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The University of Utah Athletics
Red Rocks Add USA National Team Coach Steve Arkell to Coaching Staff
4/30/2026 2:00 PM | Gymnastics
Arkell brings over 40 years of elite coaching experience to Utah Gymnastics
SALT LAKE CITY— USA National Team coach Steve Arkell is joining the Red Rocks as the program's new bars coach, head coach Carly Dockendorf announced Thursday.
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With more than 40 years of elite coaching experience, Arkell brings a powerhouse resume to Utah Gymnastics. He currently serves on the USA National Team staff as a bars and vault coach and is the head coach of Prime Gymnastics in San Antonio alongside his wife, Gaby Avilez-Arkell.
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"The addition of Steve Arkell marks a pivotal moment for Utah Gymnastics," Dockendorf said. "He is widely respected for his ability to develop elite athletes while fostering relationships and personal growth. We know with his technical expertise and leadership, Steve will elevate our performance, strengthen our culture, and position Utah Gymnastics for continued success at the highest level."
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Through his career, Arkell has produced 34 national champions, more than 60 NCAA scholarship athletes, two USA National Team members, and four Canadian National team members.
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Known worldwide for his technical expertise in the sport, Arkell has served as an international clinician and consultant in Canada, Spain, Mexico, Great Britain and Australia. He has also served as a master clinician in the USA congresses at the state, regional and national level for the past 23 years.
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"Since 1976, the Red Rocks have built an incredible legacy that I can't wait to be part of," Arkell said. "The energy in the Huntsman Center and the pride of the Utah community is truly unmatched. I am looking forward to helping each gymnast reach their full potential, both in the gym and in life, and continue to build on the culture of hard work, unity, and excellence."
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Arkell is a USAG College of Gymnastics Master Instructor and is on the board of directors for regions one, two and three. He is a seven-time Coach of the Year.
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Additionally, Arkell becomes the second coach in Utah Gymnastics' arsenal with strong USA Gymnastics ties, joining vault coach Mike Hunger who was hired in 2024.
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Utah's newest coach will begin his work shaping the Red Rocks' bars lineup for the 2027 collegiate gymnastics season and will be a key contributor with upcoming recruiting efforts.
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STEVE ARKELL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
FOLLOW THE RED ROCKS
For an inside look at the Utah Gymnastics program, including tournament, roster and news updates, fans can follow the Red Rocks on social media (TikTok: @utahgymnastics |Instagram: @utahgymnastics).
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL MOBILE APP OF THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH TODAY – UTAH 360
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With more than 40 years of elite coaching experience, Arkell brings a powerhouse resume to Utah Gymnastics. He currently serves on the USA National Team staff as a bars and vault coach and is the head coach of Prime Gymnastics in San Antonio alongside his wife, Gaby Avilez-Arkell.
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"The addition of Steve Arkell marks a pivotal moment for Utah Gymnastics," Dockendorf said. "He is widely respected for his ability to develop elite athletes while fostering relationships and personal growth. We know with his technical expertise and leadership, Steve will elevate our performance, strengthen our culture, and position Utah Gymnastics for continued success at the highest level."
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Through his career, Arkell has produced 34 national champions, more than 60 NCAA scholarship athletes, two USA National Team members, and four Canadian National team members.
Â
Known worldwide for his technical expertise in the sport, Arkell has served as an international clinician and consultant in Canada, Spain, Mexico, Great Britain and Australia. He has also served as a master clinician in the USA congresses at the state, regional and national level for the past 23 years.
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"Since 1976, the Red Rocks have built an incredible legacy that I can't wait to be part of," Arkell said. "The energy in the Huntsman Center and the pride of the Utah community is truly unmatched. I am looking forward to helping each gymnast reach their full potential, both in the gym and in life, and continue to build on the culture of hard work, unity, and excellence."
Â
Arkell is a USAG College of Gymnastics Master Instructor and is on the board of directors for regions one, two and three. He is a seven-time Coach of the Year.
Â
Additionally, Arkell becomes the second coach in Utah Gymnastics' arsenal with strong USA Gymnastics ties, joining vault coach Mike Hunger who was hired in 2024.
Â
Utah's newest coach will begin his work shaping the Red Rocks' bars lineup for the 2027 collegiate gymnastics season and will be a key contributor with upcoming recruiting efforts.
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STEVE ARKELL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- USAG National Staff member (bars and vault)
- USA and Canadian National Team coach
- USAG College of Gymnastics Master Instructor
- USAG Board of Directors (regions one, two, and three)
- 23-year Master Clinician and Presenter for USA Congresses (state, regional, and national level)
- International Clinician and Consultant for Canada, Spain, Mexico, Great Britain, and Australia
- International Delegation Leader for Combs la Ville, France; Toyota International Cup, Japan; Sr. Pan-America Games, Canada; Jr. Pan-America Games, Mexico
- TOP's talent opportunity director and national tester over the A and B national team members for 26 years
- 2 USA National Team members, 4 Canadian National Team members
- 34 national champions
- Over 60 Division I and II collegiate athletic scholarship recipients
- 7x Coach of the Year
FOLLOW THE RED ROCKS
For an inside look at the Utah Gymnastics program, including tournament, roster and news updates, fans can follow the Red Rocks on social media (TikTok: @utahgymnastics |Instagram: @utahgymnastics).
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL MOBILE APP OF THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH TODAY – UTAH 360
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