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Red Rocks Reminisce on 2026 Season
4/24/2026 11:20 AM | Gymnastics
Utah Gymnastics reflected on year 51 successes at annual team banquet
SALT LAKE CITY— Year 51 didn't end the way the Red Rocks wanted but the team took time to reflect on the 2026 season, and the successes that did take place at their annual team banquet.
For the first time in program history, Utah Gymnastics did not compete at the National Championship, ending an incredible streak at 49 consecutive years, missing the mark by just .125 of a point at the Corvallis Regional Final.
While there is grief over the close of one long chapter in the Red Rocks' illustrious history, head coach Carly Dockendorf also shared a message of hope and determination with team 51 in her opening statements to the group.
"The work that we put in, it doesn't go wasted," Dockendorf said. "It really has laid the foundation for years to come. Truly, everybody came with their heart every single day in practice and that really is the standard of Utah Gymnastics—is to come and give it everything you have in the classroom, in the gym, with the relationships, and it truly is a part of our culture and takes the right people to be able to do that."
Despite missing Nationals, Utah did complete its 51st season ranked No. 10 or higher, won the Big 12 conference title in back-to-back seasons and extended their streak of consecutive conference titles to six—four in the Pac-12 starting in 2021 and the last two seasons in the Big 12.
The Red Rocks also boast consecutive seasons with the Regional Gymnast of the Year, Big 12 Gymnast of the Year, and having eight athletes named to All-Big 12 teams.
Additionally, Utah extended their All-American count and were well-represented by three individual competitors during the semifinal round at the NCAA National Championship.
2026's ending may have been different than the dream for the Red Rocks, but the goal is far from over. In fact, as Dockendorf stated, it is just beginning.
"This season didn't define our program. It was actually an opportunity for refinement moving forward. It was an opportunity for a fresh start and a new beginning, turning rejection into redirection. We did change a small piece of history this year but in doing so, we opened up a new space to compete free, fearlessly, and with a new focus. This team is going to be dangerous."
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2026 UTAH GYMNASTICS TEAM AWARD RECIPIENTS
FOLLOW THE RED ROCKS
For an inside look at the Utah Gymnastics program, including tournament, roster and news updates, fans can follow the Red Rocks on social media (TikTok: @utahgymnastics |Instagram: @utahgymnastics).
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL MOBILE APP OF THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH TODAY – UTAH 360
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For the first time in program history, Utah Gymnastics did not compete at the National Championship, ending an incredible streak at 49 consecutive years, missing the mark by just .125 of a point at the Corvallis Regional Final.
While there is grief over the close of one long chapter in the Red Rocks' illustrious history, head coach Carly Dockendorf also shared a message of hope and determination with team 51 in her opening statements to the group.
"The work that we put in, it doesn't go wasted," Dockendorf said. "It really has laid the foundation for years to come. Truly, everybody came with their heart every single day in practice and that really is the standard of Utah Gymnastics—is to come and give it everything you have in the classroom, in the gym, with the relationships, and it truly is a part of our culture and takes the right people to be able to do that."
Despite missing Nationals, Utah did complete its 51st season ranked No. 10 or higher, won the Big 12 conference title in back-to-back seasons and extended their streak of consecutive conference titles to six—four in the Pac-12 starting in 2021 and the last two seasons in the Big 12.
The Red Rocks also boast consecutive seasons with the Regional Gymnast of the Year, Big 12 Gymnast of the Year, and having eight athletes named to All-Big 12 teams.
Additionally, Utah extended their All-American count and were well-represented by three individual competitors during the semifinal round at the NCAA National Championship.
2026's ending may have been different than the dream for the Red Rocks, but the goal is far from over. In fact, as Dockendorf stated, it is just beginning.
"This season didn't define our program. It was actually an opportunity for refinement moving forward. It was an opportunity for a fresh start and a new beginning, turning rejection into redirection. We did change a small piece of history this year but in doing so, we opened up a new space to compete free, fearlessly, and with a new focus. This team is going to be dangerous."
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2026 UTAH GYMNASTICS TEAM AWARD RECIPIENTS
- Academic Award—Ella Zirbes
- Newcomer of the Year—Abbi Ryssman
- Oar Award—Elizabeth Gantner and Camie Winger
- Rising Excellence Award—Zoe Johnson
- MVP Award—Avery Neff
FOLLOW THE RED ROCKS
For an inside look at the Utah Gymnastics program, including tournament, roster and news updates, fans can follow the Red Rocks on social media (TikTok: @utahgymnastics |Instagram: @utahgymnastics).
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL MOBILE APP OF THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH TODAY – UTAH 360
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