The University of Denver gymnastics program announced on May 4 that Ava Mabanta has been named assistant coach, according to Joy S. Burns Head Women’s Gymnastics Coach Melissa Kutcher-Rinehart.
Mabanta, who was a student-athlete with the team for three seasons before medically retiring, served as a student assistant coach during the 2025-26 season. She will now join the full-time coaching staff as preparations begin for the 2027 gymnastics season.
“Ava embodies an unrelenting pursuit of excellence and a genuine investment in this program,” Kutcher-Rinehart said. “Over the past four years, she has set herself apart in the way she carries herself with grace, grit, discipline and positivity while consistently showing up for others and elevating everyone around her. She is a collaborator, a competitor and a person of genuine character. Having lived this program as a student-athlete, she brings invaluable, first-hand knowledge of our university and our team culture, making this a seamless transition into coaching. The future of our program is bright with Ava on board.”
Mabanta joined Denver’s team in 2023 when it won its second NCAA Regional title and advanced to the NCAA National Championships. She competed twice in the full beam lineup with a high score of 9.850 and had four exhibition appearances on beam and floor before injuries ended her competitive career prior to her senior year.
Reflecting on her new role, Mabanta said: “This program, this team and this coaching staff mean everything to me. It is truly an honor to continue this journey as an assistant coach at the University of Denver… I am so excited for what lies ahead.” Mabanta will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in business information & analytics and marketing in June 2026.
The University of Denver gymnastics team recently marked its 27th consecutive appearance at NCAA Regionals in 2026 and extended its streak of finishing among the top-25 nationally ranked teams to 28 years.
