CEDAR CITY, Utah – The weather is getting colder, and as we head into the winter months, the excitement for Flippin' Birds Gymnastics begins to build. The Thunderbirds are coming off of a Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference Championship season and looking to reload for a run in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Let's take a look at some of the returning and new faces we can expect to fly high as part of the vault team for the Thunderbirds when the gymnastics season begins one month from today.
Head Coach Scotty Bauman Said
"Vault is one of our strongest events this year. We have depth and some new talent on the team, and I'm excited to see what they can do in competition. They've been working hard, and I have no doubt they'll make us proud right away."
Returning Vault Stars
The Flippin' Birds have a handful of vaulters who have experience, though some will be taking a more significant role than they previously held in the lineup. Sophomore Kayla Pardue will be back in the lineup this season, looking to improve on a stellar freshman campaign where she put up impressive numbers, including a 9.900 vault late in the season. Senior Anna Hartley will also look to find a spot in the lineup. Her career best is a 9.7, but she is capable of putting up some good numbers this year. Junior Ellie Cacciola will also be an essential part of the vault squad. Cacciola's top score last year was 9.900, which earned her the MRGC vault Championship. Look to see sophomore Kennedi McClain, junior Taylor Gull, and sophomore Trista Goodman break into the lineup at times this season as well.
Fresh Flyers
Coach Bauman and his staff have added some very talented team members since last season, and some of them will get the chance to spark the vault team this season.
Niya Randolph
Freshman Niya Randolph is a power-packed gymnast from Las Vegas, where she was a seven-time Nevada state champion. Expanding her competition, Randolf became a two-time regional champion and earned the title of National Vault Champion in 2022. Randolph will get plenty of opportunities to shine this season.
Brinlee Christensen
Freshman Brinlee Christensen comes to Southern Utah from South Jordan. Christensen showcased unparalleled excellence, achieving a flawless 10.00 in the vault, reigning as the '23 State of Utah Beam Champion, and seizing the '23 Region 1 Vault Champion title among her impressive accomplishments. Look for Christensen to compete regularly this season.
Mackenzie Kelly
Mackenzie Kelly made her way to Southern Utah from Sparks, Nevada. She secured second place in the 2018 Level 8-10 Regional Championships. Kelly also showcased her talents at the 2019 USA Gymnastics Level 9 Western Championships and earned a spot as an alternate for Nationals in 2022. Kelly has been putting in the work and may find a spot on the vault team this season.
Regardless of the lineup when the Flippin' Birds hit the road to Las Vegas in early January, the excitement for the upcoming season is palpable.
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