CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah University is officially elevating its gymnastics program to new heights, announcing it will join the PAC-12 Conference for gymnastics beginning in the 2027 season. The move marks a major milestone for the Flippin' Birds, who have established themselves as one of the nation's most consistent and competitive programs in recent years.
"At Southern Utah University, we take great pride in our tradition of excellence—in the classroom, the arena, and beyond," said SUU President Mindy Benson. "Our women's gymnastics team exemplifies the best of both athletic and academic achievement, and this new partnership with the Pac-12 affirms the athletes' discipline, the coaching staff's high standards, and our shared commitment to developing student-athletes who excel in every aspect of their lives."
This transition comes amid a dominant run for Southern Utah in conference competition. The Thunderbirds captured three consecutive conference championships, winning the final title in the Mountain Rim Gymnastics Conference (MRGC) in 2023, followed by back-to-back championships in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) in 2024 and 2025. In 2026, Southern Utah will host the MPSF Championship meet for the first and final time.
The Thunderbirds have qualified for 13 straight NCAA Division I regional championships and 20 total since 2000, securing four top-25 national finishes in the past six seasons. Over the last five years, the team has maintained a strong scoring average of 196.192.
Academically, SUU Gymnastics continues to lead the nation. The program boasts a perfect 100% NCAA Graduation Success Rate, a 90% Federal Graduation Rate, and a multi-year Academic Progress Rate of 1000. In 2023–24, the team earned the second-highest GPA in the country at 3.85, with every athlete receiving WCGA Scholastic All-American honors. The 2024–25 season added six CSC Academic All-District selections and 11 Academic All-MPSF honorees. With 13 Academic National Championships and 10 national runner-up finishes, SUU Gymnastics exemplifies excellence both on the mat and in the classroom.
"This move validates everything we've been working toward," said Southern Utah Interim Athletic Director Tom Higbee. "Joining the PAC-12 aligns with our goals for national competitiveness and provides our student-athletes the stage they deserve."
The PAC-12 has long been synonymous with elite gymnastics, producing Olympic athletes, NCAA champions, and some of the sport's most iconic programs. With recent conference realignments shaking up the collegiate landscape, the addition of Southern Utah ensures that the PAC-12 remains a premier destination for gymnastics talent. The Flippin' Birds will join current PAC-12 members Oregon State, Utah State, and Boise State, forming a four-team conference lineup anchored by perennial Top 25 competition.
Head Coach Scotty Bauman Said
"We've built something special here in Cedar City. Our athletes, staff, and supporters have put in the work to earn national respect, and now we have the opportunity to compete at the highest level in one of the most storied conferences in collegiate gymnastics."
Southern Utah has finished ranked in the Top 25 nationally in multiple recent seasons and has become a fixture at NCAA Regionals. Standout performances, record-breaking team scores, and an unwavering commitment to excellence have driven the program's steady rise over Coach Bauman's tenure at the helm.
Pac-12 Commissioner Teresa Gould Said
"Women's gymnastics has a long history of excellence in this league, and we are proud to build upon that foundation and to continue to be a force in the sport with our new Pac-12 as solidified with the addition of Southern Utah."
As Southern Utah prepares for its final MPSF campaign in 2026, the Flippin' Birds will do so with both eyes on the future, a future that promises even greater visibility, tougher competition, and new opportunities on one of the sport's biggest stages. With its proven championship pedigree and passionate fan base, SUU is poised to make an immediate impact in the PAC-12 and continue its rise among the nation's gymnastics elite.
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.
