark on the program and profound impact on countless athletes have left a lasting legacy.
Leader’s legacy
For 28 years, Cattermole, along with his wife, Dawn, coached the gymnastics team at BYU. Their tenure saw top-25 finishes in 15 seasons, three top-10 finishes, and athletes coaching 17 NCAA All-America awards. Their teams finished second five times before conference meets were discontinued in 1994. Their athletes achieved 10 all-conference honors. BYU’s current head coach, Guard Young, compared Cattermole’s pivotal role in the program’s success to that of LaVell Edwards, a BYU gymnastics legend.
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Cattermole’s recruitment prowess is noteworthy. It has attracted members of the U.S. and Canadian national teams and numerous elite national and junior Olympic champions. His vision of talent and investment in the potential of each athlete contributed greatly to the success of the program.
The impact goes beyond BYU
Outside of BYU, the Cattermoles own All-American Gymnastics in Lyndon, Utah. The institution has been a breeding ground for national champions and elite gymnasts. Their commitment to the sport extended beyond the university, where they nurtured a new generation of gymnastics talent.
Inspiring the next generation
Cattermole’s influence extends to current coaches like Natalie Brockman, who credits him with helping her create a solid foundation for her life. Cattermole’s legacy continues to inspire the BYU women’s gymnastics team as they begin the 2024 season with a strong fourth-place finish at the Mean Girls Super 16 Gymnastics Championships. The team, made up of new and returning athletes, is scheduled to go on to compete in the upcoming Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad Championships.