Elite Level Gymnastics Coach Joins Husker Staff

Brett Wargo, one of the nation's premier elite level coaches, will join the Nebraska women's gymnastics staff for the 2026-27 season, Husker Head Coach Nicole Jones announced on Thursday, May 14.

Wargo comes to Nebraska from Ascend Gymnastics in Auburn, Washington, which was named the USAG National Program of the Year in 2022. Ascend was also named the Region 2 Program of the Year in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, while Wargo was named the 2022 Region 2 Contributor of the Year after creating the Wild Card/All-Star Session (Individual Event Qualification system) at Level 10 Nationals in 2022.

"Brett has established himself as one of the premier club coaches in the industry," Jones said. "He is known for his elite technical knowledge, innovative approach and consistent ability to develop high-level athletes. His outside-the-box thinking and contagious energy will be a tremendous asset to our staff, and he will bring a unique perspective and proven expertise that will immediately elevate our program. We are thrilled to welcome him to Lincoln and can't wait for him to get started!"

Wargo, who has coached at the club level for nearly 20 years, is a USA National Team coach. as well as a Canadian National Team clinician. He helped Shilese Jones to silver medals in the all-around and on the uneven bars at the 2022 World Championships. She added bronze medals on both events at the 2023 World Championships, while helping the United States to team gold medals at both competitions. She was the 2023 USA National Champion on uneven bars and the USA National Champion on floor exercise and bars in 2022.

Overall, he has coached more than 30 national champion athletes in the Level 9 and 10 Junior Olympic Development Program (Level 10, 8 all-around, 10 uneven bars; Level 9, 6 all-around, 8 uneven bars).

"I am humbled, honored and excited to join the University of Nebraska Women's Gymnastics Program, and I am grateful to Nicole and Devin (Wright) for their trust and confidence in me," Wargo said. "Nebraska Women's Gymnastics has a proud tradition of excellence at the highest level, and we are committed to building a program that reflects and exceeds those championship standards. Central to that vision is a strong emphasis on the student-athlete experience, creating an environment rooted in care, support and personal growth, while empowering each individual to reach their full potential. The University of Nebraska provides one of the premier athletic environments in the country, and I look forward to contributing to a culture defined by passion, pride and excellence. GBR!"

In addition to leading his athletes to success in competition, Wargo has been an innovator as a coach, a communicator and an inventor to help gymnasts across the country and around the world.

Along with elevating the Ascend Gymnastics program into a national power over the past several years, Wargo co-founded Best Darn Gymnastics as a resource for gymnasts, families and coaches. 

A leader in the gymnastics community, Wargo has held multiple positions of leadership, including as a member of the Region 2 Advisory Committee, the Region 5 Camp Committee and the Michigan State Administrative Committee. He also has been a lecturer and head clinician at many clinics, camps and state, regional and national congresses.

Wargo is also a designer/inventor and patent holder of gymnastics equipment through Tumbl Trak, including the Porcupine Pad (training aid for uneven bars). His Mountain Bar System hit the market in 2023 and has positively impacted training in gyms nationally and worldwide.

Originally from Hinsdale, Illinois, Wargo earned his bachelor's degree from James Madison in 2005 after serving as a team captain in the men's gymnastics program. He spent successful years building his knowledge while helping dozens of gymnasts earn NCAA Division I scholarships as a club coach in Michigan before taking on his role at Auburn Gymnastics in Washington, which eventually transitioned into Ascend Gymnastics.