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University of North Carolina Athletics
Sami Durante Added To Gymnastics Coaching Staff
August 1, 2023 | Women's Gymnastics
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Former Louisiana State University standout Sami Durante has joined the University of North Carolina gymnastics staff as an assistant coach ahead of the 2023-24 season, as announced by head coach Danna Durante on Tuesday.
In this role, Sami Durante will be assuming all director of operations responsibilities as well as assisting on all four events.Â
"We are beyond excited to welcome Sami Durante to Carolina. Her passion runs deep for the sport of gymnastics, she is equally passionate about empowering young people," said Danna Durante. "Her experience as an elite gymnast and Division 1, Power 5 student-athlete will contribute tremendous insight and perspective for our team. Sami's addition to our staff strengthens and enhances our ability to provide a well-rounded, rich experience for our student-athletes."
A five-year letterwinner for the Tigers, Sami Durante specialized in bars, beam and vault and served as LSU's anchor on bars for three straight years. She earned WCGA Regular Season All-America recognition on bars in both 2021 and 2022.
She was part of an NCAA Championship squad each year during her time in Baton Rouge, finishing as high as second in the team final as a sophomore. She was also a member of two Southeastern Conference championship teams and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team as a rookie.
Durante was twice nominated for the prestigious AAI Award, given to the top gymnast in the nation.
At the conclusion of her competitive career, Durante stayed on staff with LSU as a graduate assistant during the 2022-23 season where she aided the staff with day-to-day operations of the program.Â
The Tigers experienced a successful season with Durante on staff in 2023, winning their NCAA semifinal and advancing to the team final for the ninth time in school history.Â
"I am so grateful for the amazing opportunity to join the UNC Gymnastics program," said Sami Durante. "I am excited to help contribute to the forward progress of this program as we continue to make great strides each year. It is an honor to have the opportunity to share my experiences and gain new perspectives as I begin working with these incredible student-athletes. I can't wait to see what we accomplish together. Go Heels!"
A native of Athens, Georgia, Durante competed for Georgia Elite Gymnastics and was a three-time Junior Olympic Nationals qualifier.Â
A two-time graduate of LSU, Durante earned her bachelor's degree in sport administration with a double minor in business and leadership and human resource development in May 2021. She recently earned her master's in sport management in May 2023.
Excelling in the classroom just like on the mats, Durante was a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection, LSU President's Honor Roll recipient and earned WCGA Academic All-America honors. She was also the SEC Community Service Award winner. Â
Stay up to date with Carolina Gymnastics by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
In this role, Sami Durante will be assuming all director of operations responsibilities as well as assisting on all four events.Â
"We are beyond excited to welcome Sami Durante to Carolina. Her passion runs deep for the sport of gymnastics, she is equally passionate about empowering young people," said Danna Durante. "Her experience as an elite gymnast and Division 1, Power 5 student-athlete will contribute tremendous insight and perspective for our team. Sami's addition to our staff strengthens and enhances our ability to provide a well-rounded, rich experience for our student-athletes."
A five-year letterwinner for the Tigers, Sami Durante specialized in bars, beam and vault and served as LSU's anchor on bars for three straight years. She earned WCGA Regular Season All-America recognition on bars in both 2021 and 2022.
She was part of an NCAA Championship squad each year during her time in Baton Rouge, finishing as high as second in the team final as a sophomore. She was also a member of two Southeastern Conference championship teams and was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team as a rookie.
Durante was twice nominated for the prestigious AAI Award, given to the top gymnast in the nation.
At the conclusion of her competitive career, Durante stayed on staff with LSU as a graduate assistant during the 2022-23 season where she aided the staff with day-to-day operations of the program.Â
The Tigers experienced a successful season with Durante on staff in 2023, winning their NCAA semifinal and advancing to the team final for the ninth time in school history.Â
"I am so grateful for the amazing opportunity to join the UNC Gymnastics program," said Sami Durante. "I am excited to help contribute to the forward progress of this program as we continue to make great strides each year. It is an honor to have the opportunity to share my experiences and gain new perspectives as I begin working with these incredible student-athletes. I can't wait to see what we accomplish together. Go Heels!"
A native of Athens, Georgia, Durante competed for Georgia Elite Gymnastics and was a three-time Junior Olympic Nationals qualifier.Â
A two-time graduate of LSU, Durante earned her bachelor's degree in sport administration with a double minor in business and leadership and human resource development in May 2021. She recently earned her master's in sport management in May 2023.
Excelling in the classroom just like on the mats, Durante was a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection, LSU President's Honor Roll recipient and earned WCGA Academic All-America honors. She was also the SEC Community Service Award winner. Â
Stay up to date with Carolina Gymnastics by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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