It didn’t take long for Avery Neff to make a case for being the best gymnast on the University of Utah’s women’s gymnastics team.
Through the first three meets of the 2025 season, Neff — ranked the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class by College Gym News — is tied with Grace McCallum for the most scores of 9.9 or better by any Red Rock this year, with five in total.
And to be clear, Neff is a freshman in her first year of college gymnastics.
But Neff, who is nothing less than a burgeoning superstar for the Red Rocks, won’t have the opportunity to further impress. At least not for awhile, in a best case sort of scenario.
On Monday, Utah gymnastics announced that Neff is out for the foreseeable future with pair of ankle injuries suffered in Utah’s win over Iowa State on Friday night.
In a statement, Neff said: “Thank you to everyone for the incredible support and love over these last few days. After sustaining a severe sprain in both ankles this weekend, I’m grateful to share that it’s nothing worse. Injuries are a part of this sport and unfortunately a part of my journey this year. It’s a challenge I’ll overcome, and I know God has a greater plan for me.
“I’m confident the team will continue to perform strong in my absence. I’ll be cheering them on every step of the way and can’t wait to be back, stronger than ever, in no time.”
According to Harvard Health, a Grade 3 sprain, which involves a full tear or rupture of ligaments, brings with it “severe pain, swelling, tenderness, and bruising. Considerable instability, loss of function and range of motion. Unable to bear weight or walk.”
Recovery time for a Grade 3 sprain can be several months.
A Grade 2 sprain, which involves a partial tear of ligaments, brings with it “moderate pain, swelling, and tenderness. Possible bruising. Mild to moderate joint instability. Some loss of range of motion and function. Pain with weight bearing and walking,” per Harvard Health.
Recovery time for a Grade 2 sprain is three to six weeks.
Neff was injured on her final tumbling pass during her floor routine. When she went to punch off the ground late in the pass, her feet slipped and she punched off the floor with both of her ankles bearing the brunt of the force.
When she landed, she collapsed on the floor, holding onto the her left ankle. After receiving treatment from University of Utah staff, she was carried off the floor, unable to put any weight on her ankles.
It remains to be seen if Neff will be able to compete again this season.
If Utah advances all the way to the 2025 national championships, it will have been 90 days since Neff’s injury.
Utah is prepared to move forward without their star freshman, though her absence will be significant.
“This is why we are a team,” Utah head coach Carly Dockendorf said. “This is why we always say you have to be ready when you name is called. It is going to be important for us have that next group of girls ready to go on those events.”