Taking Flight: Region 5’s Vault Stars to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Region 5 continues to showcase an impressive depth of vault talent, with powerful athletes, rising difficulty, and exciting upgrades setting the stage for a standout season. From clean execution and explosive amplitude to upgraded start values, these gymnasts are proving they have what it takes to make an impact. With returning standouts and rising stars pushing their limits, let's take a look at the Region 5 vaulters ready to take flight this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["62633"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca0ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ohio gymnast Caroline Labuhn, is one to watch heading into the upcoming season. Labuhn is training an impressive front handspring to handspring front tuck vault, which she recently progressed to landing on a mat in September. She generates good power into the vault and maintains impressive amplitude and form throughout, with no leg separation. Labuhn is also training a Yurchenko layout full, adding another strong option to her vault repertoire. With both vaults offering potential to transition successfully to the collegiate level, Labuhn is a name to keep an eye on as she continues to develop her skills this season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["98367"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca162"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johari Rugutt is laying the ground work for an exciting first season as a Level 10 gymnast, with an upgraded vault on the horizon. Last season, she showcased her power, clean form, and excellent landing execution on her Yurchenko layout, earning the Level 9 State Championship title on vault. Over the summer, Rugutt has been working on a Yurchenko full, and the upgrade is progressing nicely. With a strong foundation and a new skill taking shape, Rugutt is setting herself up for an exciting debut at Level 10 and will be one to watch in the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["98369"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca1ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Level 9 gymnast [player_tooltip player_id='98369' first='Layla' last='Ensign'] is gearing up for a comeback season with a new vault in the works. After missing part of the previous season due to injury, Ensign is ready to return to competition and make an impact. Previously competing a Tsukahara tuck, she has spent the summer training a front handspring front pike, showing promising progress in both power and height. With plans to eventually add a twist to the vault, Ensign is building toward an exciting upgrade. As she returns to the competition floor, she will be one to keep an eye on in the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4026"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca1f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Future Ball State commit [player_tooltip player_id='4026' first='Alli' last='Szymanski'] is preparing for an exciting senior season with an impressive vault upgrade. Last season, she competed a beautiful Yurchenko full, showcasing excellent height off the table and earning a personal-best of 9.7. Over the summer, Szymanski has been training a Yurchenko 1.5, positioning herself for an exciting, college-ready vault upgrade in the upcoming season. An outstanding all-around performer, Szymanski is an athlete to watch across all four events as she continues to build momentum toward her collegiate career at Ball State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4032"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca237"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Future Northern Illinois University Huskie [player_tooltip player_id='4032' first='Kaliyah' last='Martin'] brings power and precision to the vault. Last season, Martin competed a Yurchenko full, showcasing impressive height and distance from the table before finishing with excellent landing execution. Her strong performance earned her a personal-best 9.875, highlighting her potential as a consistent standout vaulter. Over the offseason, Martin has been training a Yurchenko 1.5, which would be an excellent upgrade as she prepares to transition to the collegiate level next year. Be sure to catch Martin throughout her senior season as she looks to build on her success and finish her club career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4778"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca27a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Illinois gymnast [player_tooltip player_id='4778' first='Elizabeth' last='Tota'] is heading into the upcoming season with an exciting vault upgrade on the horizon that could bring her start value to a 10.1. Last season, Tota competed a Yurchenko layout, showcasing good form and height from the table. Over the summer, she has been training an impressive Yurchenko full on pike off, which has progressed nicely with improved consistency and form. Tota has also been working on a Yurchenko tuck full, giving her multiple options as she continues to develop her vault lineup. With these upgrades taking shape, Tota is a recruit who could make an impact at the collegiate level and is one to watch in the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4397"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca2bc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kentucky gymnast Ra'nya Handley is headed into her senior season with plenty of momentum and upgrades added to her routine. She competed a powerful front handspring front tuck last season, showcasing impressive amplitude and consistent landing execution throughout the season. Over the off season, Handley has trained a Tsukahara full, progressing nicely with power and consistency. This upgrade would elevate her vault to a 10.0 start value, making it an excellent addition to her repertoire. With her power, continued progression, and ability to execute landings consistently, Handley's upgraded vault has the potential to transition seamlessly to the collegiate level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4779"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca2fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Emma Kiefer brings power and precision to her gymnastics and has been putting in the work on vault upgrades over the summer. Last season, she competed a Yurchenko layout, showcasing excellent form and consistent landing execution. Kiefer has continued to build on that foundation, training a Yurchenko full, an impressive front handspring front pike, and a front handspring front tuck half into the pit. Be sure to keep an eye on Kiefer across all four events this season, as she has been making upgrades throughout her routines, establishing herself as a gymnast to watch next season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4011"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca33f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ohio gymnast Darielis Aviles has established herself as a powerhouse vaulter over the past few seasons, earning both state and regional titles. Last season, she competed a beautiful Yurchenko full, showcasing excellent form and impressive technical execution. Aviles builds power throughout her vault entry, followed by explosive block off the table and a well-timed opening into the landing. Her ability to combine power with precision has translated into consistent results throughout the season and earned her an impressive personal best of 9.8 twice last season. She capped off her season with a third-place finish at Nationals in May. Committed to the University of Minnesota, Aviles is an exciting athlete to follow as she heads into her senior season and prepares for the next chapter of her gymnastics career at the collegiate level!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3939"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca382"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Future University of Arizona gymnast Esphyr Koren is coming off an exciting season as she prepares to launch into her senior year. Last season, Koren competed a front handspring front tuck, showcasing her impressive power and athleticism. Over the summer, she has been training an upgraded front handspring front pike half, further highlighting her explosive power and continued progression on vault. Koren is also a standout all-around gymnast, bringing talent and versatility across all four events. Be sure to catch Koren throughout her senior season as she continues to build on her success and prepares for her gymnastics career at the University of Arizona!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["62652"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca3c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Class of 2029 gymnast [player_tooltip player_id='62652' first='Jenae' last='Liggins'] is primed for an exciting season, with upgrades across all four events. On vault, Liggins competed a Yurchenko layout last season, showcasing excellent form. Over the offseason, she has been training a Yurchenko full, highlighting her impressive power and continued progression. With potential upgrades across the board, Liggins is a gymnast to watch as she continues to elevate her gymnastics.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4398"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca447"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">MaryLou Ogbe's gymnastics stands out for her clean lines, power, and strong technical execution. Last season, Ogbe competed a Yurchenko layout, showcasing a solid foundation on vault. Over the offseason, she has continued to elevate her difficulty, upgrading to a Yurchenko full and demonstrating impressive power. This upgrade highlights Ogbe's continued progression and makes her an exciting gymnast to watch as she builds on her success in the upcoming season. With her power, technical precision, and continued progression, Ogbe is an enticing recruit to watch as she works to take her vault to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4386"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca405"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Future University of Nebraska Husker Peyton Scott has made impressive progress over the offseason, setting the stage for an exciting senior season. Last season, Scott competed a Yurchenko tuck full, showcasing good form, consistency, and clean landings throughout the year. She has continued to build on that foundation, upgrading to a Yurchenko tuck 1.5 and gaining consistency as she progresses the vault into the competition setting. With increased difficulty and continued refinement, Scott is poised to make her mark this season, so be sure to keep an eye on her as she continues to elevate her vault.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["4766"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ade6b63ca48c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Addison McCullough brings power, difficulty, and athleticism to her gymnastics, making her an exciting athlete to watch. Last season, McCullough competed a Yurchenko layout, showcasing excellent form and a strong foundation on vault. She has continued to build on that foundation, training a Yurchenko full on to a competition mat while gaining consistency, as well as working a Yurchenko 1.5 onto a mat in the pit over the off season. With continued upgrades across all four events and the development of a college-ready vault, McCullough is an enticing recruit with the potential to make an impact at the collegiate level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to check more of the Region 5 gymnasts in these articles!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://prepgymnastics.com/2026/10/ready-for-the-spotlight-region-5-floor-standouts/","type":"wp-embed","providerNameSlug":"prep-gymnastics"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-prep-gymnastics wp-block-embed-prep-gymnastics"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://prepgymnastics.com/2026/10/ready-for-the-spotlight-region-5-floor-standouts/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://prepgymnastics.com/2026/10/above-the-bar-region-5s-rising-stars/","type":"wp-embed","providerNameSlug":"prep-gymnastics"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-prep-gymnastics wp-block-embed-prep-gymnastics"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://prepgymnastics.com/2026/10/above-the-bar-region-5s-rising-stars/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://prepgymnastics.com/2026/10/region-5-beam-queens-to-watch/","type":"wp-embed","providerNameSlug":"prep-gymnastics"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-prep-gymnastics wp-block-embed-prep-gymnastics"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://prepgymnastics.com/2026/10/region-5-beam-queens-to-watch/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->