CEDAR CITY, Utah – As the Flippin' Birds gear up for the 2026 campaign, Southern Utah's sophomore class stands ready to make its mark. With one of the most decorated freshmen in program history returning and several former elite club standouts pushing for lineup opportunities, this group represents both star power and tremendous untapped potential.
Head Coach Scotty Bauman Said
"This sophomore group is incredibly exciting for us. Mia proved last season that she can compete at a high level every single week, and she's only getting better. Emma, Mya, and Sage have all taken huge steps forward in the gym. This class brings depth, competitiveness, and a ton of potential to our lineups. They're going to play a major role in what we accomplish this year."
Mia Hampton – All-Around | Meridian, Idaho
Few freshmen in the nation made the kind of impact Mia Hampton delivered in 2025. The Meridian, Idaho native collected nearly every honor in sight—2025 MPSF Freshman of the Year, eight Freshman of the Week awards, and First Team All-MPSF on floor. She was a consistent contributor across multiple events, posting a 9.900 on floor, a 9.875 on bars, and a 9.875 on vault at NCAA Regionals.
Hampton led off a floor lineup that finished the year ranked #18 nationally, playing a crucial role in SUU's MPSF Championship run. As a former four-time national qualifier for Bronco Elite, Hampton enters her sophomore year as a proven leader and one of the conference's most dynamic all-around threats.
Emma Nipper – Beam | Mesa, Arizona
Though she did not compete during her freshman season, Emma Nipper arrives in year two with the pedigree of a high-caliber beam specialist. A three-time State Champion on the beam, three-time Level 10 regional qualifier, and 2022 national qualifier, Nipper trained with the renowned Desert Devils Gymnastics program.
Her precision, calm performance style, and competitive background position her to challenge for a spot in SUU's ever-competitive beam rotation this season.
Mya North – Bars / Floor | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
A technical and artistic gymnast with strong club credentials, Pittsburgh's Mya North is another sophomore who could bolster SUU's depth in 2026. A six-year Level 10, five-time regional qualifier, and standout from Xquisite Gymnastics, North did not appear in competition last season but has been developing the refinement and consistency needed at the collegiate level.
With her clean swing on bars and expressive presence on the floor, North has the tools to make a push for lineup appearances as a sophomore.
Sage Paladino – Floor / Bars | Prescott Valley, Arizona
As one of the smallest but mightiest athletes on the roster, 4-foot-11 dynamo Sage Paladino brings powerful tumbling and strong bar work to the Flippin' Birds lineup picture. She saw her first action last season in an exhibition routine at the BYU/UC Davis meet, offering a preview of her capabilities.
Paladino's club résumé is stacked: a six-time State Champion, six-time regional qualifier, and three-time Arizona State Champion with Arizona Dreams Gymnastics. With her difficulty and competitive experience, she is poised to be a name to watch as she continues to push for opportunities on both floor and bars.
A Class on the Rise
As Southern Utah looks to defend its conference title and continue climbing the national rankings, the sophomore class offers a mix of returning star power and emerging talent. Whether it's Hampton building on a historic freshman season or Nipper, North, and Paladino stepping into bigger competitive roles, this group will be instrumental in shaping the Flippin' Birds' success in 2026.
Season Tickets On Sale Now
Don't miss a moment as the Flippin' Birds pursue greatness and soar to new heights in 2026! Help us pack the America First Event Center by buying your season tickets today! Visit tbirdtickets.com to reserve your seats!
Follow Us
For all the latest on Southern Utah gymnastics, follow @SUUGym on Twitter, @SUUGymastics on Instagram, and like the Southern Utah Gymnastics Facebook page.
Donate
To help support Thunderbird athletics, consider making a donation today! To learn more about how you can support, click here.
