Brink Signs Five Newcomers

Head coach Heather Brink announced the addition of five future Huskers to the women’s gymnastics program on Wednesday.

Hayden Anderton, Natalie Burns, Aaliyah De Sousa, Dana Khalil and Brooke Striga will join the roster for the 2026-27 season.

"We are thrilled to welcome the class of 2026 to our team. Each member brings a unique background from around the globe, including various states in the U.S., Canada, and even Egypt,” Brink said. “I have no doubt that their strengths as gymnasts and team members will impact our program. They have competed on the biggest stages among the best gymnasts, proudly representing their clubs at national competitions and their countries’ national teams. We welcome them to Husker Nation and look forward to watching them shine under the lights of the Devaney Center."

Hayden Anderton, Chandler, Arizona
Anderton trains at Gold Medal Gymnastics under head coach Kristin Fanning. She is a 2025 Level 10 National qualifier who has dominated on bars as a two-time Arizona State Champion (2023, 2025) and two-time Region 1 Bar Champion (2023, 2025). She was ranked among the Nation’s Top 100 in 2025 with standout scores of 9.8 and 9.875 and finished in the top five on bars at the 2025 Level 10 Nationals.

She plans on majoring in communication sciences and disorders at Nebraska.

Anderton on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because Nebraska is like no other, the undeniable school spirit and fan base is proof of the support the university has. The facilities and system of staff made me feel supported and truly cared for. More than athletics, the school offered so many potential paths for my future. More than anything, I immediately felt the connection when I stepped foot on campus.”

Natalie Burns, Louisville, Colorado
Burns trains at Colorado Gymnastics Institute under head coach Vinecio Leira. She is a two-time Level 10 Nationals qualifier (2024, 2025) recognized for her consistency and artistry on beam. She was the 2024 Beam State Champion, ranked in the Beam Top 100 that same year with a 9.75 and earned a top-10 beam finish at the 2025 Nationals.

Burns is currently set to major in Pre-PA at Nebraska.

Burns on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because of the amazing support academically to help me succeed in and after college, the amazing coaching and athletic staff that prepare me to feel healthy competing, and of course the coaches that see my potential and want to help me achieve it.”

Aaliyah De Sousa, Maple Ridge, British Columbia
De Sousa trains at Flip City Gymnastics Club under head coach Alana Jensen. She has represented Canada both as a Junior and Senior National Team Member. She was the Junior All-Around Gold Medalist at the 2023 Gymnova Cup. She went on to claim beam and floor gold medals in event finals at her senior international assignment in 2024, the Luxembourg Open. Additionally, De Sousa helped Team Canada secure the gold medal at the 2024 Luxembourg Open, showcasing her strength as both an individual and team competitor.

She plans to major in psychology at Nebraska.

De Sousa on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because I loved the coaches, teammates, and the state itself – plus Husker football of course. There is no place like Nebraska.”

Dana Khalil, Giza Egypt
Khalil is a standout member of the Egyptian Senior National Team. She helped Team Egypt secure a gold medal in the African Championships (2024) and a silver medal in the Mediterranean Championships (2024). She was the gold medalist on beam and floor at the 2023 Pharaohs Cup, then returned to capture gold on beam and silver on bars at the Pharaohs Cup in 2025. At the 2024 African Championships, Khalil was the gold medalist in the all-around and on vault, as well as the silver medalist on beam and floor. She also claimed vault gold at the 2024 Mediterranean Championships, further cementing her reputation as one of Africa’s premier gymnasts.

At Nebraska, Khalil is expected to major in interior design.

Khalil on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because it has one of the most respected athletic programs in the country and a strong academic reputation. The coaching staff and players create an inspiring and supportive environment that truly feels like a family. I believe Nebraska is the best place for me to grow, both as a student and as an athlete, and to challenge myself to reach my full potential. The values of hard work, teamwork, and commitment that the university stands for perfectly match my own goals and character.”

Brooke Striga, South Huntington, New York
Striga trains at Infiniti Elite Gymnastics under head coach Tammy Marshall. She is a three-time Level 10 Nationals qualifier (2022, 2024, 2025) who has established herself as one of the top beam performers in the country. In 2025, she captured both the New York State and Regional Beam Championship titles and finished in the top 10 on beam at nationals. She was also ranked among the top 100 performers on beam in 2024 with an impressive 9.8.

Striga plans to major in occupational therapy.

Striga on Nebraska: “I chose Nebraska because of the beautiful facilities and the most amazing people. I fell in love with the school the second I stepped on campus for the first time and I am so excited for next year when I am able to be a part of a team that is so welcoming and be able to experience everything the university has to offer.”