Utah’s gymnastics team has thrived on the competition floor throughout its existence, collecting championships, All-America honors and conference titles. It’s a program alumni often return to, and faithful fans pack the Huntsman Center and catch their Red Rocks on TV.
Some of the team’s biggest fans come from the local nonprofit Sammy’s Buddy Program, which has a mission to “normalize difference and build community and connection between students with and without disabilities” and has been partnering with the Red Rocks for the past several years.
“The partnership between University of Utah gymnastics and Sammy’s Buddy Program really began with shared community members who believed deeply in both organizations,” said Sammy’s Buddy Utah Executive Director Anne Kimble.
“These were supporters who love Utah gymnastics and also care about building belonging for students with disabilities. They saw the heart of both groups and had a vision.”
What has evolved from the partnership has been a lot of fun, skill building and friendships. Sammy’s students have been able to attend events at the gymnastics facility, where they have learned skills and been able to ask questions.
Gymnasts also ask questions of Sammy’s students, as many engage in several other activities and sports.
“Being able to give back to anyone and everyone who’s helped push us in any way is just amazing,” said Utah gymnast Makenna Smith. “Working with the Sammy’s (Buddy) kids is so inspiring because they have such a joy for life.”
Added Utah head coach Carly Dockendorf: “I think the work our athletes do with Sammy’s Buddy Program, and other organizations, creates an opportunity to focus on the student and person side rather than the focus always being on the athlete side. We also discuss as a team about the platform we have and how we can use it to give back to the community.”
Kimble said Utah’s gymnasts have all worked with the program in some capacity. Smith and Olivia Kennedy planned an event earlier this year that included representatives from all of Utah’s athletics teams connecting with Sammy’s students.
Elizabeth Gantner, meanwhile, was honored by the University of Utah for her work with the program. The junior gymnast was named the Lowell Bennion Center for Community Engagement’s recipient of the 2025 Utah Athletes in Service Award.
Gantner contributed over 120 hours of service during the last academic year, mostly with Primary Children’s Hospital and Sammy’s Buddy Program.
“I think that doing some community service and giving back in general is something that lets me take a step back from everything going on and gives me some much-needed perspective,” Gantner said.
“I feel like I’ve had a lot of growth from service experiences, and I think there is a lot of love and gratitude between everyone involved.”
A highlight of the Sammy’s partnership was at the Best of Utah Meet earlier this season. The Who Rocks the House collective that supports the Red Rocks invited Sammy’s students to create a welcome tunnel for the Beehive State’s four collegiate gymnastics teams competing in the meet.
Two of those helping form the tunnel were sisters and unified partners Jaymi and Bryn Bonner. The pair participates in Sammy’s Buddy Program and dubbed gymnastics as their favorite since Bryn was a gymnast and knows several athletes across the four squads, while Jaymi participates in cheer, dance and swimming through Sammy’s and Special Olympics of Utah.
Jaymi has also attended the events the Red Rocks have hosted, and said she loves the team’s leotards and how much fun they have together.
While current Red Rocks enjoy discussing their longtime and more recent community partnerships, that commitment can also impact recruiting.
“The community is one of the biggest things that drew me in when I was being recruited,” said the senior captain Smith. “As much as we rely on support from our community, I think that’s the reason as to why we should give back.
“Without their support, Utah Gymnastics wouldn’t be the dynasty that it is today. I also just love meeting gymnastics fans.”
The partnership has proven to be a favorite of both the Utah gymnastics and Sammy’s Buddy Program. This is evident by the ongoing energy focused on brainstorming what the next meet up will be.
“Partnerships like this remind us that inclusion isn’t one-sided,” Kimble said. “In our buddy program, students gain confidence, connection and the powerful experience of being seen by athletes they admire, and the gymnasts gain something just as meaningful— perspective, leadership, and the understanding that their platform can create belonging.
“When student-athletes from the University of Utah choose to show up for our kids, it sends a powerful message: You matter here. Our buddy program students light up with confidence and joy, and the gymnasts grow as leaders who understand that true excellence includes lifting others. Everyone walks away changed.”
Up next
Utah hosts Southern Utah Friday at 7 p.m. at the Huntsman Center. Both teams are coming off season highs, with No. 13 Utah earning a 198.025 at home, and SUU notching a 196.825 on the road.