UF Head Coach Judi Markell Announces Resignation
Monday, April 29, 2002 | Gymnastics
After 28 season of coaching at the collegiate level, including the last 10 at the University of Florida, Gator Gymnastics Head Coach Judi Markell announced on Monday her resignation, effective immediately. A search for the Gators' head gymnastics coach will begin immediately.
"I am resigning because it's time," Markell said. "I've done a good job here at Florida and I'm ready to move on with my life. I think the program has a great future. The University of Florida is a wonderful school with a great tradition and I think the team has a very bright future ahead of it. I have a lot of great memories to take with me of the Gator fans and the wonderful athletes I've been privileged to be a part of their lives."
Markell took over the head coaching position at Florida in June of 1992 and compiled a record of 124-81-1 during her 10 seasons with the Gators. Florida advanced to the NCAA Championships nine of 10 years under Markell, earning its best NCAA finish ever at the 1998 meet, when the Gators took second overall. The Gators advanced to three NCAA "Super Six" competitions during her tenure (1994, '97, '98), which is the competition where the NCAA team champion is determined. Markell was named the NCAA Coach of the Year for the second time during her career in 1994 (first time in 1992 at Penn State) after leading UF to its first NCAA Super Six berth. She also collected the Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year honors in 1994 and '97 and also was named the NCAA Southeast Region Coach of the Year in 1997.
Twelve Gator gymnasts have earned a total of 58 All-America honors under Markell, with UF gymnasts earning a school-record 10 All-America honors at both the 1997 and 1996 NCAA Championships. Two gymnasts collected a total of three NCAA Individual titles under Markell (Susan Hines, 1997 & '98 vault; Betsy Hamm, 1998 balance beam).
Markell came to UF after a successful 18-year stint at Penn State. The Lady Lions earned berths in 14 national championships, including seven NCAA Championship competitions. The Lady Lions claimed two AIAW team titles (1978 and 1980) and was the AIAW runner-up in 1979. Penn State's top finish at the NCAA Championships came in 1982 when the Lady Lions took third. She owns a 402-168-2 career record in her 28 years as a head collegiate coach.
"I respect and accept Judi's decision because I believe she made it in the best interest of this program," UF Athletics Director Jeremy Foley said. "Being a coach is a difficult position, requiring a tremendous amount of effort and time. Judi is doing what she believes is best for the Gator gymnastics program. I thank her for her efforts on behalf of this program. The gymnastics program has always been a source of pride for our Gator fans and she conducted the program in an admirable manner during her time at UF. We wish her the best of luck in her next ventures.
In 2002 collegiate championship action, Florida finished 10th at the NCAA Championships and third at the Southeastern Conference Championships. The Gators compiled a record of 14-11 during the 2002 season.
Markell Slate
Markell's Slate at Florida
| Year | Record | SEC Finish | Region Finish | NCAA Finish | All-Americans |
| 1993 | 10-8 | 5th | 2nd | 10th | 2 with 2 honors |
| 1994 | 10-7 | 4th | 2nd | 6th | 3 with 8 honors |
| 1995 | 9-7 | 4th | 2nd | 7th | 4 with 9 honors |
| 1996 | 16-4 | 3rd | 2nd | 8th | 4 with 10 honors |
| 1997 | 13-5-1 | 2nd | 1st | 5th | 5 with 10 honors |
| 1998 | 10-4 | 2nd | 2nd | 2nd | 3 with 8 honors |
| 1999 | 13-10 | 3rd | 2nd | T10th | 1 with 3 honors |
| 2000 | 14-13 | 4th | 3rd | -- | 1 with 2 honors |
| 2001 | 15-12 | 3rd | 2nd | 7th | 2 with 3 honors |
| 2002 | 14-11 | 3rd | 2nd | 10th | 2 with 3 honors |
| UF Record | 124-81-1 |
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| 58 honors |
