TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Six gymnasts are set to join the Alabama gymnastics program as part of next year’s freshmen class, Crimson Tide head coach Ashley Johnston announced Wednesday.

The incoming class is highlighted by a trio of standout performers from the Nastia Liukin Cup, a four-time state champion and 2023 Developmental Program national team member, a UA legacy gymnast who won the 2025 Excalibur Cup on the floor exercise and a three-time Level 10 medalist at nationals.

Kennedy Cochran, Leigh Anne Elliott, Ella Kate Parker, Avery Schlichting and Addison Sarisky all signed letters of intent Wednesday morning, as Ella Sloane Griffin will join the Tide as a walk-on.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this talented group to the Alabama gymnastics bamaly. Each of them brings something special to our program – from leadership and artistry to fierce competitiveness and joy for the sport. They embody the culture we’ve built here, and we’re confident they’ll continue to raise the standard of excellence that defines Alabama gymnastics.”

Kennedy Cochran | 5-6 | Chandler, Ariz. | Gold Medal Gymnastics | All-Around

• The daughter of Brad Cochran and Amanda Borden

  • Borden captained the 1996 United States women’s gymnastics team to Olympic gold in Atlanta

• Competes for Kristin Fanning and Amanda Cochran at Gold Medal Gymnastics
• 2022 Nastia Liukin Cup qualifier
• 2024 national champion – floor exercise
• 2023, 2024 Arizona state champion – all-around

Johnston’s Insight: “Kennedy has an unmistakable it-factor about her – her performance quality, her lines and her confidence make her stand out in any gym immediately. As the daughter of Amanda Borden, she has grown up with an understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level, and that has helped shape her approach in such a powerful way. Kennedy will bring both a fresh energy and a deep appreciation for the sport that will only elevate our program.”

Leigh Anne Elliott | 5-3 | Williamsburg, Va. | World Class Gymnastics | All-Around

• The daughter of Zach and Sarah Elliott
• Competes for Tami Harrison, Beka Conrad and Rex Harrison at World Class Gymnastics
• Four-time team state champion (2022-25)
• Three-time national qualifier (2022-24)
• Two-time regional champion (2023-24)
• DP national team member and Region 7 All Star member in 2023

Johnston’s Insight: “Leigh Anne is such a beautiful gymnast to watch. We got to work with her at camp, and knew we needed to have her on our team. Her elegance, grace and precision will add something really special, and we can’t wait to see her excel in Crimson and White.”

Ella Sloane Griffin | 5-4 | Leesburg, Va. | Dulles Gymnastics | All-Around

• The daughter of Barry and Kara Griffin

  • Kara Griffin, formerly Stilp, competed at UA from 1991-94 and was a member of the 1991 national championship team

• Competes for Ashton Jeskie at Dulles Gymnastics
• 2025 Excalibur Cup champion – floor exercise
• 2025 Regional medalist – vault
• 2025 top-five finisher at the Virginia State Championships – vault (second), floor exercise (second), all-around (fourth)
• 2024 DP Nationals medalist – vault
• 2023 State champion – vault, all-around

Johnston’s Insight: “Ella Sloane already feels like part of the Alabama legacy. With her connection to our program through her mother, a former UA gymnast, she understands what it means to represent the Script A and the pride that comes with that. Her passion, heart and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our program’s values and we can’t wait to have her join us in Tuscaloosa.”

Ella Kate Parker | 5-2 | West Monroe, La. | Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy | All-Around

• The daughter of Thomas and Cynthia Parker
• Competes for Rachael Tracy Gardner and Mary Lee Tracy at Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy
• Three-time U.S. national team member
• 2024 Nastia Liukin Cup junior champion – balance beam, all-around
• 2024 J.O. Nationals junior champion – floor exercise, all-around
• 2022 Team USA gold medalist at DTB Pokal in Germany and individual bronze medalist (floor exercise)
• Two-time Winter Cup junior champion – all-around
• 2022 Winter Cup champion – balance beam, floor exercise

Johnston’s Insight: “Ella Kate’s dynamic and joyful presence, along with her elite experience, will serve her well at the collegiate level. Having trained at the same gym as both Amelia (Hundley) and I, there’s a special connection, and shared standard of excellence, that she embodies every day. Ella is a fierce competitor, and we’re excited for the impact she’ll make in Tuscaloosa.”

Avery Schlichting | 5-3 | Belvidere, Ill. | Energym Gymnastics | All-Around

• The daughter of Robert and Danielle Schlichting
• Competes for Jess Morreale at Energym Gymnastics
• Level 10 Nationals medalist three consecutive years (2023-25)
• Level 10 Regionals and State top-two placement three straight years (2023-25)

Johnston’s Insight: “Avery brings a contagious energy and a love for the sport of gymnastics that fits beautifully with our team culture. She’s driven, disciplined and has the kind of consistency that makes everyone around her better. Avery’s enthusiasm and work ethic will add great depth to our program, and we can’t wait to see her thrive as part of the Alabama family.”

Addison Sarisky | 5-1 | Girard, Ohio | Olympic Dreams Gymnastics | All-Around

• The daughter of Bill and Renee Sarisky
• Competes for Dawn Toussaint at Olympic Dreams Gymnastics
• Two-time Nastia Liukin Cup qualifier
• 2025 three-time national champion – uneven bars, balance beam, all-around
• 2024 national champion – uneven bars
• 2025 Region 5 DEV Athlete of the Year
• 2025 DEV National Team member
• Three-time Region 5 All-Star Team member

Johnston’s Insight: “As our first commit for this class, Addie has been a leader from the start. She helped set the tone and build a strong sense of alignment and unity among this incredible signing class. Addie’s ability to balance power and artistry helps make her a clutch competitor, and her steady leadership will be an asset for us both in and out of the gym.”