Hall of Fame
A pioneer in the research and development of training methods and injury prevention among elite women gymnasts, Bill Sands exemplifies the spirit of higher education.
A 1975 graduate of UW-Oshkosh, Sands recently completed a study in conjunction with the United States Gymnastics Federation and the Motor Behavior Research Laboratory at the University of Utah. The study aimed at designing training and coaches' educational programs to help meet the needs of international level athletes.
While at UW-Oshkosh, Sands earned four varsity letters in gymnastics and helped the Titans win NAIA titles in 1973 and 1974. The national championship in 1973 was the first ever recorded by a UW-Oshkosh athletic team. In 1975, Sands was named the NAIA's Outstanding Senior Gymnast.
Following graduation from UW-Oshkosh, Sands served as an assistant coach at the American Academy of Gymnastics in Des Plaines, Ill. In 1977, he founded the Mid-America Twisters Gymnastics Institute and served as its director until 1983.
In 1983, Sands began doctoral studies at the University of Utah and served as assistant women's gymnastics coach until 1987. During his time as an assistant coach, Utah won two NCAA Division I titles. He completed his doctoral requirements in 1987.
Currently, Sands is a Visiting Professor in Exercise and Fitness at Utah and serves as Assistant Women's Program Administrator for the USGF.
