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The University of Utah Athletics
Jaedyn Rucker to Return for Sixth Year with Utah Gymnastics
4/29/2024 9:58 AM | Gymnastics
Rucker adds more championship experience to Red Rocks squad in 2025
SALT LAKE CITY – University of Utah gymnast Jaedyn Rucker has announced her intent to return to the Red Rocks for her sixth year with Utah Gymnastics. The 2022 NCAA Vault Champion will use her sixth year of eligibility, after missing the entire 2020 season due to a knee injury sustained before joining the program.
"The last five years have been nothing short of amazing. I'm immensely grateful for the support I've received from my teammates, coaches, and all of you fans. It's something I'll forever hold close to my heart. My journey through gymnastics has presented both challenges and triumphs, each teaching me valuable lessons and propelling my growth in unexpected ways. My love for this sport runs deep, and I believe that I still have room to grow, more to learn, and more to give," Rucker said. "With great excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to continue, I'm thrilled to announce that I will be returning for my sixth and final year of gymnastics. Here's to one more year of hard work and heart. Go Utes!"
A two-time All-America selection on vault (one regular season, one NCAA) and five-time all-Pac-12 honoree on vault and floor, Rucker will help lead the Utes into their first season in the Big 12. Utah will look to Rucker's leadership and positive energy to welcome and guide one of the nation's top recruiting classes to Salt Lake City and collegiate gymnastics. Rucker added a 2023 NCAA Los Angeles Regional vault champion to her list of accomplishments, making starts on both vault and floor in every meet throughout the 2023 season. Rucker has been the highest vault scorer for the Utes since 2021. During the 2023 season, Rucker tied the Red Rock record for most 10.0s on vault in a single season and career with three.
"We could not be more excited to have Jaedyn return for her 6th year. Her motivation to return for another season is rooted in unfinished business at Utah and the desire to continue to grow as both an athlete and person," said head coach Carly Dockendorf. "The addition of Jaedyn to our 2024-2025 roster will enhance the depth on both vault and floor for Utah."
Bolstering 19 career wins, with 16 on vault and three on floor, Rucker collected four wins during the 2024 campaign. She hit a season-high 9.975 on vault in the Utes second Pac-12 contest of the season against Oregon State for her first win of the season. Rucker kickstarted a streak of 9.9-plus scores at the beginning of March, with back-to-back road wins at California and Arizona with scores of 9.900 and 9.925.
Rucker is a four-time Pac-12 Specialist of the Week recipient and two-time Coaches Choice award honoree. Outside of the gym, Rucker is a Pac-12 All-Academic honoree and Athletic Director's Honor Roll recipient for the Red Rocks. Rucker was bestowed one of Utah's Marsden Leadership Awards at the conclusion of the 2023 season, and once again at the end of the 2024 season.
Utah comes off an NCAA-record 48th consecutive championship appearance, where they finished in third-place for the fourth year in a row.
"The last five years have been nothing short of amazing. I'm immensely grateful for the support I've received from my teammates, coaches, and all of you fans. It's something I'll forever hold close to my heart. My journey through gymnastics has presented both challenges and triumphs, each teaching me valuable lessons and propelling my growth in unexpected ways. My love for this sport runs deep, and I believe that I still have room to grow, more to learn, and more to give," Rucker said. "With great excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to continue, I'm thrilled to announce that I will be returning for my sixth and final year of gymnastics. Here's to one more year of hard work and heart. Go Utes!"
A two-time All-America selection on vault (one regular season, one NCAA) and five-time all-Pac-12 honoree on vault and floor, Rucker will help lead the Utes into their first season in the Big 12. Utah will look to Rucker's leadership and positive energy to welcome and guide one of the nation's top recruiting classes to Salt Lake City and collegiate gymnastics. Rucker added a 2023 NCAA Los Angeles Regional vault champion to her list of accomplishments, making starts on both vault and floor in every meet throughout the 2023 season. Rucker has been the highest vault scorer for the Utes since 2021. During the 2023 season, Rucker tied the Red Rock record for most 10.0s on vault in a single season and career with three.
"We could not be more excited to have Jaedyn return for her 6th year. Her motivation to return for another season is rooted in unfinished business at Utah and the desire to continue to grow as both an athlete and person," said head coach Carly Dockendorf. "The addition of Jaedyn to our 2024-2025 roster will enhance the depth on both vault and floor for Utah."
Bolstering 19 career wins, with 16 on vault and three on floor, Rucker collected four wins during the 2024 campaign. She hit a season-high 9.975 on vault in the Utes second Pac-12 contest of the season against Oregon State for her first win of the season. Rucker kickstarted a streak of 9.9-plus scores at the beginning of March, with back-to-back road wins at California and Arizona with scores of 9.900 and 9.925.
Rucker is a four-time Pac-12 Specialist of the Week recipient and two-time Coaches Choice award honoree. Outside of the gym, Rucker is a Pac-12 All-Academic honoree and Athletic Director's Honor Roll recipient for the Red Rocks. Rucker was bestowed one of Utah's Marsden Leadership Awards at the conclusion of the 2023 season, and once again at the end of the 2024 season.
Utah comes off an NCAA-record 48th consecutive championship appearance, where they finished in third-place for the fourth year in a row.
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