Coach’s Grit: Amputee Inspires Gymnasts to Aim Higher

Coach’s Grit: Amputee Inspires Gymnasts to Aim Higher

Katie Gillery is more than just a coach; she’s a force of nature. Since she started working with the LSU gymnastics team, the intensity and purpose in their strength and conditioning program have soared. Athletes describe her as the most energetic, crazy coach ever. She’s truly special to the team, and they can’t imagine coaching without her.

From Player to Coach, a Lifelong Tiger

Gillery’s connection to LSU runs deep. She grew up in Louisiana and was a star player herself, captaining the LSU softball team and leading them to the 2012 Women’s College World Series. During her time as a player, she faced her own challenges with knee injuries, spending countless hours with the athletic training and sports medicine teams. It was during this time she discovered her passion for the atmosphere and work involved in strength and conditioning.

After earning her master’s degree in exercise science, Gillery gained experience at other universities before returning to her beloved alma mater in 2022. She joined as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, and by that summer, she was working with the gymnastics squad. Her goal was clear: to help these athletes reach their highest potential.

A Summer Accident Changes Everything

This past summer, Gillery’s own strength was put to the ultimate test. On July 4th, 2025, while out jet skiing with friends in a remote part of Louisiana, a large wake boat created a massive wave. The wave sent their jet ski flying, and Gillery knew something bad was about to happen. Her leg became tangled in a wakeboard rope as they had just finished wakeboarding.

When she tried to get back on the jet ski, she couldn’t stand. The water was filled with blood. Her left leg was severely injured, described as being in shambles and hanging on by just one tendon, still caught in the rope. Doctors later told her there was only about an hour window to control such severe bleeding and survive.

Facing Adversity Head-On

Rushed to a Baton Rouge hospital, doctors worked for over five hours trying to save her leg. Unfortunately, they couldn’t restore blood flow, and the reality was that reattaching her foot wasn’t a viable option. The next morning, Gillery was told she would need an amputation. The surgery to remove her leg just below the knee took place the following day.

After spending a week in the cardiovascular unit and another on the rehab floor, Gillery was discharged. Just days after leaving the hospital, she texted her boss, saying, “I’ll see you on Monday.” Her boss thought she was crazy, but Gillery had a clear reason. She explained that being back in the weight room with the athletes and returning to a sense of normalcy would fill her cup, especially when so few other things could.

Inspiring a “No Excuses” Mentality

On her first day back, Gillery gathered the gymnastics team. She told them, “I don’t want pity. I am still your coach. And I will coach my butt off from a wheelchair as long as I need to. I will coach my butt off from crutches or a walker as long as I need to. I will coach my butt off from any prosthetic. We still have work to do and the national championship is still waiting on us.”

Her athletes are amazed by her resilience. They say she took the accident like a warrior, never showing despair. Every day, she pushes past her own struggles to give them her all. Gillery’s example shows them how to face challenges without letting them slow you down, wallow in self-pity, or give up.

When asked what she hopes people take from her story, Gillery’s message is simple: “No excuses.” She admits that some days are emotional and difficult, but when she zooms out and sees the incredible support system around her and realizes the positive impact she can have, she knows it’s all worth it.

Source: Game On: No excuses | College Gymnastics on ESPN (YouTube)