A&T Signs Fifteen for 2026-2027 Roster

[Jones, Eliot]

BAYLOR ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS - Nov. 12. 2025

A&T Signs Fifteen for 2026-2027 Roster
Mulkey welcomes versatile class of new Bears on Signing Day
For more information contact Eliot Jones; 512-579-6478, eliot.jones1 at baylor.edu

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.

  *   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.


Two new Bears share experience in youth acrobatics and tumbling: Ashley Pinkstaff and Maggie Frazier.

  *   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.


Joining the squad from an acrobatic gymnastics background are Ariana Katsov and Giana Johnson.

  *   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.


Coach Mulkey is confident that “the future is bright!”

To stay up to date all year long on all things Baylor acrobatics & tumbling, follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram: @BaylorAcroTumb.

- BaylorBears.com -




Eliot Jones

Communications Assistant (Acrobatics & Tumbling) | Department of Athletics
Sales Strategy in Sports and Entertainment (S3E) | VP of Recruitment

Baylor University '26  |  512.579.6478

[linkedin]<https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliot-jones/>

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