CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Mountain Pacific Sports Federation announced its 2026 Women's Gymnastics All-Academic Team, and Southern Utah University once again showed its strength in the classroom with 14 student-athletes earning the honor.
Head Coach Scotty Bauman Said
"I'm really proud of this group because this recognition speaks to who they are every single day, not just in competition. Seeing so many of our student-athletes honored for their work in the classroom while also winning another conference championship says a lot about their commitment and discipline. They've set a standard for what it means to be successful in every part of the student-athlete experience."
To qualify, gymnasts must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, be a sophomore or higher academically, complete a full year at their institution, and compete in at least half of the team's meets, making the recognition a strong reflection of both consistency in competition and commitment in the classroom.
Southern Utah's honorees include Elliot Bringhurst, Marisa de Groot, Maria Ferguson, Alyssa Fernandez, Mia Hampton, Mackenzie Kelly, Carilia Martinez, Kendall McGuire, Rylee Miller, Emma Nipper, Sage Paladino, Kayla Pardue, Niya Randolph, and Alex Routsis.
The group is made up largely of juniors, along with a pair of sophomores and a senior. It represents a wide variety of majors, from exercise science and biology to marketing, communication, and criminal justice.
The academic recognition comes on the heels of another standout season for the Thunderbirds, who captured the 2026 MPSF Championship. The title marked Southern Utah's fourth consecutive conference championship and its third straight since joining the MPSF, continuing a dominant run for the program.
As the team transitions to the PAC-12 in July, the dedicated approach to both athletics and academics remains a top priority for Head Coach Scotty Bauman and his staff.
Next Up
Head Coach Scotty Bauman and his staff will take the team into the offseason. The Flippin' Birds have secured four straight conference titles and will make the move to the PAC-12 in July, returning a team that is deep and hungry for success at the highest level.
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.
