CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Flippin' Birds are ready to soar in 2024 with a bars lineup that combines seasoned veterans, rising stars, and exciting new faces. After an offseason filled with hard work and preparation, Southern Utah looks primed to make even more noise on the national stage.
Head Coach Scotty Bauman Said
"We return an incredible amount of depth in this bars team, and I couldn't be more proud of their offseason work. Each one of these athletes is pushing to make themselves better, and that has led to improvement for the entire lineup."
Returning Firepower
The Flippin' Birds' lineup features a core group of proven competitors who shined last season:
- Alex Routsis: A model of consistency, Routsis delivered a career-high 9.875 and competed in every meet as a freshman, earning MPSF Freshman of the Week honors.
- Niya Randolph: Randolph was electric in her breakout season, tying for the second-best bars score in the program and MPSF history with a 9.950. Randolph also set the program record in the All-Around with an astounding 39.600. The reigning MPSF Gymnast of the Year finished ranked #47 nationally on the bars and will be a major force once again.
- Trista Goodman: Goodman matched Randolph's record with a 9.950, tying for the second-best bars score in program history. A First-Team All-MPSF selection, Goodman thrives under pressure.
- Brinlee Christensen: Christensen proved her toughness and reliability, posting a 9.875 during her standout freshman season. She not only competed in every meet but led off on the bars throughout the season, setting the team up for success by completing routines and consistently posting solid scores.
- Isabella Neff: A steady veteran, Neff competed in every meet last year and notched a career-high 9.900 at the Best of Utah Meet.
Rising Talent
Southern Utah has depth beyond the headliners, with gymnasts ready to push for lineup spots:
- Kendall McGuire flashed potential last season, scoring a 9.800 in exhibitions and positioning herself for a breakout year.
- Ellie Thomson brings clean lines and promising skills as she looks to make her mark.
Fresh Faces
A trio of potential new routines adds even more depth to the Flippin' Birds:
- Mia Hampton, a four-time national qualifier, brings strong club experience and the skills to compete immediately.
- Carilia Martinez, a former Puerto Rican National Team qualifier and six-time state champion, brings incredible skills and fresh routines to the squad.
- Maria Ferguson has put in the work and is ready to compete after a year of training and development with the Flippin' Birds. Ferguson also adds international experience, having competed for Trinidad and Tobago at the Pan-American Games.
Season Outlook
Coming off a stellar 2023 campaign that saw them finish #23 in the nation, the Flippin' Birds are eyeing an even bigger season. With a deep, talented group and some of the top bar workers in the country, Southern Utah is ready to challenge records and rise even higher in the national rankings.
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