UMass Alumna Li Li Leung Is Appointed President and CEO of USA Gymnastics

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University of Massachusetts Amherst alumna Li Li Leung ’03 MBA, MS has been appointed president and CEO of USA Gymnastics, the national governing body for the sport in the United States. Leung, who most recently served as a vice president at the National Basketball Association (NBA), says her extensive experience as both a former gymnast and seasoned sports management professional has prepared her for this exciting, yet challenging, career move.

“As we all know, USA Gymnastics is at a critical turning point, and we now have the opportunity to look forward and to move forward,” she noted in a message to the USA Gymnastics community on Tuesday. “I have the experience, commitment, determination, and perspective to do what it takes to rebuild the organization.”

From a young age, Leung began competing in multiple USA Gymnastics events, including representing the US in the 1988 Junior Pan American Games. She participated in several NCAA competitions in college and acted as a volunteer assistant gymnastics coach as a student at UMass Amherst.

“Participating in gymnastics taught me life skills that I use on a daily basis, including how to overcome adversity, the importance of community, grit and how to persist, discipline, teamwork and leadership skills,” she said in her statement. “This is much more than a job to me; it’s a personal calling. This is a great opportunity to have a positive impact on a sport that I love and that has shaped me into who I am today.”

Leung earned her master’s in business administration and master’s degree in sports management at UMass Amherst after earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Michigan University. The combination these disciplines has poised Leung to develop a deep understanding of how to foster the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing for each athlete while also advancing the sport in a positive direction.

“I plan to build an experienced management team who can help create and implement a new vision for USA Gymnastics that puts athletes first,” she remarked in her message. “We need to continue to support our athletes and USA Gymnastics members at all levels throughout the country to restore trust within the community.”