SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento State head coach Melissa Genovese announced the addition of four gymnasts for the 2026 season. All four gymnasts will compete as freshmen during the upcoming season and each have been regional qualifiers during their club career.
 
"I couldn't be more excited and proud to have Kayla, Makayla, Cady, and Emily on our team," Genovese said. "Their record of success brings valuable experience and depth to the Hornets line up this year. 
 
"Looking to fill multiple lineup spots with the graduation of the 2025 class, I am confident in our returning team and the addition of these four strong athletes. Along with what they bring to the floor, they bring a like-minded passion and love for the sport that fits right in with the culture of Hornets Gymnastics."
 
Emily Countryman (Tucson, Ariz./Arizona Dynamics Gymnastics/Southern Utah)
Prior to Sacramento State

• Redshirted at Southern Utah in 2025.
• Did not compete in a meet.
• Trained at Arizona Dynamics Gymnastics Academy.
• Was a five-time state champion and four-time regional qualifier.
• Won regional titles on beam and floor.
• Two-time Western Nationals qualifier.

 
Genovese on Countryman: "Emily is a three-event specialist looking to make an impact on vault, beam and floor. With multiple big wins on beam and floor during her club career, we are excited for her to bring that experience to the Hornet lineups. As a transfer from Southern Utah, Emily brings with her knowledge and understanding of collegiate gymnastics."
 
Cadence Gaumont (Mesa, Ariz./Desert Devils)
Prior to Sacramento State

• Competed for Desert Devils in Mesa, Ariz.
• Was the Arizona state champion on vault in 2025.
• A three-time regional qualifier and two-time women's development program national qualifier.

 
Genovese on Gaumont: "Cady is a powerhouse. She should make an immediate impact on vault and floor where she has had success at state, regionally and nationally. She is also an all-arounder and will be a strong addition to the Hornets on all events. Cady brings a calm confident energy to the team."
 
Kayla Herrera (Miami, Fla./American Twisters)
Prior to Sacramento State

• Trained at American Twisters Gymnastics
• Placed third at the Region 8 Championships on bars in 2025.
• Finished in second place at the Florida State Championships that same season.
• Was a three-time regional qualifier.
• Competed on bars at the 2025 Women's Development National All-Stars.

 
Genovese on Herrera: "Kayla is another all-arounder with long clean lines who will give an immediate boost to the bar lineup. She brings difficulty, cleanliness, and an infectious personality that loves what she's doing. Kayla has also been training an upgraded vault that could see a lineup spot this season."
 
Makayla Townsend (Lynwood, Ill./Legacy Elite Gymnastics)
Prior to Sacramento State

• Trained at Legacy Elite Gymnastics in Aurora, Ill.
• Won the Region 5 bars title and tied for first at the state meet in 2025.
• Placed third in the all-around at the regional meet that same year.
• Competed at the 2025 Women's Development Program Nationals.
• A three-time regional qualifier.

 
Genovese on Townsend: "Makayla is an all-arounder who excels on bars. With her long lines and clean gymnastics, she should have an instant impact on the bar lineup. Beam will also be gaining depth and experience with Makayla's solid gymnastics. She brings depth to all four events with her successful career leading up to college."