Utah has added a veteran presence to its coaching staff, announcing Thursday that longtime elite coach Steve Arkell will join the program as its new bars coach.
Arkell arrives in Salt Lake City with more than four decades of coaching experience, including his current role on the USA Gymnastics National Team staff, where he works with athletes on bars and vault. He has also served as head coach at Prime Gymnastics in San Antonio.
“The addition of Steve Arkell marks a pivotal moment for Utah Gymnastics,” head coach Carly 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.”
Arkell’s resume includes the development of 34 national champions and more than 60 NCAA scholarship athletes, along with coaching experience at both the U.S. and Canadian National Team levels.
“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.”
Arkell is a USAG College of Gymnastics Master Instructor and has served on the organization’s board of directors across multiple regions. A seven-time Coach of the Year, he brings both developmental and high-performance expertise to the Red Rocks. He joins a Utah staff that already includes strong ties to the national team, alongside vault coach Mike Hunger, who was hired in 2024.
Arkell is expected to begin shaping Utah’s uneven bars lineup ahead of the 2027 season while also playing a key role in the program’s recruiting efforts.
