After Saturday’s KSHSAA State Gymnastics Championships, head NHS gymnastics coach JoAnne Thaw will retire from the sport after an outstanding 50 year coaching career. 

"I can't believe it, really. Who would have thought I'd be coaching for 50 years? But it's been an incredible ride, and now it's time to pass the torch,” Thaw said.

Thaw came to Newton 50 years ago when her husband, Jack, got a job coaching wrestling. 

In her first year, she volunteered as an assistant coach because there was not a paid assistant position. The school told her they’d pay her at the end of the season if they had money, and they did, but Thaw says she did that year for fun.

The next year, the head coach departed unexpectedly and Thaw became head coach. She was nervous about the time commitment with having two little children at home.

“It was hard but I went ahead and took the job and I haven't regretted it since,” Thaw said. 

Thaw looks back at her career with big moments, like state championships, sticking out. But her legacy is in the relationships she has made with former athletes. She proudly reports of the weddings and other big life events of her former gymnastics students she attends to this day.

The Thaws raised their four children in Newton, with sons “JJ” and Justin and daughters Jahree’ and Jenee’ playing multiple sports. Their legacy is visible in Newton High School’s Thaw Family Sports Complex where sports like gymnastics, cheerleading and wrestling practice. 

Getting to coach her granddaughter also sticks out in her memory.

“The best memory I have is the people, parents, girls I’ve coached. They will remain in my heart forever,” Thaw said.

Thaw says she also established the elementary physical education program in USD 373. She then taught PE at Santa Fe for 30 years and finished her last year at Sunset Elementary.

She’s also known around town for owning The Flip Flop Shop, a gymnastics and fitness center on Sixth Street. She recently sold the shop to a new couple after her 38 years of ownership.

In her retirement, Thaw plans to continue to judge gymnastics and spend more time with her children and grandchildren.