CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Flippin' Birds will open the 2026 campaign at home on Friday, January 9, hosting former and future conference rival Boise State in a 6:30 p.m. matchup inside the America First Event Center. The season opener sets the stage for an early test against a familiar opponent as Southern Utah looks to build early momentum in front of a home crowd.

Southern Utah enters the season ranked No. 24 in the College Gym News preseason rankings and No. 29 in the WCGA poll. Boise State also opens the year with national recognition, sitting at No. 33 in the College Gym News rankings and No. 32 according to the WCGA. Both programs are coming off conference championship seasons in 2025, with the Flippin' Birds claiming the MPSF title while the Broncos secured the Mountain West regular-season crown before falling to Utah State in the conference championship meet.

Coach Scotty Bauman Said

The Competition 

Boise State

The Broncos are tabbed the Mountain West preseason favorite for the third consecutive season after winning the 2024 conference championship meet and claiming the 2025 regular-season title. Boise State returns MW Co-Freshman of the Year Kristina Shchennikova, a second-team All-MW selection on bars, along with All-MW floor performers Blake Pascal (first team) and Bridget Kemp (second team). Led by two-time MW Coach of the Year Tina Bird in her 19th season, the Broncos have qualified for NCAA Regionals in every completed season under her guidance. The opener provides an early measuring stick for the Broncos, who will transition to the PAC-12 alongside the Flippin' Birds following the 2026 season.

Southern Utah Notes

Last Year's National and Conference Rankings:

• No. 21 National Ranking 
• Vault: Ranked 21st nationally (49.135 NQS).
• Floor: Ranked 18th nationally (49.325 NQS).
• Bars: Ranked 29th nationally (49.165 NQS).
• SUU led the MPSF on vault, bars, beam, and floor.

Returning Major Award Winners:

• Southern Utah became the first program in MPSF history to sweep all five major end-of-year awards.
• MPSF Gymnast of the Year: Niya Randolph (Sophomore) — Second consecutive year receiving the award.
• MPSF Freshman of the Year: Mia Hampton (Freshman) — Earned eight Freshman of the Week awards.
• MPSF Head Coach of the Year: Scotty Bauman — Guided SUU to a No. 21 national ranking and conference-best NQS of 196.315.
• MPSF Assistant Coaches of the Year: Jamie Wysong and Jeff Richards — Recognized for leading top-ranked vault, floor, and bars squads.

• The Thunderbirds have earned 21 total Weekly Awards from the MPSF conference in 2025, including Hampton (8), Randolph (4), Bringhurst (1), Cacciola (2), Christensen (2), Gull (2), Miller (1), and Neff (1). 
• The Flippin' Birds have won three consecutive Conference Championships in two separate conferences. Winning the Final MRGC Championship before transitioning to the MPSF and securing their first two titles in their new conference.

2025 All-Conference Honorees Returning:

• 18 of 37 total All-MPSF selections awarded to SUU gymnasts.
• 11 First-Team All-MPSF honors — Most in the conference.
• Notable First-Team Honorees:
  • Vault: Mackenzie Kelly
  • Bars: Niya Randolph, Maria Ferguson, Brinlee Christensen
  • Beam: Rylee Miller
  • Floor: Mia Hampton
  • All-around: Niya Randolph, Brinlee Christensen

Record-Breaking Performances to Beat in 2026:

• Achieved a 2025 season-best score of 196.900 against No. 29 Boise State, tied for the third-highest score in MPSF history.
• Broke the 196-point barrier in nine meets during the 2025 season.

• Niya Randolph: Scored a 2025 season-high 39.450 three times in the all-around and a conference-best 9.925 on bars.
• Mia Hampton: Posted a 9.900 on floor twice during the 2025 season and finished the season ranked third in the MPSF on floor.

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! 

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