What's Happening?
The University of Utah's gymnastics team, the Red Rocks, began their 2026 season with a victory over two Big Ten opponents, Minnesota and Iowa, at the Huntsman Center. The team scored 196.625, surpassing Minnesota's 195.475 and Iowa's 194.825. Despite the win, the team identified several areas for improvement. Senior gymnast Makenna Smith and head coach Carly Dockendorf acknowledged the meet as a learning opportunity, emphasizing the need to refine technical skills ahead of a more challenging upcoming meet against top-ranked teams like Oklahoma, LSU, and UCLA. Notable performances included Ella Zirbes' debut in the all-around competition, where she excelled with a score of 39.350, and freshmen Bailey Stroud and Abby Ryssman, who made significant
contributions in their first collegiate meet.
Why It's Important?
The Red Rocks' performance sets the tone for their season, highlighting both their potential and the challenges they face. As a top-ranked team, their ability to identify and address weaknesses early in the season is crucial for maintaining competitive edge against higher-ranked opponents. The meet also showcased the depth of the team, with strong performances from both seasoned athletes and newcomers. This balance of experience and fresh talent is vital for sustaining the team's success throughout the season. The upcoming meet against top-ranked teams will be a significant test of their progress and ability to compete at the highest level.
What's Next?
The Red Rocks are preparing for the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad, where they will face No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 2 LSU, and No. 4 UCLA. This meet will be a critical opportunity for the team to demonstrate improvements and compete against some of the best teams in the nation. Coach Dockendorf plans to maintain the current lineup, believing in the athletes' capabilities to rise to the occasion. The team's focus will be on refining technical skills and maintaining mental focus to perform at their best in this high-stakes competition.
