Springfield, Mass. — September 22, 2026 — Springfield College Executive Director of Athletics, Dr. Craig Poisson, is pleased to announce that Lou Knapp G'23 has been named the full-time assistant coach for the Springfield College women's gymnastics program.

"Lou's academic background, extensive women's gymnastics experiences, and commitment to developing student-athletes bodes well for Coach Gallagher's coaching staff," said Poisson. "I welcome Lou back to Alden Street and look forward to her impact on our women's gymnastics program."

Knapp spent time as a graduate assistant coach at Springfield College from 2021 to 2023 while earning her master's degree in sport and exercise psychology. She helped lead the Pride to two consecutive runner-up performances at the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) East Regional Championships as Springfield also qualified for the NCGA National Championships during both seasons. In her two years at Springfield, Knapp coached three NCGA National Champions, three NCGA Regional Champions, two College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-Americans and a team that saw the best grade point average across all Division III women's gymnastics programs during the 2021-22 academic year.

"I'm incredibly excited to return to Springfield College and be part of a program that has played such an important role in my own journey," said Knapp. "I'm passionate about helping student-athletes build confidence, embrace the process, and develop not only as gymnasts, but as strong and resilient people." 

Knapp attended the University of Alaska Anchorage and graduated in 2021 with degrees in both kinesiology and psychology along with a minor in athletic training. She was a member of the women's gymnastics team and competed on the uneven bars, balance beam and vault during her time with the Seawolves. Knapp is tied for the seventh best bars score in program history with a 9.85, was named to the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) All-Academic Team as she held the top grade point average among 37 honorees and also earned All-American Athlete of the Year honors from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). 

"I'm thrilled to welcome Lou to our coaching staff," said head coach Diana Gallagher. "With her deep technical knowledge, experience as an elite and Division I athlete, and background in sports psychology, I believe she will be an excellent fit in growing our student-athletes in spirit, mind, and body."

For the past two and half years, Knapp has worked as a coach at the Roots Gymnastics Center facilitating team practices with gymnasts ranging from Level 2 through Level 10 as well as spending most of her time working with Xcel level gymnasts which are represents the highest and most advanced divisions. She has spent time coaching each event and tailoring practice plans to fit each individual's needs. She has also developed mental performance workshops in order to create a gymnast-centered environment focused on confidence, communication and personal growth in alignment with competitive success. Also, as an elite level gymnast, Knapp had the opportunity to compete on the international stage as she represented Germany on the squad's national team. 

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