Oct. 17, 2007

BERKELEY - California women's gymnastics head coach Cari DuBois announced today the hiring of Mike Lynch as an assistant coach and Darcy Heath-Wallace as the team's sports psychologist.

Lynch brings an impressive list of accomplishments with him to Berkeley. In 1984, he coached Tracee Talavera to a silver medal in the team competition and a fourth-place finish on vault in the individual competition at the XXIII Olympic Games. From 1984-87, Lynch was a part of the "Olympic Gold Medal Tour," coaching U.S. Olympic Team members in over 40 professional exhibitions throughout the United States. More recently in 1996, Lynch was named the Northern California Coaches Association Coach of the Year. From 1979-2006, Lynch was a personal coach for over 40 Class 1, Level 10 and Elite Gymnasts in more than 35 competitions, including nationals, U.S. championships, World Championship Trials, Olympic Trials and Olympic Games. He has coached many Class 1, Level 10 and Elite national champions.

Lynch has also been the head coach, owner and founder of Golden Gate Gymnastics in Concord, Calif. He served as an assistant coach at Diablo Gymnastics from 1979-81 and was an assistant coach at Chico State, his alma mater, from 1978-79.

"Mike came in last season, volunteering his time to our program and did a phenomenal job," DuBois said. "I felt that the dynamics of last years coaching staff of Mike, myself and Scott was a perfect fit. We worked well together while bringing different strengths to the program, which will help in the continuous building process. I am so excited to have Mike on contract and looking forward to the upcoming season."

Heath-Wallace is a member of the USA Gymnastics Health Care Referral Network and worked to develop their Athlete Wellness Program. She works extensively with college and club level gymnastics, as well as athletes and teams involved in various sports. Heath-Wallace was an Elite and NCAA All-American gymnast and world ranked in Acrobatics-Pairs gymnastics.

She holds a master's degree in clinical psychology, specializing in sport psychology. Her education, training and experience in clinical and sport psychology help support her involvement with Cal women's gymnastics and select bay area gymnastics training centers. Heath-Wallace works for St. Francis Memorial Hospital's Center for Sports Medicine as their Sports Psychology Counselor and Pilates practitioner.

"I have known Darcy since I was an assistant here at Cal," DuBois said. "Darcy works with many gymnasts in the Bay Area and is very well known for her expertise and devotion to the sport of women's gymnastics. I am thrilled to have her involved with our program yet another season."

The Bears kick off the 2008 campaign against UC Davis and Towson in Davis on Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. The home opener takes place Sunday, Jan. 20, at 2 p.m. against Arizona State at Haas Pavilion.