Tom Farden talks to his team during a game at Maverik Stadium in West Valley City, Utah. (Russ Isabella, Utah Athletics)
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SALT LAKE CITY – As the Red Rocks continue their quest for another national championship, Utah’s gymnastics program received an extra boost on Wednesday with the signing of three new athletes who will join the team for the season 2024.
All three gymnasts participate in the program as five-star athletes, with Elizabeth Ganther the highest-ranked rookie to join the program since Kara Eaker joined the program ahead of the 2022 season. Ganther, who joins the team as a gymnast ranked No. 4 in the nation, is joined by Camie Winger and Ella Zirbes.
“We are thrilled to have three incredible, exceptionally talented young women join our Utah gymnastics family,” head coach Tom Farden said in a statement. “They all come from wonderful families and nationally recognized clubs. Each of these future Red Rocks have shown they thrive under pressure, and we believe they have what it takes to keep our program among the elite of NCCA gymnastics.”
Ganther, who is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, comes to the Red Rocks after winning the 2021 Tier 10 Individual National Championship on bars and beam. She also won the bronze medal on balance beam at the 2017 National Junior Olympics.
Among many other national appearances, Ganther is an eight-time regional champion and 12-time regional medalist.
“Elizabeth comes to us having competed at the International Elite level and as a multiple JO National Champion, which bodes well for the future success of her NCAA career,” Farden said. “She is a smart and resilient woman, who has attributed to her successes both in class and in competitions.
“We think she will shine on the Huntsman floor as a multiple contributor. She shines in the complex events and also participated in two different 10.0 starting value jumps, which is incredible.”
Winger, a five-star gymnast from Orem, has been a Red Rocks regular as a participant in several Utah gymnastics camps over the years. She comes to Utah as a national finalist on bars in 2021 and on floor in 2022 at the Tier 10 National Championship. She is a five-time regional champion and a 10-time regional medalist.
“She has a spunky personality with a deep-rooted passion for our sport,” Farden said of Winger. “Camie has been very consistent on the biggest stages and we think that will translate well into her future as Red Rock. We see her fighting for several training positions as a rookie. Our fans are going to love this homegrown athlete and her skills well executed. . She has power, grace and an artistry that we are delighted to welcome.”
Zirbes comes from Flips Gymnastics in Stillwater, Minnesota as another five-star gymnast. In 2019, as part of the Junior Olympic National Championships, she was named national all-around and bars champion, and was a runner-up in vault and floor. She is also a seven-time regional champion.
“Ella is another elite former Minnesota international who has an extremely strong technical foundation in her skill set,” Farden said. “She excels in every event, but thousands of Red Rocks fans will especially notice her impeccable form on the bars where she is a national champion.
“She comes to us with an eye-catching 10.0 leap and her own execution on every event will be an asset to our program. From the moment we started recruiting her, we saw the dedication and work ethic as a perfect 10.0 for Our program. “
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