University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
November 11, 2026 | Women's Gymnastics
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – University of North Carolina gymnastics and head coach Danna Durante announced the addition of three gymnasts from the class of 2027 Wednesday morning. Payton Chandler, Brielle Rousseau, and Madison Taips are the newest Tar Heels set to join the program.
Chandler heads to Chapel Hill from Dallas, Texas where she previously competed with the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy. The all-around gymnast is a four-star recruit according to College Gym News and will look to make an immediate impact at Carolina as she joins the squad in January. In both years she appeared at Nationals, Chandler competed as a Level 10. She placed seventh on beam at the 2022 U.S. Championships and eighth in the all-around at U.S. Classics the same year. When making her college decision, Chandler explained, "The team and coaches felt like family from the moment we met, and I knew Carolina was where I belonged. I'm so proud to be a Tar Heel and to represent a school I love, both in and out of the gym."
Originally from Brecksville, Ohio, Rousseau is set to join the Tar Heels after competing at Gymnastics World of Ohio. As an all-around gymnast, Rousseau was a National Championships qualifier and two-time Eastern National qualifier. In 2025 she placed ninth on bars at nationals. On the same event, Rousseau was crowned the State Champion in 2022. The Ohio native was immediately drawn to Carolina. "UNC truly felt like home because from the moment I met the coaches and stepped on campus, I was surrounded by positive energy, endless support, and a strong team culture. Seeing the way the team takes pride in wearing Carolina blue made me realize this was the place I could see myself growing as a student, an athlete, and a person," explained Rousseau.
Venice, Florida native Taips rounds out the class of 2027. The all-around gymnast has previously competed with Evo Gymnastics where she became a National Qualifier four times throughout her career. Taips comes in as a three-star recruit according to College Gym News. She is excited to call Chapel Hill home as she commented, "As soon as I stepped on campus it felt like home. I love how supportive and positive the team is and how it feels like a family. I am so excited to be a Tar Heel."
"We are beyond excited to welcome Payton, Brielle, and Madison to our Carolina Family and the Class of 2027! These three incredible athletes embody everything it means to be a Carolina student-athlete. Their outstanding work ethic, exceptional character, and tremendous athletic talent will make an immediate impact across every event. We are so proud to have them joining our program and cannot wait to see all they accomplish as Tar Heels," added Durante.
Stay up to date with Carolina Gymnastics by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Chandler heads to Chapel Hill from Dallas, Texas where she previously competed with the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy. The all-around gymnast is a four-star recruit according to College Gym News and will look to make an immediate impact at Carolina as she joins the squad in January. In both years she appeared at Nationals, Chandler competed as a Level 10. She placed seventh on beam at the 2022 U.S. Championships and eighth in the all-around at U.S. Classics the same year. When making her college decision, Chandler explained, "The team and coaches felt like family from the moment we met, and I knew Carolina was where I belonged. I'm so proud to be a Tar Heel and to represent a school I love, both in and out of the gym."
Originally from Brecksville, Ohio, Rousseau is set to join the Tar Heels after competing at Gymnastics World of Ohio. As an all-around gymnast, Rousseau was a National Championships qualifier and two-time Eastern National qualifier. In 2025 she placed ninth on bars at nationals. On the same event, Rousseau was crowned the State Champion in 2022. The Ohio native was immediately drawn to Carolina. "UNC truly felt like home because from the moment I met the coaches and stepped on campus, I was surrounded by positive energy, endless support, and a strong team culture. Seeing the way the team takes pride in wearing Carolina blue made me realize this was the place I could see myself growing as a student, an athlete, and a person," explained Rousseau.
Venice, Florida native Taips rounds out the class of 2027. The all-around gymnast has previously competed with Evo Gymnastics where she became a National Qualifier four times throughout her career. Taips comes in as a three-star recruit according to College Gym News. She is excited to call Chapel Hill home as she commented, "As soon as I stepped on campus it felt like home. I love how supportive and positive the team is and how it feels like a family. I am so excited to be a Tar Heel."
"We are beyond excited to welcome Payton, Brielle, and Madison to our Carolina Family and the Class of 2027! These three incredible athletes embody everything it means to be a Carolina student-athlete. Their outstanding work ethic, exceptional character, and tremendous athletic talent will make an immediate impact across every event. We are so proud to have them joining our program and cannot wait to see all they accomplish as Tar Heels," added Durante.
Stay up to date with Carolina Gymnastics by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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