Iowa State University has discontinued its women's gymnastics program after a decade of internal conflicts. Athletic director Jamie Pollard announced the decision on Tuesday, following the cancellation of the 2026 season due to what he called unresolvable issues between players, coaches and parents.

Pollard said the university will replace gymnastics with another women's sport that provides equal or greater participation opportunities. The decision comes after multiple reviews of the program, including a 2018 complete review and a 2023 independent evaluation by a Minnesota law firm that led to sweeping coaching changes. When similar problems resurfaced three years later, the university initially canceled the remainder of the season.

The university will honor scholarships for current and incoming gymnasts who choose to remain at Iowa State, ensuring continued access to all departmental services. Any gymnast who enters the transfer portal will receive assistance from the athletic department. Pollard emphasized that finances did not influence the decision, noting the replacement sport could be equally or more expensive to operate.