The University of Utah’s twelfth-ranked women’s gymnastics team will compete against the fifth-ranked UCLA Bruins in their last regular season meet on March 14 at Pauley Pavilion. The event is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Mountain Time and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.
This matchup marks the end of the regular season for both teams and comes as Utah seeks to continue its strong performance. Head coach Carly Dockendorf, now in her third year leading the Red Rocks and ninth overall with Utah Gymnastics, has guided the team through an undefeated Big 12 conference run this year (6-0), securing the Big 12 Regular Season Title.
The Red Rocks have demonstrated depth and consistency throughout the season, returning twelve athletes from last year’s squad, including senior Makenna Smith and sophomore Avery Neff. Four freshmen—Norah Christian, Sage Curtis, Abbi Ryssman, and Bailey Stroud—have joined the roster. Notably, Utah posted its second-highest score of the season (197.650) during a recent tri-meet against West Virginia and BYU, with standout performances from seniors on Senior Day.
Smith was named Big 12 Gymnast of the Week after her Senior Day showing, while Ashley Glynn earned her first conference recognition as Big 12 Specialist of the Week. Ella Zirbes claimed the all-around title with a career-high score at that meet. The team also achieved a season-high score of 198.025 against BYU earlier this year and set a new program bars record for the current season.
Dockendorf made history in 2024 by becoming the first head coach in NCAA history to lead a team to a Final Four appearance in her debut year as head coach. The Red Rocks return eighteen routines from last year’s fourth-place NCAA Championships finish and feature three All-Americans: Smith (ten times), Neff (four times), and Zirbes (three times).
Looking ahead, Utah will defend its title at the Big 12 Championship on March 21 at Maverik Center. Fans can attend or watch live coverage on ESPNU.
