SHU Adds Acrobatics and Tumbling to Division I Offerings

Pioneers plan to compete in the spring 2028 season

Key Highlights

• Sacred Heart University will add Division I acrobatics and tumbling, expanding its NCAA varsity sports offerings, with recruitment beginning in fall and the first competitive season scheduled for spring 2028
• The move builds on the success of SHU’s cheerleading program, winner of six national championships in the past seven years, and aims to attract athletes from gymnastics, competitive cheerleading and dance backgrounds
• Officials say the addition strengthens opportunities for women’s athletics and supports the growing national presence of acrobatics and tumbling, particularly in the Northeast

As part of its commitment to expanding competitive opportunities for student-athletes, Sacred Heart University will add Division I acrobatics and tumbling to its already robust NCAA varsity sport offerings.

According to the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA), the sport’s governing organization for NCAA programs, the women’s sport is the “evolution of different disciplines of gymnastics.”

The University is in the process of securing a coach for its newest sport and will then build its team. Recruitment begins this fall, and the competitive season starts in spring 2028. The team will compete in a number of meets throughout the season.

“The addition of this sport is a natural progression given the sustained success of our cheerleading program,” said Judy Ann Riccio, SHU’s executive director of athletics. “Our cheerleading team, which emphasizes stunting and tumbling, has won six national championships over the past seven years.”

Riccio believes high school students who participate in gymnastics, competitive cheerleading, dance and similar sports will have an interest in joining SHU’s new team. Once formed, the team will host meets at the William Pitt Athletic & Convocation Center. Riccio added that acrobatics and tumbling is an exciting and fun sport to watch.

Sacred Heart has always been on the cutting edge when it comes to adding new sports. In 2020, the University brought on women’s wrestling when few schools offered it. SHU was also an early adopter of women’s equestrian and rugby teams. “We’ve always been pioneers that way,” Riccio said. “We are committed to expanding our athletics offerings when a sport demonstrates sustainability, competitive opportunity and value for our student-athletes.”

Felecia Mulkey, the NCATA’s director of expansion, is thrilled to have SHU join the organization. “It is always exciting to welcome a new member institution as our sport continues to grow, but the addition of Sacred Heart University is especially meaningful for the expansion of acrobatics and tumbling in the Northeast and across the country,” Mulkey said. “Bringing another outstanding Division I institution into the fold creates even more competitive and educational opportunities for the millions of young women training in this skill set.”

Mulkey expects the instate and conference rivalries that will emerge with Sacred Heart’s addition will elevate the student-athlete experience in powerful ways. “Ultimately, the student-athletes are the true winners—gaining access to a top tier education paired with a high-level competitive opportunity,” she said. “We are grateful to the Sacred Heart administration for sharing our vision and believing in the future of acrobatics and tumbling.”