Abby Mueller enters her first season as an assistant coach for the Illinois women's gymnastics program heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

Mueller spent her collegiate career with the Fighting Illini during the 2021-24 seasons, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors during her sophomore, junior, and senior years. A native of Rochester, Minnesota, Mueller holds the program’s third-best floor score with her 9.950 at Nebraska in 2024.

“I’m incredibly honored to return to the University of Illinois as an assistant coach,” Mueller said. “I believe in the vision Josh brings and the culture we’re building: one grounded in trust, hard work, and high standards. As a former Illini, it’s personal for me. I’m committed to helping our student-athletes grow, both inside and outside of the gym, while building a championship culture that reflects a path of excellence for Illinois gymnastics.”

Graduating in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in recreation, sport, and tourism, Mueller competed for one season with Nilson, appearing in all 16 meets and setting new career-best marks on floor and all-around as a senior.

She spent the 2025 season at Missouri, where she secured the leadoff position on vault in the first three meets of the campaign before holding the leadoff spot on beam in the last three meets of the year. Mueller also helped the Tigers record their best beam score in program history (49.575 at Arkansas).