The 2015 coaching shake-up continues as Florida loses an assistant coach and another team gains a coach.
Robert Ladanyi, assistant coach at Florida has abandoned the beaches and the ocean and has decided to the Rocky Mountains and has accepted an assistant coaching role at the University of Denver, where is replacing assistant coach Carl Leland, who recently announced his retirement. Robert Ladanyi will officially join the Pioneers July 1.
“We’re very excited to welcome Robert to our University of Denver family,” said Denver head coach, Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart. “He has the coaching expertise, and brings a wealth of competitive and championship knowledge and experience. He fits into our philosophy of teamwork, character and excellence.”
This is the second coaching shake-up for Florida in a span of about three weeks. Shortly after NCAAs, former head coach, Rhonda Faehn announced she was stepping down as head coach to accept a Vice President position with USA Gymnastics. Under her leadership, the Gators brought home three national championship titles.
Robert Ladanyi served as the bars coach for Florida and he produced two individual NCAA bars champions in Alaina Johnson and Bridget Sloan in 2013 and 14. Ladanyi also brings experience from the elite world as well. He coached the Romanian junior national team from 1994-1997.
Gaining Robert Ladanyi is a huge boost for Denver. They’re already coming off a successful 2015 gymnastics season, finishing 15th overall in the Nation, qualifying to regionals for the 17th year in a row, with their highest regional qualifying score of 196.455. No doubt the Pioneers had a major boost when they beat former national champions, the Georgia GymDogs, in their home opener. Senior Nina McGee brought home a second place floor title from NCAAs.
While Denver has many talented athletes besides Nina McGee, including Julia Ross, a sophomore (now entering her junior year) who has beautiful toe point and long lines on beam and bars and another standout floor performer in Maggie Laughlin. They lack some of the refinement of higher ranked teams. Robert Ladanyi will hopefully bring them to the next level.
“I am very excited to join the DU family,” Ladanyi said. “I can’t wait to help the gymnastics program continue on its rise to success.”
Via University of Denver http://www.denverpioneers.com/sports/w-gym/spec-rel/051815aad.html
Article by: Maria Layton