By Regan Hunsaker, SUU Athletics
CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Flippin’ Birds enter the 2025 season with four seniors whose leadership and talent have helped shape the program’s continued rise, including three conference championships. Whether cementing themselves as lineup mainstays or pushing relentlessly for their shot, this class brings experience, depth, and a competitive edge. Two seniors, Trista Goodman and Kayla Pardue, have battled back from injury and are looking to make a return to the weekly lineups this season.
Head Coach Scotty Bauman Said
“Our seniors have meant so much to this program, not just in the routines they’ve delivered, but in the leadership, patience, and work ethic they’ve shown every single day. Trista and Kayla have been anchors for us in competition, and we’re excited about the possibility of seeing even more from them moving forward. Amelia and Ellie have fought hard for their opportunities and continue to push our lineups in all the right ways. This group has helped set the standard for what it means to be a Flippin’ Bird, and I’m proud of everything they’ve accomplished and everything they still have ahead of them.”
Trista Goodman – Vault & Bars Specialist
A consistent force since her freshman debut, Goodman has become one of SUU’s most reliable two-event contributors. The All-MPSF honoree enters her senior year after posting season highs of 9.85 on both vault and bars and carrying a strong 9.83 NQS on bars in 2025 despite being injured in the back half of the season. Her résumé includes a stunning 9.950 on bars in 2024, tying for the second-highest score in program and MPSF history. With elite-level potential and steadiness under pressure, Goodman remains a cornerstone for SUU’s early-lineup power.
Kayla Pardue – Vault Powerhouse
One of the most explosive vaulters in program history, Pardue tied the SUU and MPSF vault record with a show-stopping 9.950 as a sophomore. After a season sidelined in 2025, she returns hungry to rejoin the lineup and reclaim her role as a top-scoring threat on a talented vault lineup. Known for her amplitude and consistency, Pardue has earned multiple Specialist of the Week honors and First Team All-MPSF recognition. She comes back this year positioned to be a significant force for the Thunderbirds.
Amelia Rieder – Beam Contender
Rieder has spent the past three seasons battling for a place in one of SUU’s most competitive lineups. With a couple of beam routines to replace entering 2025, she is poised to make a push for her first collegiate action. A three-time state and regional qualifier before SUU, Rieder brings a poised, clean technique that could earn her a breakthrough opportunity on beam this season.
Ellie Thomson – Emerging Vault Contributor
Thomson made her long-awaited debut in 2025, stepping into the vault lineup late in the season and delivering a career-best 9.775 at Boise State. Throughout her career, Thomson has been a vocal leader for the team and was selected as a captain this season. After years of steady development and persistence, Thomson enters her senior season as a genuine contender on vault, adding valuable depth and leadership to the Flippin’ Birds.
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!
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.