Rutgers gymnastics head coach
Umme Salim-Beasley has officially hired Danielle DeMarco as the fourth member of the coaching staff in a new position for the Scarlet Knights in 2023-24. DeMarco, formerly D'Elia, is a former Rutgers gymnast from 2011-13, an assistant coach with the program from 2014-17, and has experience working with Elite level gymnasts.
DeMarco had a positive impact on the team as the beam volunteer coach during a record-breaking 2023 season. She helped the beam lineup set a program record of a 49.375 in January. They closed out the regular season with a new program record on beam of 49.400.
"We are excited to have Danielle back at Rutgers in a full-time capacity," Salim-Beasley said. "She did an incredible job coaching beam last season as our volunteer assistant. Danielle gained valuable experience coaching Elite level gymnasts during her time away from coaching college gymnastics. Her expertise with technique and execution will help us on every event. Being a Rutgers gymnastics alumnus and former assistant coach, she has the background and knowledge necessary to immediately relate to all aspects of our program. We fully expect to have our performance level increase with the addition of Danielle to our staff."
DeMarco was part of the staff in 2014 that coached the squad to a berth in the NCAA Regionals as a team. RU registered six of the top 10 scores in program history at the time, including a school-record 196.225.
"I am grateful to be back at Rutgers," DeMarco said. "It's exciting to have the opportunity to give back to my alma mater during a history-making era. I believe in Umme's vision and the chemistry of our staff to continue elevating Rutgers Gymnastics to new heights."
DeMarco competed as a student-athlete for Rutgers gymnastics from 2011-13 and was named EAGL Second Team All-Floor Exercise twice. She recorded marks of 9.900 on both floor exercise and uneven bars during her career. In addition, D'Elia earned an individual spot at NCAA Regionals in 2011 and was named to the EAGL All-Academic Team.
Other coaching spots include Monmouth gymnastics, where she coached levels 4-10 and mentored multiple state champion.
Earning a degree in journalism and media studies from Rutgers, DeMarco is a native of Colts Neck, N.J., and attended Colts Neck High School.
