Kentucky Gymnastics Inks Three to Class of 2026
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky Gymnastics added three national champions to the signing class of 2026, head coach Tim Garrison announced Wednesday. Julia Cotter, Ariana Frechette, and Mylee Grant all signed agreements on National Signing Day and will join the program in the fall of 2026.
Cotter, Frechette, and Grant come to Kentucky with a combined 12 appearances at the USA Gymnastics Development Program National Championships, including a combined four national titles.
“We want to officially welcome Ariana, Julia, and Mylee to the Wildcat Family, Garrison said regarding the signings. The future is bright, the energy is real, and Kentucky Gymnastics just got better! Go Cats!”
Detailed information about all three signees can be found below:
Julia Cotter
Hometown: Wrentham, Mass.
Club Gym: Metro South Gymnastics Academy
High School: TEC Connections Academy Commonwealth Virtual School
Accolades: 5x USA Gymnastics DP Nationals Qualifier, 2025 USA Gymnastics DP National Runner-Up – AA, BB, FX, 2025 Region Six Champion – AA, BB, FX, 2025 Massachusetts State Champion – FX, 2024 USA Gymnastics DP National Champion – BB, Perfect 10.0 on FX
Why Kentucky: “Choosing the University of Kentucky was an easy decision. Between wholesome calls with the coaches, to a great official visit, I could see myself calling Kentucky home. Meeting the girls on the team was great! They were all so welcoming, and I love that we share similar values. My immediate connection with the coaches was seamless, and I know they will help me continue to grow as a student and athlete. I’m so excited to be a Wildcat and represent the University of Kentucky gymnastics team alongside my sister, Talia. Go Big Blue!”
Ariana Frechette
Hometown: Prior Lake, Minn.
Club Gym: Twin City Twisters
High School: Maranatha Christian Academy
Accolades: 3x Nastia Liukin Cup Qualifier, 4x USA Gymnastics DP Nationals Qualifier, 2025 USA Gymnastics DP National Champion – FX, 2025 Nastia Liukin Cup Champion – FX, 2025 Region 4 Champion – AA, VT, BB, FX, 2025 Minnesota State Champion – AA, BB, FX, 2023 USA Gymnastics DP National Champion – FX
Why Kentucky: “I chose the University of Kentucky because it really felt like home to me as soon as I got on campus. From the girls on the team, the coaches, the school, and the town, I loved everything about the University of Kentucky and the culture there!”
Mylee Grant
Hometown: Thorndike, Maine
Club Gym: Decal Gymnastics
High School: Acellus Academy
Accolades: 3x USA Gymnastics DP Nationals Qualifier, 2025 USA Gymnastics DP National Champion – AA, 2025 USA Gymnastics DP National Runner-Up – VT, UB, 2025 Region 6 Champion – VT, 2025 Maine State Champion AA, VT, UB, FX, 2024 Region 6 Champion – BB, FX, 2024 Maine State Champion, AA, VT, UB
Why Kentucky: “The team acted like they were a family and they worked together so well. I felt the coaches were so calm and I was comfortable when I talked to them. I wanted a place that felt like home and Kentucky did just that.”
The Vault – Kentucky Gymnastics Booster Club
The Vault is the Official Booster Club of Kentucky Gymnastics. Joining The Vault means investing directly in our program. Your contributions help us provide top-notch training facilities, essential equipment, and opportunities for our athletes to excel in this challenging environment. Every dollar counts, and every Vault member makes a difference. Our various membership club levels offer fantastic benefits with each contribution strengthening our program and empowering our athletes as they compete at the highest levels.
You can join The Vault by clicking this link or you can donate directly by visiting this link. For questions or any other information, please contact Amy Coyle (amy.coyle@uky.edu)
For the latest on the Kentucky gymnastics team, follow @UKGymnastics on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, as well as on the web at UKAthletics.com.
