For years, Grace McCallum’s name has been synonymous with success, both in the NCAA and on the world stage. A fierce competitor, an Olympic medalist, and a leader in Utah gymnastics, she was someone fans could always count on. But behind the perfect routines and triumphant moments, an unexpected decision loomed. One that even she hadn’t planned on making.
In November 2023, the gymnastics world was rocked by a shocking announcement: a sudden leadership change at Utah following serious allegations of abuse against longtime coach Tom Farden. As details unfolded, the 22-year-old found herself at a crossroads. Forced to choose between standing by the team she loved or stepping away from a place that no longer felt the same. And when she finally spoke out, her words carried the weight of years of emotion.
For McCallum, the weight of the past three years at Utah had been heavier than anyone knew. The decision to return for her senior year wasn’t as simple as continuing what she started. It was a battle between the love she had for her team. The emotional toll of everything that had unfolded. “It was kind of weighing on me the first three years of college here,” McCallum admitted to The Salt Lake Tribune. She had watched as her teammates made their plans to return, and while their choice seemed clear, hers was anything but. “I knew all the other girls were going back, which made it harder for me, because I never planned on going back.”
McCallum had already achieved so much. A Tokyo Olympic silver medalist, a two-time World Champion, and a vital force behind Utah gymnastics’ rise. She had nothing left to prove. She could have stepped away, closed this chapter, and been at peace with all she had accomplished. And for a while, that seemed like the plan. But something changed. “Then last year, I really started training for more, and I was doing extra hours at the gym. I was doing one-on-one. I was putting my all into it and really focusing on that.”
Her senior year was supposed to be the grand finale, the perfect closing act to a career that had already solidified her legacy. But with everything that had unraveled the controversy, the leadership change, the uncertainty, it was no longer just about gymnastics. It was about loyalty, identity, and figuring out what mattered most. And as she took the floor one last time, it was clear. This was no ordinary ending. This was McCallum’s stand.
Grace McCallum’s unfinished business: A return that means more
Though McCallum has always been a strong beam competitor, she previously performed in the shadow of Utah’s beam stars. Maile O’Keefe and Abby Paulson. But on Senior Night, she finally had her moment. “You couldn’t ask for more on Senior Night,” Dockendorf said. “She has worked for that, and she deserves that, and I’m just so excited that happened tonight for her.”
For McCallum, it was a poetic ending to her collegiate career. Reflecting on the milestone, she said, “I just felt really grateful to have gotten a 10 on Senior Day.” After four years of relentless dedication, it was the perfect full-circle moment. One that cemented her legacy as one of Utah’s greats. Grace McCallum may have closed the chapter on her collegiate gymnastics career, but her journey with Utah is far from over. In a move that has thrilled fans and teammates alike, McCallum has chosen to stay connected to the program in a new role.
One that head coach Carly Dockendorf believes will be a game-changer for the team. With years of experience at both the NCAA and Olympic levels, McCallum’s influence is set to extend beyond the mat. “She has had to work for everything she has gotten, and she is going to be able to share that with our team next year,” Dockendorf said. Emphasizing how McCallum’s relentless work ethic will be a guiding force for the next generation of gymnasts. Whether it’s mentoring freshmen or supporting seniors in their final season, her presence is expected to elevate the program in ways that go beyond competition.
The post Standing Behind the Team Despite Coach’s Abuse 22-Year-Old Opens Up on Tough Decision: “Never Planned on Going Back” appeared first on EssentiallySports.