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Olivia Sayer
Georgia freshman Lily Smith lands her perfect 10 bars routine during the UGA vs. Missouri gymnastics meet at Stegeman Coliseum on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Georgia lost 197.4-197.050. (Photo/Liz Rymarev, @rymarev.photo)
Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks tried something unorthodox this spring when he hired Cécile Canqueteau-Landi and Ryan Roberts as Georgia gymnastics’ co-head coaches. The term is not often used in college athletics, with the Bulldogs’ only prior co-head coaches coming in 1909 with the football team.
However, both Canqueteau-Landi and Roberts believe their collaboration will be beneficial for Georgia. The two spoke with the media Monday about sharing the role, Olympic pedigree and the Bulldogs’ talented roster.
Co-head coaches
Co-head coaches are not often seen throughout college athletics. However, they are common within elite club teams, who Canqueteau-Landi and Roberts each have experience working with. Although unconventional, the duo is confident their pairing will be an effective one for the Bulldogs.
“We balance each other really well,” Canqueteau-Landi said. “We’re different people but with the same goal.”
Roberts said he will supervise vault and bars, while Canqueteau-Landi will primarily be responsible for floor and beam. However, they both believe in “being able to know the athletes on every event.”
“There’s no ego involved here,” Roberts said. “If we see something across the gym somewhere, we welcome the input from anybody. I think it’s great to have more eyes than less eyes, more brains than less brains.”
The co-head coaches trust and respect each other, which Roberts said is going to make Georgia’s staff a “great coaching staff overall.” With Canqueteau-Landi having only been in the building for slightly over two weeks, Roberts is helping the former Olympian get acclimated.
“He’s giving me what I need to know right now,” Canqueteau-Landi said. “Every other day I get a little more information and a little more responsibilities, so [Roberts is a] huge help for sure.”
Olympic experience
There is a reason Roberts called the hiring of Canqueteau-Landi “hitting the jackpot.” She has ties across both college and national gymnastics, including the United States women’s gymnastics team that won gold in Paris over the summer.
With all the connections, it is fair to wonder if any Olympians will make an appearance at one of Georgia’s home meets this season.
“She’s invited,” Canqueteau-Landi said of Simone Biles. “If she’s near, I’m sure she’ll be happy to come support us.”
Biles, the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history, has already supported Canqueteau-Landi and the Bulldogs through social media.
“I can’t think of a more deserving person,” Biles posted on Instagram after the announced hiring of her former coach. “Can’t wait to see what the future holds for UGA Gymnastics! Y’all are in great hands!”
Canqueteau-Landi’s status also bolsters Georgia’s recruiting pitch, both through high school and the transfer portal. The Bulldogs already saw this in action, with the addition of Csenge Bácskay, a transfer from Nebraska that competed for Hungary in the Olympics.
“We’re recruiting hard,” Roberts said. “I can already see a shift in the way we’re going to be able to recruit, just based off these last couple months. [Canqueteau-Landi] is catalyzing some things that are going to be really cool for our program.”
A talented roster
Georgia finished its 2024 season 7-12, but that record is not a reflection of its talent. The Bulldogs are returning a quartet of sophomores in Lily Smith, Ady Wahl, Jaydah Battle and Holly Snyder to pair with a skilled recruiting class.
Overall, Roberts said the group is working on its consistency.
“I think our biggest step forward is continuing to stay healthy and then just keeping the consistency up,” Roberts said. “That’s really the main thing. Their gymnastics is pretty much there.”
Smith, who became just the ninth Georgia freshman to score a Perfect 10 in her rookie season, is focusing on perfecting her vault. With national championship experience, Roberts said Smith has already “proven her ability to compete at nationals and compete under pressure consistently.”
The Bulldogs will likely have a first look in December before kicking off their 2025 season.