11/2/2026 4:23 PM | Men's Gymnastics
Bears Bring In Former National Champion
The California men's gymnastics team has hired former national champion Alexei Vernyi as an assistant coach, as announced by head coach Bryan Del Castillo on Monday.
"We are excited to welcome Alexei to our coaching staff," Del Castillo said. "Having been a strong competitor himself, he understands the commitment, discipline and competitive mindset it takes to succeed at the highest level. He brings extensive knowledge of gymnastics and a passion for helping athletes reach their potential. His experience and energy will be a tremendous addition to our program, and we look forward to the impact he will make on our team."
Vernyi comes to Berkeley with a wealth of experience as a gymnast at Oklahoma where he helped the team win a national championship in 2018 as a freshman, and achieve three national runner-up finishes in 2019, 2021, and 2022. He also served as the Sooners' team captain the final two years of his career and competed on the USA Junior National Team from 2015-2018.
"I'm very excited to be joining a program with a great gymnastics history," Vernyi said. "The team and staff are all incredibly talented. I'm looking forward to a fun season."
Prior to coming Cal, Vernyi spent the last four years coaching at the club level starting at the Cypress Academy of Gymnastics (2023-25) in Cypress, Texas, before going to Enrich Gymnastic and Dance Academy in Richmond, Texas, where he advanced from assistant coach to head coach in just four months.
STAY POSTED
For further coverage of Cal men's gymnastics, follow the Bears on X (@CalMGym) and Instagram (@calmwaterpolo).
-CalBears.com-
"We are excited to welcome Alexei to our coaching staff," Del Castillo said. "Having been a strong competitor himself, he understands the commitment, discipline and competitive mindset it takes to succeed at the highest level. He brings extensive knowledge of gymnastics and a passion for helping athletes reach their potential. His experience and energy will be a tremendous addition to our program, and we look forward to the impact he will make on our team."
Vernyi comes to Berkeley with a wealth of experience as a gymnast at Oklahoma where he helped the team win a national championship in 2018 as a freshman, and achieve three national runner-up finishes in 2019, 2021, and 2022. He also served as the Sooners' team captain the final two years of his career and competed on the USA Junior National Team from 2015-2018.
"I'm very excited to be joining a program with a great gymnastics history," Vernyi said. "The team and staff are all incredibly talented. I'm looking forward to a fun season."
Prior to coming Cal, Vernyi spent the last four years coaching at the club level starting at the Cypress Academy of Gymnastics (2023-25) in Cypress, Texas, before going to Enrich Gymnastic and Dance Academy in Richmond, Texas, where he advanced from assistant coach to head coach in just four months.
STAY POSTED
For further coverage of Cal men's gymnastics, follow the Bears on X (@CalMGym) and Instagram (@calmwaterpolo).
-CalBears.com-
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