WVU Gymnastics Adds four to 2026-27 Roster

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University gymnastics coach Jason Butts has announced teh addition of four student-athletes for the 2026-27 academic year.

Joining the Mountaineers are Aubriana Alderete (Mesa, Arizona), McKenzie Morris (Sugar Land, Texas), Isabella Beach (Collegeville, Pennsylvania), and Dru Thames (Collierville, Tennessee).

“I am so excited to officially welcome these four outstanding gymnasts to our Mountaineer gymnastics program,” Butts said. “I am confident they will bring exceptional artistry and a strong work ethic to Cary gym and the competition floor.”

Aubriana Alderete / Mesa, Ariz.

A native of Mesa, Ariz., Alderete attends Red Mountain High School.She is a four-year Level 10 gymnast for coach Ashley Schwalb at Desert Devils Gymnastics. Alderete is a two-time Level 10 Regional qualifier, earning a seventh-place finish on bars and a top-20 finish on all events in 2023. Also in 2023, Alderete was crowned the state bars champion at the Arizona State Championships.She also placed fourth in the all-around and fifth on beam, and also top-10 finishes on vault and floor, at the state meet. In 2024, she placed first on vault at regionals and once again accounted for a top-20 finish on every event. the daughter of joseph and Brandie, Alderete plans to major in nursing at WVU.

“Despite some setbacks, Aubriana’s determination and passion for gymnastics is unwavering and are the qualities that led her to become a Mountaineer,” assistant coach Kaylyn Millick said. “She is a standout on uneven bars and has the potential to anchor our lineup throughout her career. Aubrie’s hard work and dedication is exactly what this program needs to move forward, and we are happy to welcome her home to Morgantown.”

Isabella Beach / Collegeville, Pa.

Residing in collegeville, Pa., Beach attends Perkiomen High School. She is a five-year level 10 gymnast and is coached by Maia Mitova at Silvia’s Gymnastics. Beach is a three-time Women’s development Program national Championships qualifier, with her most recent trip coming in 2025. At nationals this past year, she secured a pair of top-10 finishes, placing third on floor exercise and eighth on balance beam. She earned a spot at the national meet after placing first on floor and adding a second-place finish on beam at the Pennsylvania State Championships.