For 49 years, the University of Utah’s gymnastics program has, at the very least, been a model of consistency, as it qualified for nationals in each of those years.
That streak was finally snapped last weekend, as the Red Rocks failed to make it out of their regional. That — combined with early-season struggles before they rebounded down the stretch before falling short — left some on the somewhat infamous “gymternet” saying that Utah athletic director Mark Harlan should at least consider firing head coach Carly Dockendorf.
On Thursday, however, essentially the opposite happened, as the university announced it had extended Dockendorf’s contract through 2031.
It’s a four-year extension for Dockendorf, who still has more than a year left on the deal she signed when she was first hired as the Red Rocks’ head coach in December 2023.
“Carly Dockendorf has done a tremendous job leading our gymnastics program in her first three years as head coach,” Harlan said in a statement. “She has developed her student-athletes, created a strong culture, and established her vision for the future of the Red Rocks program.
“The student-athletes in her program represent the University of Utah and the athletics department in exemplary fashion in the community, while achieving excellence in competition and the classroom. I’m thrilled to extend her contract through 2031.”
Said Dockendorf in a statement: “Thank you to Mark and the University of Utah for their continued belief in my vision for this program. My family and I feel so grateful to be part of a university that supports women’s gymnastics at the highest level and prioritizes a holistic approach to winning championships, while also developing the next generation of powerful women.
“What makes this university so special are the people who are here; the women on this team, the staff, the administration, and the community of people who continue to invest in the Red Rocks at every level.”
Although Dockendorf was the coach the season Utah’s illustrious streak was snapped, there have been positives during her time at the helm of the program.
Most notably, the Red Rocks have won three straight conference titles, and Dockendorf is the only head coach in NCAA gymnastics history to lead her team to the NCAA Finals in each of her first two seasons as a head coach.
A native of Canada, Dockendorf has been on Utah’s staff since 2018. She was a volunteer assistant coach for one season, then became the director of recruiting and player development for a season.
She was then elevated to assistant coach, a role she held from 2020-22 before being promoted to associate head coach for the 2023 season under Tom Farden.
In late November 2023, Utah and Farden parted ways amid allegations that Farden verbally and emotionally abused gymnasts.
