Two veteran gymnasts from the Alabama Crimson Tide will be making a return to Tuscaloosa for one final season, following the team’s successful run to the 2025 NCAA Championships. Corinne Bunagan and Jordyn Paradise, both key figures in Alabama’s gymnastics program, have announced their decision to come back as fifth-year seniors for the 2026 season, providing the team with a wealth of experience and leadership.
The announcement was made official on Monday, accompanied by heartfelt messages from both athletes expressing their gratitude and excitement about continuing their collegiate careers. Their return is a significant boost for the Crimson Tide, which relied heavily on the duo during a 2025 season filled with challenges, including a number of key injuries that forced younger athletes into the spotlight sooner than expected.
Bunagan and Paradise not only brought consistency to the lineup but also served as steadying influences in the gym, helping guide the next generation of Tide gymnasts through the highs and lows of collegiate competition. Their presence was instrumental in keeping the team on track and ultimately helping Alabama secure a spot at nationals—a testament to their skill, resilience, and leadership.
As the program looks ahead to 2026, the return of these two seasoned competitors will be invaluable. While Alabama’s younger athletes demonstrated tremendous promise this past season, the importance of having seasoned veterans who’ve experienced the pressure of SEC meets and national championship stages cannot be overstated. Their leadership, work ethic, and competitive spirit will undoubtedly help set the tone for what the team hopes will be another strong campaign.
In collegiate gymnastics, where team chemistry and depth are crucial, Bunagan and Paradise returning for a fifth year provides Alabama with a rare and powerful blend of youthful potential and veteran experience—an ideal combination for chasing excellence on the national stage once again.
Be the first to comment