Gymnastics Signs Three Highly Touted Student-Athletes

MUNCIE, Ind. - - Ball State gymnastics head coach Joanna Saleem is excited to announce the additions of standout student-athletes Emily Bassett, Lexi Kent and Mackenzie Showers during the early signing period.

The trio will join the Cardinals in the fall of 2026 and begin there collegiate gymnastics careers during the 2027 campaign.

Name Hometown (High School)                          Club
Emily Bassett                          West Deptford, N.J. (Acellus Academy)       Will-Moor School of Gymnastics

SALEEM ON BASSETT: "Emily is a powerhouse gymnast who will make an immediate impact as a strong all-around competitor. She's a quiet leader — diligent, focused, and deeply committed to her training — yet her easygoing and caring personality shines through in everything she does. Emily is going to add four solid routines to our lineups, and it's incredible to watch her work. You can literally see her outworking everyone around her, and that dedication will make her an outstanding addition to our program."

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Was the 2024 Level 10 New Jersey State Vault Champion, earning a score of 9.600 … also placed fourth on floor (9.400) and fourth in the all-around (36.050) at the state championship … 2024 National Qualifier ... her Level 10 career-best vault score of 9.925 at the 2023 Jamie Stymiest Invite tied as the 38th-best vault score in the nation for the 2023 season ... also owns career-best Level 10 routines of 9.675 on floor, 9.475 on beam and 9.425 on bars, with a career-best all-around total of 37.925 set at the 2025 Hill's Maryland Classic.

WHY BALL STATE: "I chose Ball State because it felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus. It is a place where I can grow as a gymnast and a person. It also has a great education program, which will help me succeed in my future career."

Name                           Hometown (High School)                                    Club
Lexi Kent                      Lynnfield, Mass. (Lynnfield)                                    Beyond Gymnastics

SALEEM ON KENT: "Lexi is a determined and talented young woman who truly embodies what it means to be a Cardinal. She's bright and driven, excelling both in the classroom and in the gym. Fans can expect to see her shining personality on display next season across multiple events, but they'll especially enjoy watching her beautiful bar routines. We're so excited to welcome Lexi into our program and can't wait to watch her continue to grow and thrive as a Cardinal."

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: A three-time Level 10 National Qualifier ... placed fifth at the 2025 Region 6 Championships with a career-best Level 10 vault score of 9.650 ... took fourth in the all-around at the 2024 MA Level 10 Xcel Diamond / Xcel Sapp meet with a career-best score of 37.750 ... also owns career-best Level 10 scores of 9.625 on floor, 9.600 on beam and 9.550 on bars.

WHY BALL STATE: "I chose Ball State because of the atmosphere the team brings. The moment I met all the coaches and team, I immediately felt at home. They were all so welcoming and kind, I truly felt like part of the team before I even was a part of the team."

Name Hometown (High School) Club
Mackenzie Showers          Huntersville, N.C. (Hopewell)                               Everest Gymnastics

SALEEM ON SHOWERS: "Mackenzie is one of those athletes every coach loves to work with — she's resilient, hardworking, and brings such a thoughtful, intelligent approach to everything she does. She's a true all-around gymnast who will help the Cardinals on all four events, but we know she'll make an immediate impact on the uneven bars. Mac's smile lights up any room, and her attention to detail and positive energy will fit perfectly with the culture of this program."

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: A three-time Level 10 National Qualifier ... two-time regional bars champion ... placed second on bars at the 2024 Women's Development Program Level 10 Nationals, earning a career-best Level 10 score of 9.775 ... won the all-around at the 2024 Oxone Invitational with a career-best Level 10 score of 37.750 ... her career-best Level 10 vault score of 9.700 earned her fifth at the 2025 World Class Invitational ... also owns career-best Level 10 scores of 9.675 on beam and 9.650 on floor.

WHY BALL STATE: "I chose Ball State because it feels like home and I feel this is a place where I can be myself and flourish. Ever since I committed, I cannot wait to come to this wonderful campus and experience college here."

Gymnastics Signs Three Highly Touted Student-Athletes

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