The University of Utah announced today that head coach Tom Farden has resigned after being the target of emotional abuse allegations and widespread scrutiny. The resignation follows Farden being placed on administrative leave by the University. Interim head coach Carly Dockendorf, previously associate head coach, will continue to lead the team through the 2024 season.
Former Ute Kara Eaker came forward with a statement in October, detailing her experiences with Farden and announcing her retirement from gymnastics and withdrawal from Utah. Eaker was joined by former team captain Kim Tessen in making a public allegation against Farden. The story has been picked up by major national outlets like USA Today, Good Morning America and the Washington Post.
Eaker’s statement came several weeks after an independent investigation cleared Farden of serious wrongdoing. The University chose to retain Farden at that time.
That report included statements from five former gymnasts, four parents, and two former staff members, and covered both Farden’s head coaching and assistant coaching tenure.
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Article by Emily Minehart
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Good riddance.
I pray that Eaker recovers fully from this horrific nightmare caused by Farden.
I also hope she is able to return to NCAA and maybe compete one more time for herself and for a team that would value her contributions.
She would fit in at Missouri and be close to home.
I just want her to end her NCAA career on a good note.
Also hoping for a new head coach completely, Carly Dockendorf was complicate as there is no way she was oblivious to the abuse TF was handing out.
“abuse” is such an over-used word now. Anyone can use it against anyone they don’t like for just about anything. Farden had many more gymnasts supporting his coaching style, but in this climate all it takes is one allegation of ‘abuse’ and your job is gone. I find it hard to believe that the Marsdens would allow a staff member to act the way Eaker has described.
I also don’t understand why Eaker didn’t just transfer after her freshman year if she thought the environment was so toxic. Any program in the country would have been thrilled to have her.
I hope Utah can put this nonsense behind it and get back on track soon – it has been one of the model programs in this sport for decades.