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Red Rocks Embark on Cultural Exchange Trip to Ghana
5/27/2026 3:08 PM | Gymnastics
Utah Gymnastics set to learn abroad thanks to Ghana’s Ensign Global University
SALT LAKE CITY— The Red Rocks are set to embark on a cultural exchange trip to Ghana at the beginning of June thanks to Who Rocks the House, Redmond Farms, and a longstanding partnership between the University of Utah and Ghana's Ensign Global University.
"Our program is built on creating an environment where our women can continue to develop the skills and character needed to make a meaningful impact in the world," Utah Gymnastics head coach Carly Dockendorf said. "This cultural exchange in Ghana will provide opportunities for new perspectives, purposeful service, and formulate meaningful relationships. We are incredibly grateful for our generous partners like Who Rocks the House and Redmond Farms, whose support and shared commitment to our values have made this experience possible. We also look forward to learning from Dr. Steve Alder, who has dedicated decades at Utah to creating life-changing experiences for students and is now doing the same with the Red Rocks."
The Red Rocks' trip to Ghana will give the team a chance to experience the country through service, learning and cultural activities across several regions. During the week, the gymnasts will visit Kakum National Park and its canopy walk, tour the historic Elmina Castle, take part in community and educational activities at Ensign Global University, and host a gymnastics workshop for local students. The group will also visit healthcare and community development programs, enjoy a river cruise along the Volta River, and travel to northern Ghana for a safari experience and a visit to the historic Larabanga Mosque.
"We are honored to host the Red Rocks on one of the University of Utah's premier global experiential learning programs," said Dr. Alder who serves as a professor and executive director at the Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity as well as president of Ensign Global University. "Through the University of Utah–Ensign Global University partnership, these exceptional student-athletes will share their talents and dedicate their time through service-learning initiatives that support socioeconomic development in Ghana."
For more than a decade, the University of Utah has partnered with Ensign Global University in Kpong, Ghana, on programs centered around health, education, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Through the U's Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity, hundreds of students from the U and other universities across the U.S. have participated in cultural exchange and service opportunities that connect classroom learning with hands-on work in Ghanaian communities. Over the years, the partnership has contributed to initiatives involving health care access, women's empowerment, business development, and leadership training, while building strong ties between Utah and West Africa.
"By sharing the story behind the Red Rocks brand with our global partners, we aim to broaden perspectives and foster meaningful cultural exchange," Alder continued. "This experience will create lasting impact and mutual benefit for years to come through firsthand engagement by these remarkable gymnasts in African development efforts."
The Red Rocks teased their impending trip earlier in the year after announcing their NIL partnership with Redmond Farms at the beginning of the 2026 season.
"Being a part of this team for the past three years, I have been part of countless unique experiences, but this upcoming cultural exchange trip is unlike anything we have done before," senior Liz Gantner said. "I am beyond excited to get this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with my team by my side. We are ready to immerse ourselves into the community and culture of Ghana and look forward to being part of something special."
Since taking over the Utah Gymnastics program in 2024, Dockendorf has emphasized building a culture where athletes strive for excellence not only in competition, but also in leadership and personal growth with the goal of making a meaningful impact in their communities beyond gymnastics.
"I could not be more excited to go to Ghana," senior Camie Winger said. "This will be such a unique experience for our team as many of us, including myself, have never been outside of the country. Having the opportunity to build connections abroad and serve communities in a cultural exchange—to be a part of something much bigger than gymnastics is such a blessing. I'm so grateful for this program and its value not just in excellent athletics but also in community and service. I think experiences like this help remind us how much bigger life is than gymnastics, and I'm excited to learn from the people of Ghana and gain new perspectives while hopefully making a positive impact in return. This team's culture is built on gratitude, love, and support for one another, and this trip will be nothing short of that."
For more information about the University of Utah's Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity, visit prosperityu.utah.edu. For more information about Ensign Global University, visit ensign.edu.gh.Â
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For an inside look at the Utah Gymnastics program, fans can follow the Red Rocks on social media (TikTok: @utahgymnastics |Instagram: @utahgymnastics).
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