The University of Denver gymnastics team is welcoming Ava Mabanta as their new assistant coach. Coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart made the announcement recently. Ava’s journey with the team began as a student-athlete, where she competed for three seasons before having to medically retire. In 2025-26, she moved into a student assistant role and has now become a full-time coach just in time for the upcoming 2027 season.
Coach Kutcher-Rinehart praised Ava for her dedication and positive impact on the team, saying, “She embodies an unrelenting pursuit of excellence and a genuine investment in this program.” Ava’s experiences as a gymnast give her a unique perspective on the team’s culture and goals.
During her time as an athlete, Ava joined the team in 2023, helping DU to win its second NCAA Regional title. She scored impressively on the beam with a high of 9.850 and participated in several exhibition events. However, injuries prevented her from competing in the following seasons, ultimately leading her to focus on coaching.
Ava expressed her excitement about her new role, stating, “I am incredibly grateful for the trust and opportunity to represent this program in a new role.” She aims to support her fellow athletes and continue the strong legacy of Denver Athletics.
As she gears up for this new chapter, Ava is also set to graduate with degrees in business information and analytics and marketing in June 2026. Her internship with USA Hockey has given her valuable experience in sports management.
The Denver gymnastics team is looking forward to building on its recent successes, including a remarkable 27 consecutive appearances at NCAA Regionals. With Ava’s guidance, they hope to achieve even greater heights in the 2027 season.
This new coaching position mirrors a growing trend in college athletics, where former athletes transition into coaching roles. According to recent surveys, nearly 45% of college teams prioritize hiring coaches with firsthand experience of the sport, highlighting the value of shared experiences in athlete development.
With Ava onboard, the future looks promising for the University of Denver gymnastics team.
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