PITTSBURGH, PA - Assistant Gymnastics Coach Jenna Zakala has been named the 2026 WCGA East Region Assistant Coach of the Year, as announced by the WCGA on Wednesday.

Zakala played a key role in guiding the Pioneers to one of the most successful seasons in program history. Utica posted a team score of 189.100, the second-highest mark ever recorded by the program, while also producing two All-Americans. Under her leadership, the Pioneers reached new heights on multiple events, including setting a new program record on floor exercise with a 48.625 and establishing a new beam record with a 48.175.

The honor recognizes assistant and associate head coaches whose contributions to their programs have been outstanding, with winners determined by a vote of their peers. "These honors represent the commitment, creativity, and drive that embody collegiate gymnastics," said WCGA Board of Directors Chair Casey Jo MacPherson. "We're proud to recognize this year's honorees and applaud the lasting contributions they've made to their teams, their schools, and the gymnastics community as a whole."

Award recipients will be formally recognized at the WCGA Annual Meeting later this year.