Utah Gymnast Avery Neff Shines in Sophomore Season

Neff's strong work ethic and competitive drive have led to early success for the Red Rocks.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Sophomore gymnast Avery Neff has gotten off to an impressive start to her second season with the University of Utah Red Rocks. Neff won the all-around in a recent meet against Arizona State and recorded the team's first perfect 10 score of the season. Her coach Carly Dockendorf praised Neff's hard work and renewed enjoyment in competing, which has been the key to her early success.

Why it matters

Neff's breakout sophomore campaign is an encouraging sign for the Red Rocks, one of the top gymnastics programs in the country. As a leader on the team, Neff's dedication and competitive spirit set an example for her teammates and help continue the program's rich legacy of excellence.

The details

Neff's second year with the Red Rocks has been marked by several standout performances. In a meet against Arizona State on Jan. 30, she won the all-around competition, earning her second Big 12 gymnast of the week honor this season. Earlier in January, Neff recorded the team's first perfect 10 score of the year at the Sprouts Farmers Market Quad Meet. Her coach Carly Dockendorf credited Neff's hard work and renewed enjoyment in competing as the keys to her early success.

  • Neff won the all-around in the University of Utah Red Rocks' meet against Arizona State on Jan. 30, 2026.
  • Neff recorded the team's first perfect 10 score of the season at the Sprouts Farmers Market Quad Meet on Jan. 10, 2026.

The players

Avery Neff

A sophomore gymnast on the University of Utah Red Rocks team who has gotten off to an impressive start to the 2026 season.

Carly Dockendorf

The head coach of the University of Utah Red Rocks gymnastics team.

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What they’re saying

“It was really the first time she put the whole meet together, and she's been working so hard. I think the biggest thing was just seeing her enjoyment out there. She was finally having fun again, and that really is important for her to be at her best.”

— Carly Dockendorf, Head Coach, University of Utah Red Rocks (fox13now.com)

“I'm one of the most competitive people, but I'm also very, very competitive against myself, so I'm going to try and beat myself every day, in the gym. You kind of have to come in with the mindset of like, 'I'm just going to continue to push myself every day.' And that hunger that you feel every single day is what drives you to be better every single day.”

— Avery Neff (fox13now.com)

What’s next

As Neff's sophomore season continues, she will look to build on her early success and help the Red Rocks maintain their status as one of the top gymnastics programs in the country.

The takeaway

Avery Neff's breakout sophomore campaign for the Utah Red Rocks demonstrates the power of hard work, competitive drive, and a renewed passion for the sport. Her leadership and example are invaluable assets for the team as they seek to continue the program's rich legacy of excellence.