Gymnastics Welcomes Assistant Coach Kim Hermansen

MUNCIE, Ind. - - Kim Hermansen, a passionate and experienced coach with over two decades of experience developing young athletes, has been named assistant coach for Ball State gymnastics, head coach Joanna Saleem announced Friday (Aug. 22).

Hermansen, who most recently served as Team Director at Bare Foot Gymnastics (2019-25) in St. George, Utah, will be the Cardinals' primary floor coach and choreographer. She will join the squad following the Labor Day holiday.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kim to the Cardinals family," Saleem said. "She brings a wealth of high-level coaching experience and a deep commitment to athlete development, both in and out of the gym. Her enthusiasm, positive energy, and passion align perfectly with our vision for the future."

At Bare Foot Gymnastics (2019-25), Hermansen choreographed custom routines for floor and beam to help her gymnasts enjoy success across all levels of competition. Her instructional emphasis on technique, safety, and fun resonated not only with her athletes but also with the junior staff members she mentored.

"I'm incredibly honored to be joining such a strong program with a clear commitment to excellence," Hermansen said. "I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of Ball State gymnastics and helping our student-athletes thrive both in and out of the gym."

Hermansen's coaching career spans both coasts, beginning at Vancouver Elite Gymnastics Academy in Washington, where she served as an Optional and Compulsory Assistant Team Coach (2011-12). After a stint as the Compulsory Team Lead for Black Diamond Gymnastics (2012-15) in Park City, Utah, she moved to Annapolis, Maryland, to become the Optional Team Coach at First Class Gymnastics (2015-17).

She then moved back to Utah, this time to join Coral Peak Gymnastics (2017-19) in St. George as an Optional Assistant Team Coach.

"I'm confident Kim will make an immediate and lasting impact on our program," Saleem added. "Her creative eye for detail will help craft expressive, competitive performances, and her energy is truly contagious. Kim's track record of guiding gymnasts from developmental levels to NCAA programs speaks volumes about her holistic approach to coaching—not just developing athletes, but empowering people."

Hermansen holds a bachelor's degree in hotel, resort, and hospitality management from Southern Utah University (2010). She will relocate to Muncie with her husband, Dan, and their two children.

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