Legendary BYU Women’s Gymnastics coach Brad Cattermole passes away

Former BYU women’s gymnastics coach, Brad Cattermole, passed away on Jan. 4. Throughout his life, Cattermole made a meaningful impact in the lives of those around him, especially those in his program at BYU.

Author Brenna Seeman
Legendary BYU Women’s Gymnastics coach Brad Cattermole passes awayLegendary BYU Women’s Gymnastics coach Brad Cattermole passes away
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PROVO, Utah — Former BYU women’s gymnastics coach, Brad Cattermole, passed away on Jan. 4. Throughout his life, Cattermole made a meaningful impact in the lives of those around him, especially those in his program at BYU. 

“Coach Cattermole has had a long-lasting influence on hundreds of Cougar gymnasts through his years leading our team. He and his wife Dawn coached together for 28 years with many memorable performances. Our prayers go out to Dawn and the Cattermole family at this sacred time.”

Tom HolmoeBYU director of athletics

“I have known Coach Cattermole my whole life. He is the LaVell Edwards of BYU gymnastics, and the program would not be where it is today without his leadership.”

Guard Youngcurrent BYU women’s gymnastics head coach

“Brad spent 28 years building BYU Gymnastics, and I am grateful that he brought me here as a gymnast to be part of it. As a coach and father-figure during my young-adult years, he was so patient in helping me lay a firm foundation for my life, both inside and outside of gymnastics. His loving nature gave many of us the opportunity to do the sport we love in joyful and memorable ways. I feel privileged to follow in his footsteps as a coach to keep building BYU Gymnastics on the foundation he left.”

Natalie Broekmancurrent BYU women’s gymnastics associate head coach

“It is impossible to put into words my love for Brad and his family and the impact he has had on me and so many. I am eternally grateful for his investment in me as an athlete and as a person and for his Christlike approach as a coach and mentor. Every day I put into practice things I learned from him.”

Brogan Evansoncurrent BYU women’s gymnastics assistant coach

Born in Stormlake, Iowa, Brad grew up in Los Angeles. He competed on the 1971 BYU men’s gymnastics team his freshman year before serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Peru. His competitive career ended when he broke his hand in practice shortly after returning from his mission. He was a part-time assistant women's gymnastics coach at BYU in 1975-76 while running All-American Gymnastics.

Under Cattermole’s direction, BYU’s gymnastics team finished the season ranked in the top-25 in 15 different seasons — including three top-10 finishes. In addition, seven Cougar gymnasts earned 17 NCAA All-America awards. Before conference meets were eliminated in 1994, Cattermole’s teams were league runners-up five times, and seven student-athletes earned 10 all-conference honors.

During his 28 seasons with BYU, Cattermole’s recruiting efforts netted five U.S. National Team members, six Canadian National Team members and numerous Junior Olympic National and Elite Champions. Along with his coaching duties at BYU, the Cattermoles owned and operated All-American Gymnastics in Lindon, Utah. Highly successful since its establishment in 1976, All-American Gymnastics has produced numerous Junior Olympic National Champions as well as several Elite Gymnasts.

Brad Cattermole was 71.