ANCHORAGE – The Alaska Anchorage gymnastics team has completed its coaching staff as interim head coach Marie-Sophie Boggasch announced Thursday that former Seawolf standout Kendra Daniels has been hired as assistant coach, while former full-time assistant Alina Cartwright will rejoin the squad as a volunteer assistant.

A four-year letterwinner from 2015-18, Daniels returns to the program on a full-time basis, having served in multiple volunteer roles the past two seasons. Since graduating with her degree in health sciences in 2018, she has coached both introductory and compulsory level gymnastics at Anchorage Gymnastics Association.

The Veneta, Ore., native was an All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation performer on balance beam for UAA, posting two of the top six regional qualifying scores in program history as a junior and senior. Also a major contributor on floor exercise, Daniels was a two-time MPSF All-Academic Team honoree.

"Kendra returns to her alma mater in a time of tumult, but her longtime involvement with and commitment to this program will make a major impact in our efforts to save UAA gymnastics," Boggasch said. "With all the uncertainty this season brings, her familiarity and experience with the program will serve as a pillar of strength. I am excited to see her coaching nurture this team in and out of the gym."

Meanwhile, Cartwright rejoins the Seawolves after leaving her full-time assistant's role last spring. The Illinois native and former Michigan State gymnast spent four years (2017-20) – the last three in the top assistant position – on the UAA staff, serving under both head coach Paul Stoklos and successor Tanya Ho. Since coming to Alaska, Cartwright has been instrumental in helping the Seawolves rewrite the program record book, including 17 new all-time marks in the 2019 season alone.

"It is a tremendous honor that Alina has agreed to return and volunteer for our team this year," Boggasch added. "She is very excited for the opportunity to really focus on choreography and videography – areas she is deeply passionate about – and will immensely contribute to our fight for the continuation of our program."