The Red Rocks gymnastics team kicked off their 2026 season with a victory, but it wasn’t without its flaws. And this is the part most people miss: while they dominated two Big Ten opponents, the real story lies in the missed opportunities that could cost them in future meets. Here’s the full breakdown.
In their season debut at the Huntsman Center, the No. 5 ranked Red Rocks secured a solid 196.625 score, comfortably outpacing No. 15 Minnesota (195.475) and No. 22 Iowa (194.825). But as senior gymnast Makenna Smith pointed out, the night was a mix of highs and lows. ‘We had some very, very good highs, but there are definitely things we can learn from and improve on,’ she said. ‘It was a great learning opportunity, and I’m proud of everyone.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: with the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad looming next weekend—featuring powerhouses like No. 1 Oklahoma, No. 2 LSU, and No. 4 UCLA—can the Red Rocks tighten up their performance in time?
Utah head coach Carly Dockendorf acknowledged the team’s uneven focus, noting technical mistakes that aren’t typical in practice. ‘We need to keep our minds in the right spot,’ she said. ‘Next weekend is an even bigger meet, and unless we focus better, it might look similar to tonight.’ Bold statement alert: Is the team’s mental game strong enough to compete with the nation’s best?
One standout moment came from Avery Neff, the team’s sophomore leader, who faced uncharacteristic errors. Dockendorf, however, sees this as a turning point. ‘She’s going to be very hungry next Saturday,’ she said. ‘I have no doubt she’ll come back stronger.’ But the question remains: Can Neff bounce back under the pressure of a tougher meet?
Another highlight was Ella Zirbes’s first all-around competition in three seasons. The junior gymnast claimed the all-around crown with a 39.350, including a team-high 9.875 on beam—her first recorded score on the event in her collegiate career. ‘I’m on top of the world,’ Zirbes said. ‘Gratitude cancels out nerves, and that’s what I focused on.’ Her performance was a testament to hard work, but will it be enough to sustain her through the season’s tougher challenges?
Freshmen Bailey Stroud and Abby Ryssman also made their mark, earning spots in three events. Dockendorf praised their readiness, saying, ‘They proved tonight they’re capable of being in there next weekend.’ Thought-provoking question: Are these newcomers the secret weapon the Red Rocks need, or will their inexperience become a liability?
As the team moves forward, the real test lies ahead. Can they turn tonight’s lessons into next week’s triumphs? And what does this mean for their national championship aspirations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think the Red Rocks have what it takes to rise to the top, or will their missed opportunities come back to haunt them?
