After Tom Farden parted ways with the University of Utah gymnastics program last month, the Red Rocks were in search of a new leader.
They’ve found one with a familiar face.
Carly Dockendorf was named the team’s head coach moving forward, the university announced Thursday afternoon. She was named interim coach after Farden was placed on leave and ultimately left the program amid accusations that he had verbally and emotionally abused his athletes and staff members.
“Carly is a tremendous leader who cares deeply about the student-athletes in our gymnastics program and is the perfect person to be the program’s next head coach,” Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said in a statement. “Carly is highly respected in the gymnastics coaching community and her track record shows a deep commitment to helping student-athletes reach their potential and pursue greatness.”
Dockendorf started with the Red Rocks as a volunteer head coach in 2018 before being promoted to Director of Recruiting Development the following year. She was named an assistant coach in 2020 and then became associate head coach under Farden in 2022.
“It is a dream come true to be named the new head coach of the Utah Gymnastics family and lead this spectacular program into the future,” Dockendorf said in a statement. “This team is full of courage, tenacity and strength, and I am truly excited to have this opportunity to work alongside them and celebrate their brilliant talent with the No. 1 fans in the country.”
