West Virginia University gymnastics head coach Jason Butts has been hard at work finding new talent to add to the 2026 roster, adding three freshmen who will each bring high-level experience and specific strengths to Morgantown. Read more Butts Continues to Build 2026 Roster with Three Newcomers.
Mendoza – Bringing Strength to the Bars
In May, Butts announced the signing of Haley Mendoza. Mendoza is a native of West Chester, Ohio, and will graduate this spring from the Ohio Connections Academy. Mendoza has experience under coaches Zach Busam and Stacy Moore at Queen City Gymnastics.
Assistant coach Kaylyn Millick typically oversees the team’s choreography and assists in coaching all four events. Millick seems optimistic about Mendoza, stating:
“As soon as Haley stepped foot on campus, we knew she would be an incredible addition to our Mountaineer family. She’s extremely easygoing, sweet, and beamed with excitement about the opportunity. She has three years of elite gymnastics experience, as well as a successful JO resume, especially on uneven bars. I have no doubt that her positive work ethic and beautiful style will make an immediate impact on our lineups.”
In my interview with head coach Jason Butts, he touched on the importance of building a positive culture and how it is connected to a positive season. According to assistant coach Millick, Mendoza will be a great addition to the team and the team’s culture.
Read my interview with Coach Butts here: From Underdogs to Regionals: How WVU Gymnastics Turned the Season Around
Mendoza not only has a positive attitude coming into the season, but she also has the accolades. She qualified for the 2025 Women’s Development Program National Championships after tying for second on the uneven bars at Region 5 Championships and finishing sixth in the all-around. She also recorded top 10 finishes on vault (9th), bars (5th), and floor (9th) at the same meet.
Bryner – South Jordan, Utah
Joslyn Bryner, from South Jordan, Utah, is a two-year Level 10 gymnast who performed at Momentum Gymnastics. She has most recently competed at the 2025 Women’s Development National All-Stars, earning 7th place on the uneven bars. She earned a spot at the all-stars competition after placing in the top 10 on bars, floor exercise, and the all-around at the 2025 Region 1 Championships.
Bryner finished in the top six on every event at the 2025 Utah DP State Championships, highlighted by her 3rd place finish on bars. She also medaled at nationals and western nationals during her club gymnastics career.
Assistant coach Millick spoke on Bryner’s personality, passion, and ability to leave an impact.
“Everything about Joslyn embodies that of a Mountaineer. She has grit, a big personality, and is very passionate about everything she does. I know she will see her skills continue to improve. Her confidence soared towards the end of her club career, especially on the uneven bars, so I know she is coming in motivated and ready to contribute.”
Pederson – Forest Lake, Minnesota
Pederson is a four-year Level 10 gymnast for coach Jess Graba at Midwest Gymnastics Center. She qualified for the 2025 Women’s Development Nationals All-Stars and finished as the runner-up on the all-around and placed inside the top 10 on floor. She also earned her spot in the national meet with top 10 finishes on beam, floor, and the all-around at the 2025 Region 4 Championships.
In 2025, Pederson competed in the Minnesota State Championships, placing in the top 10 on every event. Most impressively, she placed second on bars, and fourth on beam, floor, and the all-around.
Millick also feels positively about Pederson, saying:
“Audie already brings so much joy to the Mountaineer family. With her infectious smile and positivity, I know she is ready to contribute in any way she can for this team. I am especially excited for Mountaineer Nation to see her on the floor exercise. She thrives off performing and exudes so much confidence on this event. I also see her adding depth on both uneven bars and balance beam.”
2026 Season
I am looking forward to seeing how these three newcomers add depth to the West Virginia University Gymnastics Team. The Mountaineers had a very successful season, and these additions will only add to that success.
“I have no doubt each of the freshmen are going to make a huge impact on our lineups and help WVU gymnastics continue to push forward,” assistant coach Kaylyn Millick said.
