CEDAR CITY, Utah - As the Flippin' Birds gear up for the upcoming season, the vault lineup is shaping up to be one of the strongest in program history. With a combination of seasoned returners and promising newcomers, Southern Utah is poised to soar to new heights in the 2024-2025 campaign.
Coach Scotty Bauman Said
"Our Vault team looks strong. Niya Randolph has upgraded her vault, and we have the returning NCAA Regional Champion (Ellie Cacciola) and MPSF Conference Champion (Brinlee Christensen) returning to make up the core of our lineup. Everyone competing for a spot in the lineup has a chance to make a splash this season."
Returners Leading the Way
Taylor Gull returns as a dependable force for the Flippin' Birds. Coming off a junior season where she set a career-high of 9.825 on vault and earned All-MPSF Second Team honors on the floor, Gull's consistency and competitive experience will be key assets. With her ability to deliver under pressure, fans can expect her to continue building on her impressive career.
Mackenzie Kelly showed great potential in her freshman season, competing regularly in the vault lineup and achieving a career-best score of 9.850 at the NCAA Regional. Now, with a year of collegiate experience under her belt, Kelly is primed to take her vaulting skills to the next level.
Niya Randolph had an unforgettable debut season, becoming a cornerstone of the lineup. Her 9.900 on vault, alongside her record-breaking all-around performances, began the process of rewriting the program's record book. As the reigning MPSF Conference Gymnast of the Year, Randolph is set to electrify crowds once again with her power and performance.
Ellie Cacciola brings incredible accolades to the vault lineup, including her career-high 9.900 on vault, which earned her a share of the NCAA Regional Vault title. Named to the All-MPSF First-Team on Vault and Beam, Cacciola's consistency and competitive grit make her a top competitor.
Trista Goodman impressed in her sophomore season, scoring a 9.825 at the MPSF Conference Championship. Known for her outstanding performances on bars, Goodman's growing confidence on vault adds depth to the team.
Brinlee Christensen had a stellar freshman season, tying for the second-best vault score in program history with a 9.925 at Washington. As the MPSF Vault Champion and Freshman of the Year, Christensen is expected to shine as a cornerstone of the vault lineup.
Elliot Bringhurst is bringing some of her powerful gymnastics from the beam to the vault this season. Bringhurst is a competitor who is adding some depth to the vault lineup with a beautiful Yurchenko full that is sure to impress judges.
Newcomer Ready to Contribute
Joining the team is Mia Hampton, a four-time national qualifier from Bronco Elite. Hampton's experience brings added potential to the Flippin' Birds' roster, and her dedication to excellence will undoubtedly contribute to the team's success.
Depth in the Roster
Southern Utah is replacing two of its top vaulters from a season ago. Both Kenedi McClain and Kayla Pardue will not compete this season for the Flippin' Birds. The staff has loaded the roster with incredible depth. The talent and the explosiveness of this vault team show just how many outstanding gymnasts Southern Utah has on the team.
Aiming for Greatness
With a roster brimming with talent, the Southern Utah gymnastics vault team is ready to make waves. Head coach Scott Bauman and the coaching staff have assembled a group capable of dominating the MPSF Conference and competing at the highest levels nationally. From seasoned veterans to dynamic newcomers, the Flippin' Birds are soaring into the season with high expectations and plenty of momentum.
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