CEDAR CITY, Utah -- The Thunderbird gymnastics program, and head coach Scotty Bauman, have announced the team's class for the Fall 2020 signing period.
Ellie Cacciola, AA, 5-1, Owasso, Okla. (Owasso High School/Elite Extreme)
Joining the Thunderbirds from Oklahoma, Ellie Cacciola has signed to compete for the Flippin' Birds following her career for Elite Extreme.
During the 2018 Oklahoma State Championships she finished in first place on beam, while picking up a runner-up title on vault, bars and in the all-around.
This year at the Pink Ribbon Invitational she finished in second place in the all-around, as well as on beam and vault.
She earned club awards in 2019 for Hardest Work, 2018 for Most Outstanding and 2017 for Most Improved.
"I chose SUU because the university gave me the confidence that I could focus and succeed in both education and gymnastics," Cacciola said. "I was so impressed by the encouraging and overall outstanding environment the coaches and team have created. The moment I stepped on campus I knew SUU was my perfect choice, it truly felt like I will be able to call it home."
Katie Ours, AA, 5-2, Severna Park, Md. (K12 Private Academy/Docksiders)
Making the transition from Maryland to Cedar City, Katie Ours is joining the Thunderbird gymnastics program after a career with Docksiders Gymnastics Club.
Ours is a three-time Junior Olympic National Qualifier, and a four-time Region 7 Regional Qualifier. She finished in third place at the 2019 Region 7 Championships in the all-around, and had the same result in 2016.
In 2019 she finished in second place at the Maryland state meet on bars and third in the all-around.
"I chose SUU because it was the only school that felt like home," Ours said. "From the moment I stepped foot onto the campus, I knew it was a perfect fit. The campus was absolutely beautiful, the gymnastics training facility was amazing, and the coaches made me feel at ease and welcomed instantly. I can not wait to attend the most beautiful school and be part of such a wonderful team."
Madeline Tyau, AA, 5-4, Kaneohe, Hawaii (Moanalua High School/Hawaiian Island Twisters)
Crossing the Pacific Ocean to compete for the Flippin' Birds, Madeline Tyau has had a strong career for the Hawaiian Island Twisters in Kaneohe, Hawaii.
Tyau is a four-time Junior Olympic National Qualifier and a four-time Region 2 Regional Qualifier. She was the All-Around Hawaii State Champion in both 2017 and 2019. Tyau was also the State Champion on vault and beam in 2019, along with second place finishes on the other two events.
She has also racked up a number of Hawaiian State Champion titles and Region 2 championships, along with numerous runner-up finishes.
"I chose SUU because of the amazing team and coaching staff," Tyau said. "When I talked to Scotty, Jeff, and Jamie for the first time, I automatically knew that SUU was the school for me. The welcoming environment and support from the girls and coaches made it feel so much like home."
Follow Us
Stay up to date during the 2021 Southern Utah Gymnastics campaign by following @SUUGym on Twitter and Instagram and liking the Southern Utah Gymnastics page on Facebook.
