LOGAN, Utah – Utah State head gymnastics coach Kristin White has announced the addition of four future Aggies on Wednesday. The list includes Mara Gruber (Mar-uh Gru-ber), Brylea (Bry-lee) Johnson, Charley Laufer (Char-lee Law-fur) and Alianna (Alley-Anna) Valdez.
 
"We are excited to welcome the newest generation of Aggie gymnasts," said White. "These young women are incredible. They work hard, have big goals, and are going to continue to improve throughout their time as Aggies. We look forward to all of them having a successful upcoming senior year and can't wait for them to officially join our program."
 
Mara Gruber | Arden Hills, Minnesota | Flips Gymnastics
Gruber has trained at Flips Gymnastics in White Bear Lake, Minn., for 15 years under the direction of Bart and Lori Roskoski. Gruber tied for 26th in the all-around at the 2024 National Championships, which included a 13th place finish on beam and a 16th place finish on floor and qualified for the 2023 National Championships.
 
"We are excited to welcome Mara and her family to Aggie Nation," said White. "Mara has such a bubbly, hardworking, and passionate personality and we can't wait for her to bring that energy every day. We look forward to Mara helping contribute on vault, beam and floor next season. She will be a great addition to the leadership of the team."
 
The daughter of Todd and Melissa Gruber is set to graduate from Hill-Murray High School in 2025.
 
"I chose Utah State because of its strong sense of family and the unwavering support it offers, both academically and athletically," said Gruber. "What I'm most excited about is becoming a part of the Utah State gymnastics family and working together to continually push myself along with the team to improve and reach new heights."


 
Brylea Johnson | Plymouth, Minnesota | Twin City Twisters
Johnson has trained at Twin City Twisters in Champlin, Minn., for seven years under the direction of Tom Farden. She is a 2023 national qualifier and finished third in the all-around at regionals in 2023.
 
"Brylea is an incredible leader," said White. "We have had great success with athletes over the years from Twin City Twisters and we know Brylea will be no different when she joins our team next season. Brylea will be a vault, beam, and floor specialist for the Aggies and our fans will enjoy seeing her personality shine through her performances. She is a very hard worker and will be a great asset for the Aggies both on and off the competition floor. Welcome to Utah State Brylea and family."
 
The daughter of Gregory and Michelle Johnson is set to graduate from Wayzata High School in 2025.
 
"I chose Utah State because it felt like home and I could see myself walking to class," said Johnson. "I love the coaching staff, and the girls were so sweet and welcoming. I knew it was home. I am looking forward to making a difference on the gymnastics team and helping others throughout my time as an Aggie. I have been given a great privilege and honor to be an Aggie and I intend on making the most of it."


 
Charley Laufer | Grand Rapids, Michigan | R-Athletics
Laufer has trained at R-Athletics in Grand Rapids, Mich., for 13 years under the direction of Rachel Rydbeck. At the 2024 National Championships, she placed fourth on bars and 13th in the all-around.
 
"Charley will be a great addition to the Aggies next season," said White. "With her clean lines, Charley will have the opportunity to contribute on all four events. This past season, she finished fourth in the country on bars. We are looking forward to having her make an immediate impact on our bar lineup and we are thrilled to welcome her and her family to Aggie Nation."
 
The daughter of Chip Laufer and Kim Vos is set to graduate from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 2025.
 
"I chose Utah State because of the amazing coaches and girls, and the beautiful campus," said Laufer. "I can't wait to compete in the Spectrum with my teammates as an Aggie."


 
Alianna Valdez | Huntington Beach, California | SCATS Gymnastics
Valdez has trained at SCATS Gymnastics in Huntington Beach, Calif., for nine years under the direction of Shannon Hong. She is a three-time national qualifier and finished second on bars at the 2024 National Championships. She also won the Southern California state championship on floor in 2022 and finished third in the all-around in 2022 and 2024.
 
"Alianna has tremendous power, and we are excited to have her showcase her skills in front of our Aggie fans," said White. "We expect Alianna to contribute on all four events next season. After finishing second in the country on bars, we know that she will step into a lineup spot very quickly on that event. We are elated to have her and her family join Aggie Nation."
 
The daughter of Sheena Cutkelvin is set to graduate from Marina High School in 2025.
 
"I chose Utah State because I felt immediately comfortable and at home on my visit," said Valdez. "I love the coaches and environment, and how connected everyone on the team is. Being there, I saw myself as a future Aggie.
 
"I'm looking forward to being part of a team that is family-oriented and connected. I am also looking forward to furthering my education as I am the first in my family to attend a university, which means a lot to me."


 
For more information on the Utah State gymnastics program, follow the Aggies on Twitter at @USUGymnastics, on Facebook at UtahStateGymnastics and on Instagram at USUGymnastics.