The Red Rocks were picked fifth overall behind top pick and reigning champion Oklahoma, followed by No. 2 LSU, No. 3 Florida and No. 4 UCLA. Oklahoma received 39 first-place votes compared to Utah’s one. It also means the Red Rocks can continue to fly under the radar and do their thing without much added pressure.
Utah’s gymnastics team finds itself in a familiar spot as far as the preseason coaches rankings go.
The Red Rocks were picked fifth overall behind top pick and reigning champion Oklahoma, followed by No. 2 LSU, No. 3 Florida and No. 4 UCLA. Oklahoma received 39 first-place votes compared to Utah’s one.
Fifth is a spot that shows Utah remains in the conversation among the group all vying for another title. It also means the Red Rocks can continue to fly under the radar and do their thing without much added pressure.
“I get it, you look on paper and many of those teams in front of us have more national champions, Olympic athletes and elite national team members, so it’s easy to put your chips down on those kids,” said Utah coach Carly Dockendorf.
“I don’t really focus too much on the number, and I don’t think our team does either.”
For Utah, the focus has been on the building blocks for an aggressive start to the season after finishing fourth at the 2025 NCAA Championships.
That focus will get its first test this Friday at 7 p.m. when the Red Rocks host No. 15 Minnesota and No. 22 Iowa in the Huntsman Center.
“Normally at this time of year we are still trying to get consistent with our routines,” Dockendorf said, “but I really feel like we’re already there and we’re already dialing in on the landings and details, which is something that tends to happen later for us.”
Dockendorf credits her gymnasts for an outstanding offseason and preseason for why they are ahead of schedule. Utah’s depth is also going to be a big factor as the team is expected to repeat as the Big 12 regular season and postseason champion.
“Our team is in a really great spot right now, and I think they are really starting to believe in themselves and in this team and what we are capable of,” Dockendorf said.
Lineups
Dockendorf doesn’t release lineups early, not even to her gymnasts, so fans won’t know until Friday’s meet who the Red Rocks put out on the floor.
The squad doesn’t see it as a disadvantage because it means gymnasts are always practicing events and pushing themselves and their teammates to be better with that coveted nod possible at any time.
“I think that just builds everybody’s confidence up that they know that they could step into that spot if they were needed,” said senior Makenna Smith.
Dockendorf is excited about this year’s roster, which is led by Smith, a 10-time All-American who has missed on only one of her 172 career routines while winning 34 event titles.
Sophomore Avery Neff, last year’s Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and regional all-around and vault champion, is Utah’s other big scorer, while juniors Ella Zirbes and Camie Winger also bring experience across events.
Utah has added a great newcomer class in Norah Christian, Sage Curtis, Abbi Ryssman and Bailey Stroud, all of whom are expected to compete for spots in the lineup.
Utah’s depth means it won’t just be these freshmen breaking into lineups this season, though.
“I think they’ve pushed each other a lot,” Dockendorf said of her gymnasts. “People have really stepped up this fall. People can be juniors and have never competed in an event and are going to compete it.”
Huntsman vibe
Utah’s fanbase is one of the most engaged in the nation, and one of the most educated. That means they aren’t afraid to let the judges know their dislike of scores for their Red Rocks, and often for other teams.
The Huntsman Center averages over 12,000 rowdy fans, which is a big home floor advantage but also takes some adjusting compared to junior and elite level meets.
“We’re trying our best to prepare (the freshmen) in every way we can — little tips and tricks along the way and how it might feel,” Smith said.
The senior admits it really is about getting the first meet under their belts.
“There is nothing you can do to simulate all of those fans, the feeling of the Huntsman,” she added.
After this
It’s a busy January for the Red Rocks with two more quad meets coming up after Friday’s opener.
The first is the Sprouts Farmers Market Quad Meet against top four opponents Oklahoma, LSU and UCLA on Jan. 10. This meet is a big early season outing to give Utah a sense of how it stacks up against other high level teams’ scoring.
After that, it’s the Best of Utah Meet on Jan. 12 with SUU, BYU and Utah State joining the Red Rocks.
Both meets will be hosted at the Maverik Center.
Category: General Sports
