SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 9, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Longtime USA gymnastics coach Mike Hunger is joining the coaching staff at the University of Utah to lead the Red Rocks’ vault team.
Hunger brings nearly 50 years of experience to Utah and has worked with U.S. gymnasts on the women’s national team since 2016.
Utah head coach Carly Dockendorf called Hunger’s addition to the coaching staff “monumental.”
“His diverse experience and wealth of knowledge in the sport will greatly elevate our gymnasts and our staff,” said Dockendorf, who announced the hiring Thursday. “Mike is passionate about continuing to foster and develop excellence in his athletes both in the gym and in life.”
Hunger is the founder and former owner of the Twin City Twisters Gymnastics Club in Champlin, Minnesota. The Twin City Twisters has produced several Red Rocks greats — including Abby Paulson, Grace McCallum, Abby Brenner and Hunger’s daughter Breanna Hughes.
Since opening the club in 1987, Hunger has coached more than 100 athletes who went on to compete at the NCAA level. He’s coached seven national all-around champions and nine U.S. National Team members, world champions and Olympic medalists.
While working with Hunger as her personal coach, McCallum became an Olympic silver medalist and two-time world champion with Team USA, as well as a four-time national team member.
“Mike is such an amazing person and I am honored to have him as my coach again,” said McCallum, a seven-time All-American at Utah. “He has so much to offer our program and will be a great addition to the staff. Not only is he a great coach, but he’s also an amazing, kind and genuine human. I’m excited for him to join our team.”
Hunger’s primary focus will be coaching the Utah vault team, while assisting with floor. He joins a staff that includes Dockendorf, who will focus on beam, and assistants Jimmy Pratt (bars) and Myia Hambrick (floor).
“I am beyond excited to join the Utah Gymnastics program,” Hunger said. “I have been dreaming about coaching in this program for some time now, and I am looking forward to bringing new perspectives, ideas and aspirations to the team. Utah Gymnastics has and will always have a special place in my family’s hearts, and now I get the opportunity to be more than just a fan in the stands. I cannot wait to get started!”
Last month, the Red Rocks finished third at the NCAA gymnastics championship for the fourth consecutive season. Utah has qualified for the NCAA championships 48 years in a row and is the only school in the nation to have appeared at every national championship meet.
