Bob Starkell

Biography

Bob Starkell finished his 15th season as an assistant coach for NC State gymnastics in the 2026, focusing primarily on uneven bars. Starkell has enjoyed a successful tenure in Raleigh after being named to his position with the Wolfpack on September 12, 2011. Starkell's bars unit had a strong 2026 season, setting a new program record with a 49.500 against West Virginia on March 13. During that meet, the assistant coach guided Elle Hadrick to a 9.975 bars routine against the Mountaineers, which tied the best individual score in the team's history. As a collective, Starkell helped the Wolfpack to a 17-11 season that included a 4-2 mark in ACC dual meets, a 6-1 record at home and the team's 35th all-time NCAA Regionals berth. In 2025, he helped guide the Pack to its 34th consecutive NCAA Regional appearance, with the team finishing the season ranked No. 20 in the country and No. 23 on bars. Throughout the year, he coached three gymnasts to scores of at least 9.900 in the event. In 2024, alongside the rest of the coaching staff, Starkell helped lead the Wolfpack to both the ACC regular season and championship titles, as well as an NCAA Tournament appearance. That season, NC State recorded the second and third highest scores in program history, a 197.575 against Clemson on February 17 and a 197.550 at the ACC Championship on March 23. In the win over the Tigers, the team recorded its season best bars score with a 49.950. Additionally in 2024, three members of the Pack earned spots