Stephen Buckner Joins Huskies' Gymnastics Staff As Assistant Coach
June 30, 2015 | Gymnastics
SEATTLE – Washington gymnastics Head Coach Joanne Bowers named Stephen Buckner, who served on the staff of two national championship teams at the University of Alabama, as an assistant gymnastics coach.
“I feel honored to be chosen to join the wonderful staff at UW, and I look forward to working with the athletes as we move the Huskies to the next level. GO DAWGS!” said Buckner.
Buckner spent the past two seasons as the Strength and Conditioning coach for the Crimson Tide. Alabama was the 2014 and 2015 Southeastern Conference Champions and placed fourth both years at the NCAA Team Championships. He also worked closely with 2014 NCAA All-Around Champion Kim Jacob.
Prior to his appointment as the Strength and Conditioning coach, Buckner was a graduate assistant from 2010 to 2013 for the Tide while pursuing his doctorate in exercise physiology. He assisted in the daily practices and was integral in the coordination of home competitions. During his tenure in 2011 and 2012, Alabama won back-to-back national championships.
“We are excited to welcome Stephen to our UW family,” said Bowers. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from one of the top programs in the country and we feel he can help us get to the next level.”
A former instructor in the University of Alabama's Department of Kinesiology, Buckner obtained both his bachelor's and master's degrees in exercise physiology from Alabama. He is also a candidate for a Doctorate of Philosophy in Exercise Physiology.
During his athletic career, Buckner competed as a Class 1 gymnast for the Arizona Sunrays in Phoenix, Ariz.
Buckner is a graduate of Scottsdale (Ariz.) Christian Academy and is married to Alicia Crossen Buckner.
