BELMONT, N.C. -- Assistant Acrobatics & Tumbling Coach Haley Allen has been elevated to the head coaching position, Vice President and Director of Athletics Stephen Miss announced today. She had been serving in an interim capacity for the past two months.

"Coach Allen, an ascending star in the profession who meets every challenge with composure, possesses exceptional leadership ability and coaching acumen," Miss said. "Haley's embrace of our mission and commitment to developing students holistically—body, mind, and soul—makes her the ideal choice to lead our Acrobatics & Tumbling program going forward."

Allen joined The Abbey as assistant coach in September 2024 and made an immediate impact, helping the Crusaders to a 6-3 record and their first-ever postseason win. She saw team members win Conference Carolinas event finals in the Trio and Quad Tumbling passes. Five players earned all-conference honors, with two on the first team. Additionally, Deanna Woolard was recognized on the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association's (NCATA) All-Academic Team.

"I am incredibly excited to be appointed as the next Head Acrobatics and Tumbling coach here at Belmont Abbey," Allen said. "I want to start by thanking Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B.,  President Dr. William Thierfelder, and Stephen Miss for blessing me with this opportunity to lead this team. I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support I have received from coaches, staff, and students here at Belmont Abbey, and I am beyond proud to be a part of this community. I look forward to continuing to grow this program while shaping these young athletes in their spiritual and academic journeys."

As a student-athlete at Limestone, Allen was a member of three Conference Carolinas championship teams and helped the Saints to two NCATA national championship appearances. They earned the first quarterfinal win in league history in 2023.

Allen started her athletic career with 11 years of competitive artistic gymnastics before transitioning to acrobatics & tumbling. She spent time during her high school and college years working with preschool and recreational gymnastics programs.

Allen, who hails from Crestview Hills, Ky., graduated from Limestone's Honors College in 2024.