CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Southern Utah University gymnastics team announced some phenomenal news in the form of five senior contributors declaring their intentions to exercise their extra year of eligibility and return to SUU for a fifth season.
The T-Birds announced the return of Shylen Murakami, Karley McClain, Caitlin Kho, Mayson Bentley, and Rachel Smith.
All five gymnasts played major roles for the Flippin' Birds this season, as Southern Utah will now be in a prime position with a potentially loaded roster heading into the 2022-23 season.
Murakami had a phenomenal season, setting the school record on the uneven bars with a 9.975. She posted season-high scores of 9.925 on the beam and 9.825 on the floor routine.
McClain has been a force for SUU gymnastics since her arrival, often competing in all four events throughout her career. She posted season-highs of 9.95 on the floor, 9.925 on the bars, 9.9 on the beam, and 9.875 on the vault.
Kho stepped up in a big way for the T-Birds this season, as she became a consistent contributor in multiple different events. She posted season-best scores of 9.9 on the vault, 9.875 on bars, and 9.9 on the floor.
Bentley had another strong season, primarily competing on the uneven bars, recording a season and career-high score of 9.925.
Smith was one of the most consistent gymnasts in the Southern Utah program this season. She scored season-highs of 9.925 on the beam, 9.9 on the vault, and 9.925 on her infamous floor routine.
The gymnasts released the following statements regarding their decision to return to SUU:
Shylen Murakami
"I can't even put into words how grateful I am for the opportunity to compete one more year with this university. Thank you SUU for not only pushing me as an athlete, but more importantly, as a student. I will be furthering my education by joining the nursing program here in the fall. I can't wait to compete for the best university, team, and fans one more time!"
Karley McClain
"The decision to stay at SUU for my fifth year was made easily, knowing that I have a strong support system of my family, teammates, coaches, and the SUU community in place. I feel so fortunate for the opportunity to continue my education at the best university, while competing as a Flippin' Bird for one more year. The past four years have been nothing short of incredible, and I am beyond excited to experience my final year alongside my sister Kennedi."
Caitlin Kho
"Gymnastics has had such a large impact on my life since I was a little girl, so being able to take a fifth year to continue my career is such an exciting opportunity. I owe a big thank you to my coaches and parents for pushing me to where I am today. I can't wait for one more year of being able to experience the feeling of competing alongside the greatest team and in front of the best fans. Go Flippin' Birds."
Mayson Bentley
"I am so grateful that I get the chance to do another year of the sport that I love. Being a part of SUU gymnastics is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am so stoked to give it my all one more time! Thank you T-Bird nation!"
Rachel Smith
"When presented with the opportunity to come back for a fifth year, I knew right away what I wanted to do. Choosing to take my fifth year was an easy decision due to the environment at SUU. I have loved competing for the community, university, and the girls on the team. I wanted to come back to continue to pursue my education through achieving my master's as well as continuing contributing to SUU gymnastics. I can't wait for my last season! Go T-Birds!"
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