MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The University of Montevallo has announced Mel Low as the second Acrobatics & Tumbling Head Coach in program history.
"We are excited to welcome Mel as the next head coach of our Acrobatics & Tumbling program," said Montevallo Vice President for Athletics and Special Programs Mark Richard. "She helped build the program as a student-athlete in its inaugural season and continued that work as our assistant coach in year two. Promoting her to head coach is the natural next step, and we're excited to see her continue leading our program's growth."
"It is an honor to step into the role of head coach for the Acrobatics & Tumbling program at the University of Montevallo," said Low. "I am thankful to everyone who was a part of the interview process, as well as for the support I have received from my colleagues, the athletic department, and the team. I am excited to build upon the incredible foundation already built and lead this program forward with passion, purpose, and a culture rooted in community. I look forward to helping our student-athletes grow as leaders, teammates, competitors, and individuals while pursuing excellence both on and off the mat. I am eager for this next chapter and proud to continue my journey as a Falcon."
Low takes over the program after serving as an assistant coach under former head coach Kati Horstmann during the 2026 season. The Falcons finished last year with a 6-4 overall record and a 6-2 mark in Conference Carolinas action. In just the program's second season and first year in the conference, Low helped guide Montevallo to the Conference Carolinas semifinals and seven event finals at the conference championships. The Falcons also produced the first All-Conference honorees in program history, with three student-athletes earning All-Conference Carolinas recognition.
Montevallo continued to gain postseason recognition, earning the Conference Carolinas Messick Sportsmanship Award. 16 Falcons were recently named to the 2026 NCATA Academic Honor Roll, while three garnered Academic All-Conference honors.
Before joining the Montevallo coaching staff, Low competed collegiately for four seasons across two programs. After spending three years at Trine University, she transferred to Montevallo and became the lone senior on the Falcons' inaugural team in 2025. Low competed in all seven meets, contributed to five season-high scores, and was named team MVP at the conclusion of the inaugural season.
Low saw loads of success in her time at Trine, most notably winning the 2023 NCATA Division III National Championship in the Quad Tumbling Pass. Low helped lead the Thunder to back-to-back NCATA Division III National Championship team runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024. She earned All-Tournament First Team honors in 2024.
While competing in the sport, Low spent four years coaching at the club and developmental levels. Low helped launch the Acrobatics & Tumbling program at Jam-Jev Gymnastics Club, where she developed practice plans, provided private instruction, and coached athletes. Prior to that, she spent three years coaching developmental gymnasts at Tristate Gymnastics Club.
Low earned her bachelor's degree in biology from Trine University in 2024.
What they are saying about Coach Low...
"I couldn't be more excited to see Coach Mel take over the Montevallo Acrobatics & Tumbling program. She has been an integral part of the program's success and her knowledge, creativity, and dedication will make her a strong head coach. I'm thrilled to see her build open the foundation that she has helped build as both an alum of the inaugural roster as well as last year's assistant. I'm confident she will lead the program to new heights and I can't wait to see what is in store for UM A&T under Coach Mel."
-Kati Horstmann, Former Montevallo Acrobatics & Tumbling Head Coach
"Mel is someone who has been dedicated to the sport of gymnastics for years and now acrobatics & tumbling. She has so much passion for the sport, and I am sure she will carry that over as a head coach."
-Misti Evans, Tristate Gymnastics Club
