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Sandy Thielz '78
Women's Gymnastics Coach
Hometown: Glen Arm, MD
High School: Delaney

Sandy Thielz’s career in gymnastics has ranged from a competitor and captain at Southern Connecticut State (1965-68), to competing on the U.S. National Team (1967 & 1968), to serving as a judge at the Olympics in 1996 (Atlanta) and 1984 (Los Angeles). Her career has literally spanned the globe.

From New Zealand to Hungary, from Sicly to Japan, Thielz’s experience as a judge, coach and administrator has kept her in demand. But her heart has always belonged to West Chester University.

From 1973-94, Thielz coached the Golden Ram women’s gymnastics squad to a 180-82-1 mark. She guided the program to five National Championship appearances and tutored eight All-Americans.

Her coaching success extended beyond WCU. In 1980, Thielz was nominated as an Olympic Coach, and in 1981 she served as the Team USA coach at the World University Games in Bucharest, Romania. Thielz also served on the USA National Coaching Staff at the USOC Olympic Training Center (1993) and in Orlando (1994). She is now in her third term (1999-2003) on the NCAA National Gymnastics Committee.

Since 1987 Thielz has served as an NCAA Staff Representative to the Regional and National Gymnastics Championships. A graduate of Southern Connecticut State, Thielz earned her masters degree from West Chester in 1978. She has served as an assistant professor in the Physical Education Department since 1973.