Pitt Gymnastics Welcomes Connor McCool as Assistant Coach
PITTSBURGH – pitt Gymnastics Head Coach Casey Jo MacPherson has announced the appointment of Connor McCool as an assistant coach. McCool joins the Panthers following a accomplished season with the University of Illinois men’s gymnastics program.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Connor to our staff and program,” MacPherson stated.”His dedication and enthusiasm for developing student-athletes are evident. he understands the importance of consistent effort, strong relationships, and a positive team environment.Connor possesses the drive and technical expertise to elevate Pitt Gymnastics, and we are eager to begin working with him!”
during his time at Illinois, McCool contributed to the team’s qualification for the NCAA Finals and a fourth-place finish at the Big Ten Championship. He coached athletes who earned four All-America honors, and the Fighting Illini concluded the 2025 season ranked first nationally on vault. McCool also supported 2025 Big Ten Specialist of the Year and Senior National Team member Brandon Dang at the Cairo World Cup, while also managing team operations and recruitment efforts.
McCool is also a decorated former gymnast for the Fighting Illini, competing from 2020-2024.He secured 22 individual event titles on floor exercise, ranking second in program history. The 2023 College Gymnastics Association (CGA) Specialist of the Year and two-time Big Ten Floor Champion also earned five regular season All-America honors (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) and three NCAA postseason All-America honors (2021, 2023, 2024). He advanced to four NCAA Finals with Illinois and was part of the team that won the Big Ten Regular Season Championship in 2024.
A four-time team captain (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), mccool also received the Hayasaki Consistency award for all five years of his tenure. The Ocean City, N.J., native is a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) and a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar (2022, 2023).
McCool holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing, earned in 2023, and completed his master’s degree in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism with a Sports Management emphasis in 2024.
“I am truly honored to join Pitt Gymnastics as an assistant coach,” said McCool. “It was instantly apparent that this program has everything needed to become a championship contender-an ambitious coaching staff, dedicated student-athletes, and the forthcoming Victory Heights facility, which represents a critically important investment in the future of the program. The athletic department’s enthusiasm is clear, and I am grateful to Casey Jo for this chance. I’m ready to get to work. Hail to Pitt!”
