Grace McCallum has been one of the most prominent figures in US artistic gymnastics. Tackling collegiate and elite gymnastics side by side, McCallum had won quite a few accolades. Competing in the 2018 Pan American Championship, McCallum won the all-around gold to solidify her footing in the competitive sphere. In the very same year, the 22-year-old gymnast also emerged as the all-around champion in the 2018 Pacific Rim Championship. Her incredible talent soon paved her way into the US senior women’s team. Taking part in the 2018 and 2019 Worlds, McCallum helped her team win back-to-back gold medals. With all these experiences adding to her gymnastic prowess, she soon went on to become a legend for Utah. But as she stood in the twilight of her career, it seemed McCallum’s tryst with Utah was not over just yet.
After all, who doesn’t want an Olympic medalist in their college program? Back in Tokyo 2020, McCallum won the silver medal along with the team. Well, ever since she joined Utah, McCallum has been relentless in her pursuit of taking her team to a higher pedestal. Sadly, all good things have to come to a close. And likewise, McCallum’s reign with the Utah Gymnastics will be drawing to a close. Competing in her senior year, the 22-year-old will mark the end of her collegiate career as soon as the season ends. However, things don’t always turn out as expected.
While the fans were a tad bit sad about their favorite gymnast leaving, they were greeted with welcome news. The official Instagram page of Utah Gymnastics has stated that McCallum is not done yet. She will be back as a student coach in the 2026 season. And what better occasion to announce the splendid news? The announcement succeeded a brilliant display of gymnastics that saw Utah defeat Jordan Chiles’ UCLA. Interestingly, this decision means that McCallum will be following in the footsteps of Maile O’Keefe, who too, took on the role of a student coach for the Red Rocks.
Quite expected, McCallum sounded significantly elated on receiving the offer. The 22-year-old stated that she could not deny the golden opportunity that came to her all of a sudden. “I feel like coaching has always been something that’s been in the back of my mind, and who better to learn from than these amazing coaches here,” she said. “I just feel like I’ll learn so much, just wisdom.”
Well, McCallum is pretty much excited to come back as a coach. Likewise, her coach, Carly Dockendorf too, expressed significant interest about the new chapter in the 22-year-old’s life.
Grace McCallum’s coach reflects on her impactful return to Utah
Grace McCallum’s decision to remain with Utah’s gymnastics program in a new role has thrilled head coach Carly Dockendorf. It was her coach who saw it as a major boost for the team. Dockendorf believes McCallum’s experience at both the collegiate and elite levels, including her time at the Tokyo Olympics would turn out to be invaluable for the gymnasts and the coaching staff alike.
“She has had to work for everything she has gotten and she is going to be able to share that with our team next year,” Dockendorf said. The proud coach also added, “She will be able to be there for those freshmen, for those seniors and to really help our staff to improve and grow as well.”
Grace’s humility stood out to Dockendorf, who emphasized how the young athlete’s path hasn’t always been smooth. But her journey has truly shaped her into a leader. Coach Carly explained, “It is not like she has had a super easy journey and every time she went out (her gymnastics) was perfect.” Dockendorf also added, “She is so humble with everything she has achieved in her life.”
The coach is confident that Grace McCallum’s presence will extend beyond technical guidance. “She is so caring and compassionate, and to be able to have her come back and share her experiences.” This will have a profound effect on the team, Dockendorf said. Acknowledging her journey, Coach Carly added, “She has had to work for everything she has gotten and she is going to be able to share that with our team next year.”
Grace McCallum’s ability to connect with gymnasts at different stages is expected to strengthen the program’s foundation. And the coach too has put her faith in the young coach to elevate the team’s performance on the mat.
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