From Regan Hunsaker, SUU Athletics
CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Flippin’ Birds are gearing up for what could be the most challenging and competitive beam lineup in recent program history. Southern Utah finished the 2024 season ranked as the #26 team in the country on the beam. With a surplus of talent returning from last season and an influx of fresh routines from the team’s newcomers, Southern Utah’s beam squad is shaping up to be one of the most formidable in the country. The difficulty in assembling the lineup lies not in the lack of talent but in narrowing down the athletes who will ultimately represent the Thunderbirds on competition day.
Head Coach Scotty Bauman Said
“This could be one of the deepest beam line-ups in SUU’s history. We have some big shoes to fill with the loss of Aly Coutu, Anna Hartley, Aubri Schwartze and Kennedi McClain. Fortunately, the amount of skill we have on our beam team can compete with anyone in the country. There will be some incredible routines that might not see competition this season because of how outstanding all the routines are.”
Returning Stars
Leading the pack of returners are beam standouts Ellie Cacciola, Alyssa Fernandez, Niya Randolph, and Elliot Bringhurst, who each made significant contributions last season. Three of the four earned recognition as part of the All-MPSF teams on the beam a year ago.
Cacciola is no stranger to the spotlight, having matched a career-high 9.950 on beam twice in 2024, a score that ties for the second-best in program history and tops the MPSF record books. Cacciola finished the 2024 season ranked #41 on the beam nationally. Her consistency and poise earned her All-MPSF First-Team honors on beam, and she will look to anchor the lineup once again with her elegant and precise routines.
Another standout from last season, Fernandez scored a season and career-high 9.900 on beam against Iowa State. Her steady performances throughout her freshman campaign earned her All-MPSF First-Team recognition on the apparatus. Fernandez’s ability to hit big scores when it matters most makes her a reliable presence in the lineup.
Randolph was a breakout star during her freshman season, competing in the all-around at every meet. On beam, she delivered a career-best 9.850, showcasing her versatility and ability to thrive under pressure. Her accolades, including an MPSF Gymnast of the Year award and multiple MPSF First-Team honors, cement her as a key contender for a beam spot.
Bringhurst made two beam appearances during her freshman season, earning a season-high 9.750 at the MPSF Conference Championship. A former national beam champion, Bringhurst has the skill and experience to make an even more significant impact in 2025.
New Faces, New Routines
The competition for beam spots will only intensify with the addition of several talented newcomers and emerging gymnasts looking to break into the lineup. Potential new routines could come from a deep pool of athletes, including Maria Ferguson, Brinlee Christensen, Amelia Rieder, Rylee Miller, Ellie Thomson, Marissa de Groot, Mia Hampton, and Emma Nipper.
A sensational sophomore, Christensen is looking to expand her repertoire and compete in the all-around by adding beam to her regular rotation. As the reigning MPSF Freshman of the Year and vault champion, Christensen has proven her ability to excel across multiple events. With a background that includes a 9.8 beam score during her club career, she is more than capable of delivering a routine worthy of the lineup.
Miller, a Canadian standout, has an impressive resume, including experience as a three-time member of the Canadian National Team, and has earned multiple national medals. Her steady, confident style could translate well to the beam lineup, and fans can expect big things as she vies for her first collegiate competition appearances.
After not competing in 2024, Ferguson is ready to make her mark on the beam team. Having represented Trinidad and Tobago at the Pan-American Games, Ferguson brings an international experience that could prove invaluable.
Ellie Thomson, Amelia Rieder, and Marissa de Groot
Both Thomson and Rieder are working to break into the beam rotation after limited opportunities in previous seasons. A five-time Nationals qualifier, de Groot has consistently excelled in beam competitions, earning podium finishes such as second place at the 2023 Provincials and Trials to Westerns. Each of these three have the potential to challenge for spots as they continue developing their routines.
These two powerhouse freshmen are trying to earn a spot in one of the most competitive lineups that Southern Utah has ever fielded in this event. Hampton, a four-time national qualifier, and Nipper, a multiple-time state beam champion, are both strong beam specialists who will push the competition to new heights. Nipper’s accolades include three Level 10 regional qualifications and a 2022 national appearance, making her a strong contender for a lineup spot.
Final Thoughts
As the 2025 season approaches, Southern Utah’s beam team will face the enviable challenge of assembling a lineup from a roster overflowing with talent. With proven returners leading the way and newcomers eager to make their mark, the Flippin’ Birds have all the tools to dominate the beam. The depth and competition within the team will drive each gymnast to reach new heights, setting the stage for a season full of record-breaking performances and unforgettable routines.