Excitement Builds for Utah Gymnastics as They Head to 49th NCAA National Championship
SALT LAKE CITY – The fourth-ranked Utah Gymnastics team is poised to dazzle in Fort Worth, Texas, as they gear up for their 49th consecutive NCAA National Championship. Achieving their 35th Regional Final victory with an impressive score of 197.825, the Red Rocks have once again proven their mettle on the national stage.
NCAA Semifinals: A Closer Look
The excitement kicks off on Thursday, April 17, with the initial session of the NCAA Semifinals at 2:30 p.m. MT. This session features a powerhouse lineup, including No. 2 Oklahoma, No. 3 Florida, No. 7 Missouri, and No. 11 Alabama. However, all eyes will be on the Red Rocks as they shine in the later semifinal session at 7 p.m. MT, where they’ll face the formidable No. 1 LSU, No. 5 UCLA, and No. 8 Michigan State.
Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN2. Watching the performances of these elite teams will not only be thrilling, but it’s also a chance to witness gymnastics of the highest caliber. The top two teams from each semifinal will advance to the final showdown on Saturday, April 19, at 2 p.m. MT, which will be broadcast nationally on ABC.
In the Rankings: Dominance Across All Events
As the Red Rocks prepare for their championship bid, their consistent prowess is evident. After 14 weeks of competition, Utah is ranked in the top 10 for all four events:
- Vault: 6th
- Uneven Bars: 4th
- Balance Beam: 3rd
- Floor Exercise: 6th
- All-Around: 4th
Notably, Grace McCallum is shining, sitting tied for second on bars, tied for fourth on beam, and ranking ninth in the all-around. Teammate Makenna Smith is another standout, ranking fourth in vault and tenth in all-around. Such achievements showcase the depth of talent within this team, making them a formidable contender for the championship.
Shining Stars and Awards Season
In the lead-up to the championship meet, recognition has come pouring in for these remarkable athletes:
- McCallum was awarded the WCGA North Central Region Gymnast of the Year, while Cathy Badger, the sport supervisor, was named Administrator of the Year.
- Both McCallum and Avery Neff shone in their respective regions, clinching titles that add to their impressive resumes.
The accolades didn’t stop there: the Red Rocks celebrated the achievements of eight gymnasts who earned All-Big 12 Team honors at the conclusion of the season. This includes:
- All-Big 12 Vault Team: Smith, Ella Zirbes, Ashley Glynn, and McCallum
- All-Big 12 Bars Team: McCallum, Zirbes, and others
- All-Big 12 All-Around Team: McCallum and Smith
- Big 12 Gymnast of the Year: McCallum
- Big 12 Newcomer of the Year: Neff
Key Highlights and Quick Sticks
The Red Rocks’ legacy is unparalleled, as they:
- Prepare for their 49th-straight NCAA National Championship—the only program to achieve this feat.
- Have amassed 35 regional titles and are consistently at the top of the rankings.
- Hit the 198-mark twice this season, showcasing their scoring potential.
Head Coach Carly Dockendorf is in her second season, building upon the foundation laid in her historic debut year. It’s noteworthy that she became the first head coach in NCAA history to lead her team to the Final Four in her inaugural season.
Last Time Out: A Show of Strength
In their recent matchup, the No. 4 Red Rocks showcased their dominance by clinching first place at the Regional Final with a score of 197.825. McCallum continued her remarkable performance, winning the all-around with a stunning score of 39.725 that included a perfect 10.0 on bars. Freshman Zoe Johnson also made headlines with her first-ever win on vault, solidifying the Red Rocks’ momentum as they head into the championship.
As they prepare to take the national stage once again, the strategies and talent of the Utah Gymnastics team are sure to awe audiences and competitors alike. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or tuning in for the first time, you won’t want to miss what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in Utah’s gymnastics legacy.
For more information or to purchase tickets, you can visit the NCAA Ticket Office.
Let the countdown begin—GO RED ROCKS!
