Jim Quist @ACCTheQ -

For Kim Landrus, already a successful head coach at Illinois, opportunity was knocking at NC State. Landrus came to Raleigh after 15 years with the Illini, including 7 as head coach. During that period Illinois gymnastics had 14 consecutive NCAA appearances. The team achieved three of their highest finishes (top 15) in 2011, 2013 and 2014.

"Opportunity Knocks" NC State Gymnastics head coach Kim Landrus (Courtesy GoPack.com)

Landrus turned out to be a plus for NC State Athletic Director Debbie Yow as well.

In her first year Landrus helped lead the gymnastics team to an East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL) championship. In addition, Landrus was honored as the Southeast Region Coach of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women.

Opportunity Knocks

For regular readers of ACC Nation you know we make a point of covering a wide range of sports. Many are deserving of far more media coverage than they are afforded.

Earlier this year I reached out to EAGL of which three ACC gymnastics teams are members. There was an immediate, positive response from EAGL which led to Coach Landrus. This time opportunity knocked for me.

EAGL Gymnastics

* What is EAGL? The East Atlantic Gymnastics League consists of six Division I gymnastics teams. Included are; NC State, North Carolina and Pitt from the ACC, George Washington from the Atlantic 10, Towson from the CAA and New Hampshire from America East.

Opportunity Knocks

With the 2019 season beginning in early January we found time in between practice and the holidays to schedule a conversation.

We spoke with Coach Landrus for over a half-hour on the challenges, the rewards and what the future holds for NC State gymnastics.

Seniors-Alexa Phillips, Paris Phillips, Caitlyn Fillard, Maggie Tamburro(Courtesy-WolfpackGymnastics/Instagram)

Coach Landrus is developing a culture and embracing the opportunity to grow NC State's gymnastics team. Part of her long-term goals involves regular visits to the NCAA tournament for her team.

For Kim Landrus opportunity knocked. Now she wants NC State gymnastics to answer the door when it comes calling for them.

Want to find out more? Visit the official NC State gymnastics site.