A&T Signs Fifteen for 2026-2027 Roster
11/12/2025 4:04:00 PM | Acrobatics & Tumbling
Mulkey welcomes versatile class of new Bears on Signing Day
WACO, Texas – The Baylor acrobatics & tumbling team has signed fifteen new student-athletes for the 2027 season, announced Wednesday.
"We are excited about this 2026 signing class. I think this is one of the more well-rounded classes that we have signed," said head coach Felecia Mulkey. "We have specialists in all positions in this class: tumblers, tops, and bases. As well as several athletes who will play a role at numerous positions. The background of this class also varies, with athletes coming from artistic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics, youth acrobatics & tumbling, and competitive cheer. This will allow our team to continue growing and innovating across all areas throughout their tenure on campus."
Joining the Bears from a competitive cheer background are Carys Liffick, Jayla Marquez, Kennedy Wilson, Anilla Castro, Alaina Thebeau, Mattea Kane, Desarae Johnson, Emery Zebold, Billie Martinez, Layne Lyda, and Lauryn Caruthers.
To stay up to date all year long on all things Baylor acrobatics & tumbling, follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram: @BaylorAcroTumb.
"We are excited about this 2026 signing class. I think this is one of the more well-rounded classes that we have signed," said head coach Felecia Mulkey. "We have specialists in all positions in this class: tumblers, tops, and bases. As well as several athletes who will play a role at numerous positions. The background of this class also varies, with athletes coming from artistic gymnastics, acrobatic gymnastics, youth acrobatics & tumbling, and competitive cheer. This will allow our team to continue growing and innovating across all areas throughout their tenure on campus."
Joining the Bears from a competitive cheer background are Carys Liffick, Jayla Marquez, Kennedy Wilson, Anilla Castro, Alaina Thebeau, Mattea Kane, Desarae Johnson, Emery Zebold, Billie Martinez, Layne Lyda, and Lauryn Caruthers.
- Carys Liffick joins Baylor from Bellevue, Washington. She will compete as a tumbler and top.
- Jayla Marquez, a native of Fulshear, Texas, signs with Baylor as a base and will add strength to the Bears' foundation.
- Kennedy Wilson comes to Waco from Little Rock, Arkansas, and will contribute as both a base and tumbler.
- Anilla Castro, from Hanover, Maryland, brings versatility to the roster and will serve as a tumbler and base.
- Alaina Thebeau joins the Bears from Miami, Florida, and will compete as a tumbler and base.
- Mattea Kane, a Rolesville, North Carolina, native, will serve as a tumbler and top.
- Desarae Johnson comes to Baylor from San Antonio, Texas, and joins the team as a base.
- Emery Zebold, from Richmond, Texas, will take on roles as a tumbler and base.
- Billie Martinez joins Baylor from Kirkland, Washington, and will compete as a tumbler.
- Layne Lyda, a Houston, Texas, native, brings experience in both competitive cheer and artistic gymnastics. She will serve as a tumbler and top.
- Lauryn Caruthers comes to Baylor from Columbus, Georgia. With a background in both competitive cheer and artistic gymnastics, she will compete as a base and tumbler.
- Ashley Pinkstaff, from Waco, Texas, signs with Baylor as a tumbler and top. She brings experience in both artistic gymnastics and youth acrobatics and tumbling.
- Maggie Frazier comes to Baylor from Salado, Texas, and will serve as a tumbler and top.
- Ariana Katsov, a native of Owensville, Missouri, joins the Bears as a top specialist.
- Giana Johnson, from San Antonio, Texas, will serve as a base specialist for the Bears.
To stay up to date all year long on all things Baylor acrobatics & tumbling, follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram: @BaylorAcroTumb.
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