Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eagles Welcome Three to 2027 Gymnastics Program
11/13/2025 12:49:00 PM | Gymnastics
Incoming signees include six Level 10 national qualifications, a Level 10 regional vault champion, and a Level 10 state floor champion
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) Eastern Michigan University Gymnastics Head Coach Katie Minasola announced the addition of three student-athletes to the roster for the 2026-27 season.
EMU welcomes three freshmen to the program, all competing in all-around. The incoming class includes Bailee Norris (Copley, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit), Karalyn Key (Cary, Ill./Cary Grove), and Riley Sheppard (Hilliard, Ohio/Hilliard Darby).
"I am excited to welcome these three athletes into our Eagle Family. Each brings skill and competitive energy to strengthen our program," said Minasola.
In combination, the class features three Level 10 national qualifiers with multiple regional titles and long-term training experience at highly competitive clubs.
2027 Eastern Michigan Gymnastics Signing Class
Name • Height • Class • Hometown (High School)
Bailee Norris • 5-5 • Freshman • Copley, Ohio (Walsh Jesuit)
Karalyn Key • 5-3 • Freshman • Cary, Illinois (Cary Grove)
Riley Sheppard • 5-5 • Freshman • Hilliard, Ohio (Hilliard Darby)
2026-27 New Signee Biographies
Bailee Norris
5-5 | Freshman
Copley, Ohio / Walsh Jesuit
EMU: 2026-27: Joins EMU as a freshman…HIGH SCHOOL: Competed for Flytz Gymnastics under Head Coach Sharon Sabin…Five-year Level 10 gymnast…Four-time national qualifier...Level 10 regional vault champion…Level 10 state floor champion…Two-time Gymnast of the Year…PERSONAL: Full name: Bailee Paige Norris. Daughter of Danny and Aprilynn Vizmeg...Has one sister, Brooke…Biology major.
Karalyn Key
5-3 | Freshman
Cary, Illinois / Cary Grove
EMU: 2026-27: Joins EMU as a freshman…HIGH SCHOOL: Trained at Midwest Elite Gymnastics Academy under Head Coach Roger Pasek…Level 10 all-around gymnast...Competed at Level 10 Nationals in Daytona, Florida...PERSONAL: Full name: Karalyn Jane Key…Daughter of Jason and Kelly Key…Has one sister, Katie…Exercise science major.
Riley Sheppard
5-5 | Freshman
Hilliard, Ohio / Hilliard Darby
EMU: 2026-27: Joins EMU as a freshman…HIGH SCHOOL: Competed for Universal Gymnasts Inc. under Head Coach Dave Anthony…Level 10 all-around gymnast…Two-time national qualifier in 2024 and 2025…PERSONAL: Full name: Riley Jo Sheppard…Daughter of Laura and Tammy Sheppard…Has one brother, Jordan…Exercise science major.
EMU welcomes three freshmen to the program, all competing in all-around. The incoming class includes Bailee Norris (Copley, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit), Karalyn Key (Cary, Ill./Cary Grove), and Riley Sheppard (Hilliard, Ohio/Hilliard Darby).
"I am excited to welcome these three athletes into our Eagle Family. Each brings skill and competitive energy to strengthen our program," said Minasola.
In combination, the class features three Level 10 national qualifiers with multiple regional titles and long-term training experience at highly competitive clubs.
2027 Eastern Michigan Gymnastics Signing Class
Name • Height • Class • Hometown (High School)
Bailee Norris • 5-5 • Freshman • Copley, Ohio (Walsh Jesuit)
Karalyn Key • 5-3 • Freshman • Cary, Illinois (Cary Grove)
Riley Sheppard • 5-5 • Freshman • Hilliard, Ohio (Hilliard Darby)
2026-27 New Signee Biographies
Bailee Norris
5-5 | Freshman
Copley, Ohio / Walsh Jesuit
EMU: 2026-27: Joins EMU as a freshman…HIGH SCHOOL: Competed for Flytz Gymnastics under Head Coach Sharon Sabin…Five-year Level 10 gymnast…Four-time national qualifier...Level 10 regional vault champion…Level 10 state floor champion…Two-time Gymnast of the Year…PERSONAL: Full name: Bailee Paige Norris. Daughter of Danny and Aprilynn Vizmeg...Has one sister, Brooke…Biology major.
Karalyn Key
5-3 | Freshman
Cary, Illinois / Cary Grove
EMU: 2026-27: Joins EMU as a freshman…HIGH SCHOOL: Trained at Midwest Elite Gymnastics Academy under Head Coach Roger Pasek…Level 10 all-around gymnast...Competed at Level 10 Nationals in Daytona, Florida...PERSONAL: Full name: Karalyn Jane Key…Daughter of Jason and Kelly Key…Has one sister, Katie…Exercise science major.
Riley Sheppard
5-5 | Freshman
Hilliard, Ohio / Hilliard Darby
EMU: 2026-27: Joins EMU as a freshman…HIGH SCHOOL: Competed for Universal Gymnasts Inc. under Head Coach Dave Anthony…Level 10 all-around gymnast…Two-time national qualifier in 2024 and 2025…PERSONAL: Full name: Riley Jo Sheppard…Daughter of Laura and Tammy Sheppard…Has one brother, Jordan…Exercise science major.
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