LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky Gymnastics signed two new additions to the signing class of 2026, head coach Tim Garrison announced Wednesday. Emma Belle Gaskins and Emalani Capistrant will join the Wildcats in the fall of 2027.

The two signees bring a wealth of experience, including multiple state championships and national appearances. Individual information about Emma Belle Gaskins and Emalani Capistrant can be found below.

 

Emma Belle Gaskins

Hometown: Springfield, Va.

Club Gym: Capital Gymnastics National Training Center

High School: West Springfield High School

Accolades: Four-star recruit in her fifth year of Level 10…multiple-time Virginia State Champion … Nationals Qualifier … member of the Region 7 All-Star Team … boasts personal bests of 38.7 in the AA, 9.85 on VT, 9.8 on UB and BB and 9.9 on FX.

On Choosing Kentucky: “I’m so excited to continue my academic and gymnastics career at the University of Kentucky and represent the Wildcats beginning in the 2028 season. Go Cats!”

Emalani Capistrant

Hometown: Livermore, Calif.

Club Gym: Royal Gymnastics and Sports Academy

High School: Brave Christian High School

Accolades: Silver Medalist at the 2025 Region 1 Championships on FX … 2026 NorCal State Champion in the AA … Silver Medalist at the 2026 NorCal State Championships in VT, BB, UB and FX … Bronze Medalist at the 2026 Region 1 Championships on UB … fifth place in the AA at the 2026 Region 1 Championships … Eight-place finisher on VT at the 2026 DP National Championships.

On Choosing Kentucky: “At the University of Kentucky, I plan to study nursing with the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse. I’m excited to challenge myself in the classroom and the gym, meet my teammates, and become part of the Wildcat family. “

 

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.