CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Mountain Pacific Sports Federation has announced its weekly gymnastics honors, with two members of the Southern Utah University Flippin' Birds earning recognition. Sophomore Mia Hampton has been named MPSF Specialist of the Week for the second time this season, while freshman Ariel Collum collects her first-career MPSF Freshman of the Week award.

Head Coach Scotty Bauman Said

"I'm incredibly proud of both Mia and Ariel. Mia continues to show why she's one of the strongest competitors in our lineup, and earning her second Specialist of the Week honor speaks to her consistency, toughness, and ability to deliver in big moments. For Ariel, to step into high-pressure road environments as a freshman and come away with back-to-back standout bar routines says so much about her composure and confidence. They both played a major role in our success this weekend, and it's great to see their hard work recognized by the conference."

Ariel Collum — MPSF Freshman of the Week

Collum delivered a breakout weekend for the Flippin' Birds, highlighted by a career-best performance at the USU Quad. With Southern Utah facing early adversity in the lineup, the freshman stepped up in a pressure-packed moment and delivered a meet-winning 9.900 on uneven bars. Her routine featured crisp handstands, clean lines, and a composed dismount, helping power the team to a second-place finish and its first MPSF head-to-head victories of the season.

She followed that performance with another strong showing on the road at No. 26 Oregon State, scoring a 9.875 on bars while competing in the heart of the lineup. Collum's routine tied for second overall and helped the Flippin' Birds post a season-high 49.225 on the event in a key road victory.

Across both meets, Collum proved her consistency and composure, delivering back-to-back high-impact routines in challenging environments to earn her first conference weekly honor.

Mia Hampton — MPSF Specialist of the Week

Hampton earns her second Specialist of the Week nod after a clutch all-around weekend that showcased her resilience and scoring power.

At the USU Quad, Hampton responded to an early setback by resetting and delivering in critical moments. She opened the beam rotation with a steady 9.625 to reestablish momentum before energizing the floor lineup with a dynamic 9.850, tying for third on the event and helping Southern Utah secure key conference wins.

She elevated her performance even further in the road win at No. 26 Oregon State. Hampton scored a 9.850 on bars before matching a career-best 9.900 on balance beam to tie for second. She closed the meet with another 9.900 on floor, tying for third as the Flippin' Birds posted a season-high 49.450 on the event.

Competing with confidence and precision in high-pressure situations, Hampton's consistency and leadership were instrumental in one of Southern Utah's biggest wins of the season, solidifying her second MPSF weekly award of the year.

Next Up

The Flippin' Birds will take on the University of Utah on Friday, February 20, in Salt Lake City. The meet will begin at 7:00 p.m. MT, and fans can watch it live on ESPN+. Live stats are available on virti.us.

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