Fifth-year Iowa gymnast Haley Tyson has not only leaped to remain with the Hawkeyes this season but has also grown into the silent leader on floor and beam for Iowa.
The Aurora, Illinois, native has not only battled through changes in coaching but also minor injuries, non-competing seasons, and the early transition from Minnesota to Iowa.
Tyson first started her collegiate career at Minnesota in 2021-22, competing in five meets. Following her freshman year, she made the decision to transfer to Iowa, where she has so far competed in 17 meets across her four years with the program.
“I knew some of the girls here, and they spoke very highly of the program,” Tyson said. “It was nice to stay in the Big Ten, but also being at Iowa allowed me to be closer to home and family.”
Tyson, though, did not compete her first two seasons with the Hawkeyes, as she was sidelined by a minor ankle injury and was still trying to find her place in the program.
“It was a little tough for me, especially having to come back from surgery,” Tyson said. “But it kind of motivated me knowing I could maybe come back even stronger than before, especially with the help of Jen [Llewellyn] and the other coaches when they came into the program.”
In 2025, Tyson moved from not being in the lineup to participating in all 13 meets that season, 10 of which she did both beam and floor.
Head coach Jen Llewellyn noted that after understanding her club background and seeing the long-term potential Tyson had, it was only a matter of time before she found her footing.
“She has had tremendous growth over the years, but it was just about getting past the hardships and lack of confidence, which started with getting her head and body to click together,” Llewellyn said. “Since then, she has been amazingly consistent in all that she has done.”
For Tyson, and many of the veteran Gymhawks, the new coaching roster with Llewellyn and the assistants has been one to cherish and celebrate.
“Jen and the new coaches have been so supportive in not only gymnastics but also your personal life outside of the gym, which is really, really nice,” Tyson said.
Having decided to return for her fifth season this year, Tyson was presented with yet another opportunity to help lead the program in her own way, one that may not be as loud or vocal as her fellow senior gymhawks.
“She is very much a leader by example,” Llewellyn said. “She never complains and will do anything with the right attitude and mindset, but truly her resilience over the years with pushing to do the sport she loves has been a unique thing everyone has noticed.”
Senior Hanna Castillo arrived at Iowa at the same time as Tyson, and the two have helped develop the program into what it is today, especially in the floor event.
“At the beginning, we both were a little on the shy side, but she has really grown to be more open over the years, and she is just a truly kind and humble person to be around,” Castillo said.
Tyson has worked to help the new Gymhawks feel welcome and has helped them develop both personal and competitive skills along the way.
“When you first come in as a freshman, you are kind of used to training a lot, so teaching them to conserve themselves is something really important I have tried to teach,” Tyson said. “But overall, I’ve tried to help them develop their self-confidence, specifically that they are good at what they do.”
As the 2026 season approaches its conclusion, seniors like Tyson have begun to think of what life after college will look like. Tyson is majoring in interdepartmental studies and is hoping to do something with business and the world of sports.
“I don’t totally know what I want to do postgrad, but I really would like to stay in the sports field helping people grow, regardless of what that may be,” Tyson said.
For now, Tyson is focused on helping her fellow Gymhawks end this season on a high note.
“Personally, I just want to be happy with my routines and keep being confident every time I step up to perform,” Tyson said. “But as a team, I just really want us to do well regardless of where we finish.”