Get to Know the Alabama Gymnastics Coaching Staff – Amelia Hundley

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – How do you want to be remembered? These seven words have now become a foundation to be built upon as Amelia Hundley enters her second season as an Alabama gymnastics assistant coach.

Prior to the start of the 2024-25 athletics season, we caught up with Hundley for a Q&A in the third installment of our series, Get to Know the Alabama Gymnastics Coaching Staff.

Get to Know: Assistant Coach Amelia Hundley

What drew you to the sport of gymnastics?

I grew up tumbling at my mom's dance studio, and from the start, I was eager to "flip like the big girls." The thrill of achieving a goal, whether learning a new skill for the first time or celebrating a championship victory, was always a driving force for me. I also love the technique of the sport and the challenge of connecting your mind and body. There is something really cool about accomplishing something you didn't think was possible, especially doing it with some incredible people by your side!

What was the best piece of advice you received from one of your coaches?

There are so many great pieces of advice throughout the years that I still apply daily – it's hard to pick just one. One that comes to mind are "how do you want to be remembered?" I remember repeating this phrase on hard days as an athlete, and still (today) as a coach. So many things in this life are out of our control. I always had control over my work ethic and attitude, and that is how I want to be remembered. Another one that I love is "it's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it." Again, there's something really powerful about wholeheartedly going after a mission with a team and accomplishing something amazing.

What do you hope to instill to the current Alabama gymnasts?

Love this question! I want them to know how capable they are of achieving greatness in all things – in the gym, in the classroom and in life. There is such a unique opportunity to be a part of Alabama gymnastics for four years and I want to help them maximize their time and be ready and equipped with the tools to conquer their life after. It is my job, as a coach, to create an environment where they feel safe, loved and respected as people first. I think when you have that open communication and really understand your athlete, that's when greatness happens.

What are you most excited about for the 2025 season?

There's so much to be excited about right now for Alabama gymnastics! We're building on a legacy of excellence that's both inspiring and motivating. Growing up, I admired this program, so it still feels like a dream to be here and to work with the incredible team Ashley (Johnston) has put together. I feel really grateful to work with such dedicated athletes and exceptional individuals who are committed to growth in every aspect. I'm especially excited about our approach to tackling challenges, and I believe you'll see that come to fruition during this season. We have big goals that we are on a mission to accomplish, and accomplish them the right way. I truly believe we're on the verge of something extraordinary!

You're stranded on a deserted island and are only allowed one other coaching staff member to help you survive – who are you picking and why?

I'd pick all of them! We work incredibly well together, thanks to a strong foundation of trust and respect. Our diverse backgrounds and unique approaches complement each other, always prioritizing what's best for our student-athletes. If I had to choose just one, though, I'd probably go with Ross (Thompson). His ability to create something out of nothing and find solutions would be very helpful in a tough situation. For any four of us, though, I think with our collective passion and determination, we'd definitely find a way to make it back to Bama Gym!

– UA –

University of Alabama Athletics