CEDAR CITY, Utah - National Signing day has come once again and the Flippin' Birds have secured another talented class of incoming gymnasts. In total nine athletes put pen to paper to declare their intent to join the Southern Utah Gymnastics team in 2023.
Here is a look at the incoming student-athletes:
Brinlee Christensen, South Jordan, UT, Providence Hall Charter School/ Olympus Gymnastics Club
She is the 2022 Utah State Bar Champion and took the top spot on the podium in the Bar and Floor in 2021. In 2022 and 2021 Christensen achieved a Top 100 Score among American gymnasts with a 9.9 on Vault and 9.8 on Beam. She is a 2-time National Qualifier, 6-time Regional Qualifier, and 8-time State Qualifier. "I chose SUU because I love the coaches and the bond that the team has. The first time I went down for a visit I already felt like part of the family." said Christensen.
Alyssa Fernandez, Litchfield Park, AZ, Millennium High School/ Flames Gymnastics Academy
Fernandez is a 2022 National Qualifier and a 5-time Regional Qualifier. She is the 2021 and 2022 Arizona State Beam Champion. Fernandez was named the Flames Gymnastics Academy, Gymnast of the Year in 2022 and Most improved on Balance Beam in 2021. Fernandez said, "I chose SUU because I fell in love with the small town, the team atmosphere, the people, the great academic opportunities, and the beautiful area. I am most looking forward to the team camaraderie and creating new lifelong relationships. I absolutely can't wait to call SUU my home! GO T-BIRDS!"
Caralia Martinez, Lehi, UT, Lehi High School/ Arete Gymnastics
Martinez is a Puerto Rican National Team Qualifier. She qualified 4-times for Western Regionals and is a 6-time State Champion. Martinez is a 9-time All-Around Champion. Martinez said about her choice, "I have wanted to come to SUU for a really long time. During camp I instantly felt at home with all of the coaches and girls on the team. I fell in love with the positive atmosphere and the incredible closeness of the community. I can't wait to become a T-Bird and to gain a whole new gym family!"
Niya Randolph, Las Vegas, NV, Arbor View High School/ Gymcats Las Vegas
Randolph is a 2022 National Vault Champion, 2-time Regional Champion and a 7-time Nevada State Champion. Her career high Vault score is a 9.9 and a 9.95 on the Bars. "I chose SUU because of the highly ranked nursing program and how welcoming the team and coaches were on each of my visits. I am excited about the opportunity to be a teammate with such a competitive group of gymnasts and being a part of the T-Bird family." Said Randolph on her choice to become a T-Bird.
Alex Routsis, Peyton, CO, Springs Studio for Academic Excellence/ Precizion 509 Gymnastics
Alex is a 2021 National Qualifier. She has qualified for Regionals six times. In 2021 Routsis became the Colorado State Vault Champion. Alex stated that she "chose SUU because of the community!" adding "Everyone, from the coaches, to the team, to the community, is so welcoming, and I loved the small town feel. I'm so excited to be a part of a big and supportive team!"
Elliot Bringhurst, Henderson, NV, Coronado High School/ Brown's Gymnastics
Elliot is a 3-Time Nevada State Floor Champion, she is a 6-time Regional Qualifier and 9-time Nevada State Qualifier. In 2018 she secured a Nevada State title in the All-Around. Bringhurst said of her decision to join the T-Birds, "I am so beyond excited to get into the gym at SUU! I chose this school because the coaches made it feel like home! I loved the team and the atmosphere! So excited to compete as a T-Bird!"
Marisa De Groot, Calgary, AB, Canada, Universal School-Domestic/ Calgary Gymnastics Center
Marisa is a 4-year high performance competitor for Canada. In 2018 De Groot earned the distinction of International Gymnix Bars Champion. Marisa chose SUU because, "the coaches and the way they interact with their athletes. They care for them as if they were family which I felt a part of from the very first phone call. The campus and location of the University is gorgeous and it reminds me of home. I wanted to be a part of a community that supports and helps one another and I found that at SUU!"
Kendall McGuire, Saint Johns, FL, Creekside High School/ Florida Elite Gymnastics
McGuire is a 2-time National Qualifier. She has qualified for regionals five times and is a 7-time Florida State Qualifier. In 2021 Kendall became the Florida Vault, Floor and All-Around State Champion. Kendall said of her decision to come to Cedar City, "I chose Southern Utah University because the coaching staff is truly second-to-none. The coaches are all so welcoming and friendly and made me feel at home. The facility and campus are also gorgeous, and I absolutely love the amazing gymnastics culture here at SUU. It truly feels like not only a home, but a family. When I get to SUU, I can't wait to join such an incredible group of hard-working girls that are all driven towards the same goal. I am so excited to be a part of such an incredible program on the prettiest campus!"
Rylee Miller, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, Saskatchewan Schools/ CanAm Gymnastics
Miller is a 3-time international competitor for Team Canada. In 2020 she became the Elite Canada Bar Champion. She is a 3-time Canadian national competitor and a 6-time Saskatchewan Gymnast of the Year Nominee. In 2016 she won the Saskatchewan Gymnast of the Year Award. Miller chose SUU because, "everyone was so welcoming and it really felt like home in Cedar City. The energy and support in the team, the school, and in the town is unlike any other. Everyone there wants the best for you and that's what I love about it. Not only do they have amazing academic programs that will assist me in reaching my career goals, they also have an incredible gymnastics program with such talent that I am so grateful to be a part of!"
Southern Utah Gymnastics is excited to announce this outstanding signing class. Coach Bauman said of the group, "This is an amazing class of very high level athletes that can bring some unique gymnastics to our evolving program. They all have their strengths, and we will need them to fill some very large shoes with the potential loss of 11 seniors. We look forward to seeing them step into competition as soon as they arrive on campus.". The Gymnastics team will host the team preview on December 2nd at 7:00 PM in the America First Events Center before beginning competition in January.
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