George Washington University Athletics
GW Welcomes Hilary Steele as Gymnastics Head Coach
7/17/2026 1:00:00 PM | General, Gymnastics
George Washington Athletics has named Hilary Steele as head coach to lead its storied gymnastics program. Steele comes to Foggy Bottom with a decorated resume that includes multiple national championships as a collegiate competitor, international medals as a USA Gymnastics National Team member, and extensive club and collegiate coaching experience, including the last three years as head coach of the Temple Owls in the East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL). GW is a four-time EAGLÂ Champion.
"Hilary is a winner in everything she does and brings a competitive spirit that will be infectious for our department and team at GW," said Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Lipitz. "In more than two decades as an elite coach and athlete, she has demonstrated an ability to inspire and lead others to fulfill their potential. She has a clear vision for elevating the competitive profile of GW gymnastics, while maintaining the exceptional academic performance and culture of excellence that are hallmarks of the program."
In four seasons total at Temple, including one as first assistant coach, Steele saw success across the board with six of the team's Top 20 scores in school history, including the third and fourth highest overall marks, coming in 2023. Prior to her time with Temple, she served on the coaching staff at Maryland. In 2022 she helped Maryland earn a No. 20 national ranking and post the second, third, fourth and fifth-highest point totals in program history, with one gymnast earning All-American honors. She coupled her time in College Park working both with the Terps and at Hill's Gymnastics Training Center, where many of the top gymnasts on the East Coast train.
"I'm incredibly honored to accept the opportunity to lead the George Washington gymnastics program," said Steele. "This program has a rich history built by outstanding coaches, dedicated student-athletes, and an incredible alumni community whose legacy has established a tradition of excellence. I'm excited to build on that foundation by fostering a championship mentality, a winning culture, and an environment where our student-athletes can thrive both in the gym and in the classroom. I can't wait to get to work and write the next chapter together."
Also an elite CrossFit athlete and coach, Steele was a five-time CrossFit Games Regional Competitor from 2015 to 2019 and was recognized worldwide in the top 1% of competitors. She was twice named as Fittest Athlete in Hawaii (2017 and 2018) and Fittest in Delaware in 2019.
As a student-athlete at Georgia (2007-11), Steele, nee Hilary Mauro, helped lead the GymDogs to the 2008 and 2009 national championship. During the 2008 season as a freshman, she earned Second Team All-America honors on the beam, and in 2010 she won the SEC individual vault championship. She later served as a volunteer assistant coach for her alma mater during the 2011-12 season.
A USA Gymnastics National Team member from 2005 to 2007, she enjoyed a decorated career with multiple medals on the international stage. Steele and her husband, Matthew, are now the proud parents of three girls, Gracen, Hadley and Jordan.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT HILARY STEELEÂ
"Hilary is a gem. I have confidence that she'll grow into one of the best coaches in the country. She has all of the ingredients for success. Determination, willingness to seek help and advice, and of course great communication skills. I'm convinced that in order to be a successful coach, one must have a great relationship with their athletes and I know that Hilary will have that. She had tremendous success as an athlete at Georgia and I'm sure that all of her personal experiences will bode her well." -Â Suzanne Yoculan, 10x NCAA Champion & 5x NCAA Coach of the Year at Georgia
"The news of Hilary taking this position at GW is so exciting. She's such a competitor. From her days as a national champion as an athlete, now into coaching and the recruiting world, Hilary and her family are known across the world of gymnastics. She's a uniter, with communication skills that make her a powerhouse. Her spirit and fire will be infectious." - Margie Foster Cunningham, former GW Gymnastics Head Coach
"The hiring of Hilary marks an exciting new chapter for this program, and I have great confidence in her leadership! Hilary brings a meticulous approach to all aspects, a deep passion for developing student-athletes, and an inspirational energy. Committed to building on the program's tradition while embracing the opportunities ahead, Hilary is poised to lead with purpose, vision, and enthusiasm as she shapes an exciting future of championship wins, post season qualifications and much more for GW Gymnastics." - Stephanie Stoicovy Worrell, GW Gymnastics alumna and former Head Coach
"Hilary brings a wealth of knowledge, both as a coach and a former student-athlete. She leads with passion and strives for greatness. I'm excited to see her add the next great chapter to such an historic program." - Brett Nelligan, Maryland Gymnastics Head Coach
"Hilary is a winner in everything she does and brings a competitive spirit that will be infectious for our department and team at GW," said Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Lipitz. "In more than two decades as an elite coach and athlete, she has demonstrated an ability to inspire and lead others to fulfill their potential. She has a clear vision for elevating the competitive profile of GW gymnastics, while maintaining the exceptional academic performance and culture of excellence that are hallmarks of the program."
In four seasons total at Temple, including one as first assistant coach, Steele saw success across the board with six of the team's Top 20 scores in school history, including the third and fourth highest overall marks, coming in 2023. Prior to her time with Temple, she served on the coaching staff at Maryland. In 2022 she helped Maryland earn a No. 20 national ranking and post the second, third, fourth and fifth-highest point totals in program history, with one gymnast earning All-American honors. She coupled her time in College Park working both with the Terps and at Hill's Gymnastics Training Center, where many of the top gymnasts on the East Coast train.
"I'm incredibly honored to accept the opportunity to lead the George Washington gymnastics program," said Steele. "This program has a rich history built by outstanding coaches, dedicated student-athletes, and an incredible alumni community whose legacy has established a tradition of excellence. I'm excited to build on that foundation by fostering a championship mentality, a winning culture, and an environment where our student-athletes can thrive both in the gym and in the classroom. I can't wait to get to work and write the next chapter together."
Also an elite CrossFit athlete and coach, Steele was a five-time CrossFit Games Regional Competitor from 2015 to 2019 and was recognized worldwide in the top 1% of competitors. She was twice named as Fittest Athlete in Hawaii (2017 and 2018) and Fittest in Delaware in 2019.
As a student-athlete at Georgia (2007-11), Steele, nee Hilary Mauro, helped lead the GymDogs to the 2008 and 2009 national championship. During the 2008 season as a freshman, she earned Second Team All-America honors on the beam, and in 2010 she won the SEC individual vault championship. She later served as a volunteer assistant coach for her alma mater during the 2011-12 season.
A USA Gymnastics National Team member from 2005 to 2007, she enjoyed a decorated career with multiple medals on the international stage. Steele and her husband, Matthew, are now the proud parents of three girls, Gracen, Hadley and Jordan.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT HILARY STEELEÂ
"Hilary is a gem. I have confidence that she'll grow into one of the best coaches in the country. She has all of the ingredients for success. Determination, willingness to seek help and advice, and of course great communication skills. I'm convinced that in order to be a successful coach, one must have a great relationship with their athletes and I know that Hilary will have that. She had tremendous success as an athlete at Georgia and I'm sure that all of her personal experiences will bode her well." -Â Suzanne Yoculan, 10x NCAA Champion & 5x NCAA Coach of the Year at Georgia
"The news of Hilary taking this position at GW is so exciting. She's such a competitor. From her days as a national champion as an athlete, now into coaching and the recruiting world, Hilary and her family are known across the world of gymnastics. She's a uniter, with communication skills that make her a powerhouse. Her spirit and fire will be infectious." - Margie Foster Cunningham, former GW Gymnastics Head Coach
"The hiring of Hilary marks an exciting new chapter for this program, and I have great confidence in her leadership! Hilary brings a meticulous approach to all aspects, a deep passion for developing student-athletes, and an inspirational energy. Committed to building on the program's tradition while embracing the opportunities ahead, Hilary is poised to lead with purpose, vision, and enthusiasm as she shapes an exciting future of championship wins, post season qualifications and much more for GW Gymnastics." - Stephanie Stoicovy Worrell, GW Gymnastics alumna and former Head Coach
"Hilary brings a wealth of knowledge, both as a coach and a former student-athlete. She leads with passion and strives for greatness. I'm excited to see her add the next great chapter to such an historic program." - Brett Nelligan, Maryland Gymnastics Head Coach
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