Grace McCallum’s path from Olympic success to college stardom hasn’t been a straight line. After snagging silver at the Tokyo 2020 Games, she seemed primed for a shot at Paris 2024—until her world got flipped upside down. In late 2023, her longtime University of Utah coach, Tom Farden, left the program under charges of abuse, throwing the Red Rocks’ setup into chaos. Suddenly, Grace was stuck between chasing elite gymnastics glory and staying loyal to her Utah squad. She chose her team, ditching her Olympic bid to lead the college crew—a gutsy call that won over fans who love her grit and team-first vibe. But Grace soon had another mentor who guided her in the next move of her career. This time, she started practicing under Sarah Jantzi.
So, for all the fans and followers, read through to find out who Grace’s new coach is and who is helping her reach new heights.
Who is Sarah Jantzi?
Sarah Jantzi isn’t your average coach—she’s a game-changer. With a reputation for blending hardcore technical smarts with a focus on mental toughness, she’s become a legend in elite gymnastics. She is popular for putting athletes first, whether they’re chasing Olympic medals or NCAA titles. She’s spent years helping Olympians and college stars not just survive the pressure but own it.
But Jantzi’s legacy isn’t just about medals. Back in 2015, she dropped a bombshell that rocked gymnastics forever. After overhearing Maggie Nichols talk about Larry Nassar’s abuse, Jantzi didn’t hesitate—she blew the whistle, filing one of the first reports that eventually took Nassar down. That move wasn’t just brave; it redefined what it means to fight for athletes’ well-being. Now, as Grace McCallum’s guide at Utah, Jantzi’s proving that coaching isn’t just about routines—it’s about building people.
Sarah Jantzi’s Career Highlights and Achievements
Jantzi’s resume reads like a blueprint for building champions. She has coached at Minnesota’s Twin City Twisters (TCT), where she turned the gym into a powerhouse for elite talent. Her star pupils? A young Grace McCallum, fresh off elbow surgery and shaking off nerves, and Maggie Nichols, who’d go on to crush it as a World Champ and NCAA legend. Under Jantzi, Grace morphed from a shy kid clinging to her mom into an Olympic silver medalist, while Maggie became the face of NCAA dominance.
Fast-forward to October 2024: Jantzi shook things up again, joining Washington’s Pacific Reign Gymnastics to head their elite program. The gym’s stoked, calling her a “total game-changer” for their ambitions. And her athletes? They’re obsessed. The applause in the comment section of her social media posts shows she’s not just coaching gymnasts; she’s crafting legacies.
Coming back to Grace, their story isn’t just about flips and medals—it’s a full-circle glow-up. Grace had been coaching under Janzi since she was 13 years old. She came to Sarah post-surgery, shy, often accompanied by her mom. Jantzi didn’t see a nervous newbie; she saw raw fire. “She wasn’t the best one here,” Jantzi admits, remembering how Grace went from hometown hero to underdog. But with patience and trust, she sharpened Grace’s skills and confidence, paving the way for Olympic podiums and NCAA stardom.
Now reunited at Pacific Reign, they’re rewriting the script. Grace isn’t just competing—she’s redefining her legacy. Titles like SLC Regional Bars champ and North Central Region Gymnast of the Year prove it. For Jantzi, it’s about building athletes who thrive under pressure. Their partnership shows that the biggest wins aren’t about perfect landings—they’re about a coach having your back and choosing to trust it.
The post Who is Grace McCallum Coach? Know Everything About Sarah Jantzi appeared first on EssentiallySports.