Red Rocks head coach Carly Dockendorf is taking her team out of its comfort zone. Her vision is to make her athletes think beyond the competition.

As reported by the University of Utah Athletics Department, the Red Rocks will travel to Ensign Global University in Ghana for a cultural exchange. Scheduled for June, the initiative is sponsored by Who Rocks the House and Redmond Farms.

Reflecting on the cultural exchange, Dockendorf explains that the program focuses on the holistic development of athletes.

“Creating an environment where our women can continue to develop the skills and character needed to make a meaningful impact in the world,” she stated, as per Utah Utes.

Dockendorf views the upcoming journey as important for the team to test themselves beyond their usual surroundings. She highlighted the advantages of this program.

“New perspectives, purposeful service, and formulate meaningful relationships," Dockendorf stated.

Dr. Steve Alder, President of Ensign Global University, expressed delight with the project.

“We are honoured to host the Red Rocks on one of the University of Utah's premier global experiential learning programs," he stated.

The long trip will give the squad exposure to multiple regions through learning and cultural activities. According to Alder, the activities are directly tied to the core principle of the mission.

“Service-learning initiatives that support socioeconomic development in Ghana,” he stated.

This strong alliance between the two universities has led to important progress in the local community. It focused on empowering women, business development, and training them as leaders.

Senior Liz Ganter, who has been with the team for three years, addressed the trip to Ghana and the chance to experience its culture.

 "I am beyond excited to get this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with my team by my side," she stated.

This journey marks a shift for the Red Rocks after their underwhelming season.

Red Rocks Had a Disappointing Season

Utah’s Red Rocks entered 2026 with high standards but faced major roadblocks that cut short their season.

After winning the Big 12 gymnastics championships in March with a high score of 197.675, they failed to reach the NCAA regional finals. The team scored 197.500 and finished third in the Corvallis Regional Final, and could not secure the top two positions to qualify further.

This was a major upset for the Red Rocks, as the team had qualified for the NCAA championships for 49 consecutive seasons. While reflecting on her team's season, Dockendorf reminded everyone about their unmatched excellence.

“No one is ever going to take away 49 years of going to a national championship,” she told Deseret News. “Just because the consecutive streak may have ended, that history is set in stone, and it truly is untouchable.”

Furthermore, Dockendorf claimed that the team will grow stronger from this experience.

“Everybody had to endure a lot of hardships, and I think that’s one thing that’s really going to grow us as a team,” she stated.

The Red Rocks are already planning for next season and have added USA National Team coach Steve Arkell to Dockendorf's coaching staff. With 40 years of experience, Arkell will coach the team's bar program.

Read more at Gymnastics Digest.

Written by

Sebi Mehta

Edited by

Sijo Paul