The Rise of Acrobatics and Tumbling: A Journey to NCAA Championship Status

Felecia Mulkey, head coach of Baylor University’s acrobatics and tumbling team, is a visionary. Sitting in a press room at Oregon’s Matthew Knight Arena, she declared, “It’s not a matter of ‘if,’ it’s simply ‘when.’” With that bold assertion, she laid out a timeline for what she believed was the inevitable ascension of her sport to NCAA Championship status. Just shy of three years later, her prophecy came true, marking a significant milestone in the history of women’s sports.

The Path to Acceptance

Mulkey’s confidence wasn’t baseless; she spoke with the fervor of someone deeply invested in the sport’s future. In January 2026, acrobatics and tumbling was officially recognized as an NCAA Championship sport, a designation that would allow it to officially compete for national titles. After years of advocacy, the final hurdle was cleared when the NCAA Divisions I, II, and III unanimously voted to approve the sport.

Acrobatics and tumbling became the seventh sport to climb the ranks through the NCAA’s Emerging Sports for Women program, culminating in a landmark vote at the NCAA Convention. This was no small feat, as the journey from unrecognized sport to championship status involves navigating a complex legislative process—one that at times can appear daunting, even to its most ardent supporters.

The Voices Behind the Movement

Janell Cook, Executive Director of the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA), played a pivotal role in this journey. Her dedication has been unwavering since her time at the University of Oregon, where she first championed funding and exposure for women’s sports. Since joining the NCATA in 2014, Cook has been at the forefront of the movement, pushing acrobatics and tumbling through the necessary legislative hoops.

Her work involved overcoming skepticism from critics who believed that the sport would never achieve NCAA recognition. The process requires accumulating a minimum of 40 program sponsors—something that seemed like an uphill battle until Morgan State University became the 40th school to sponsor acrobatics and tumbling in 2022.

Legislative Legwork

The trek to NCAA Championship status is a meticulously organized journey consisting of eight steps, beginning with submitting an application and culminating in votes across the NCAA divisions. Each legislative session has been scrutinized, debated, and ultimately decided by a simple majority vote. For Cook, achieving that milestone required not just lobbying but building a community around the sport.

Over the years, numerous programs hosted NCATA Championships, extending an invitation to local athletes and mingling with community gyms. In this environment, young girls gained exposure to acrobatics and tumbling, fostering interest and recruitment for college programs. These local engagements helped expand the sport’s reach and solidify its grassroots support—an essential aspect of any emerging sport.

Exceeding Expectations

The fervor surrounding acrobatics and tumbling is proof that growth often flourishes in unexpected places. Taylor Susnara, head coach of the Oregon team, recalls how the number of participating schools jumped from about 10 to 15 during her time as a student-athlete to over 50 anticipated in the upcoming seasons. Her excitement mirrors that of many who have invested their time, hearts, and resources into the sport’s evolution.

The coalition of coaches, athletes, and supporters banded together, nurturing a compelling narrative that demonstrates the triumph of perseverance over adversity. Soon, the inaugural NCAA Championship will take place in 2027, marking a new era for acrobatics and tumbling.

Anticipating a New Era

As plans for the inaugural national championship materialize, there’s palpable enthusiasm among coaches and players alike. For Mulkey, every detail matters—from the equipment used to the very design of the trophy, which will bear a blue dot, symbolizing the sport’s hard-fought achievement.

Amid preparations for final NCATA National Championships, set to occur in 2026, she reflects on the journey ahead. It’s a moment of celebration for those invested in the sport when its recognition as a legitimate NCAA endeavor becomes a tangible reality.

Local athletic directors, like Fairmont State’s Greg Bamberger, foresee the opportunities the national championship will bring, not only for athletes but also for communities. Hosting events has become a method of engaging fans and inspiring the next generation. Bamberger’s vision for Fairmont as a potential host reflects a shared aspiration to secure the championship in their distinct environments.

Everyday Life Remains

Despite the changing landscape, Mulkey emphasizes that day-to-day routines for teams will remain relatively unaffected. The excitement surrounding championships is palpable, yet they will continue to work through training regimens and seasonal competitions. This consistency is crucial as they prepare to face established rivals in the arena.

As athletes and coaches gather, packing their bags with aspirations and dreams, the reality that they are part of a historic change permeates the air. The journey of acrobatics and tumbling, once fraught with questions of viability, is now one of celebration, determination, and communal support—signifying a bright future ahead.

With all eyes on the unfolding events within the NCAA landscape, the burgeoning atmosphere surrounding acrobatics and tumbling demonstrates that when a community bands together, anything is possible.