The Utah gymnastics team gained a new Red Rock this week in hopes of helping to take the team to the next level this coming season.
Stephanie McAllister, three-time member of the Junior Olympic National Team, verbally committed to the University of Utah. She plans to sign a letter of intent in November.
McAllister is the 2007 Junior Olympic uneven bars champion and finished fourth overall in the competition.
The U made a great case for itself when McAllister visited the campus and got a feel for the university environment.
“I loved everything about it,” McAllister said. “There wasn’t one thing that I could complain about.”
McAllister studied at Wright’s American Gymnastics in Greenwood, Ind. Along with the change in scenery, she is looking forward to the thrill of competing in front of a packed Huntsman Center.
“It will be so much fun to be somewhere that has such an awesome fan base,” McAllister said.
Last season, Utah won its 23rd attendance title in 26 years after averaging 11,297 fans per meet over six meets.
The Red Rocks are preparing for their season opener with three-time defending champion Georgia at the Huntsman Center on Jan. 11.
“I’m an uplifting team leader,” McAllister said. “I try to help other people stay positive.”