BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Gardner-Webb University announced a strategic restructuring of its athletics sponsorship offerings designed to strengthen Gardner-Webb's position in the evolving Division I landscape by aligning resources with long-term priorities and expanding opportunities for student-athletes.

The restructuring will add women's acrobatics and tumbling and women’s flag football as varsity sports at the university.

"As the NCAA landscape continues to evolve, it was critical for us to evaluate future opportunities while also making thoughtful, strategic resource allocation decisions," said Brendan Fahey, vice president for athletics and athletic director. "This restructuring will enable us to provide additional opportunities for student-athletes and introduce two sports that are growing rapidly nationwide. We are excited to grow our department with the addition of two quickly evolving NCAA sports and expand each program's footprint within the region."

The addition of women's acrobatics and tumbling and women’s flag football will create approximately 80 new participation opportunities for student-athletes, supporting continued growth and competitive balance within the athletics program.

Women's acrobatics and tumbling was added as an NCAA championship sport following a vote by NCAA members from all three divisions at the 2026 NCAA Convention. The NCAA's first acrobatics and tumbling championship is projected to take place in spring 2027.

"We're very excited to welcome Gardner-Webb to the NCATA during what is an exciting time for the sport itself,” said NCATA Executive Director Janell Cook. “Every new program offers young women training in gymnastics and cheerleading new opportunities to compete as they pursue their academic goals.  We are thankful for Gardner-Webb's commitment to equity and to A&T.

"Gardner-Webb is well placed within the southeast region and joining Big South Conference member Presbyterian College in sponsoring A&T. Their announcement continues expansion momentum, and we're hopeful about the potential for growth in all three NCAA divisions in the region."

Women's flag football continues to gain national momentum and was added to the NCAA's Emerging Sports for Women program, making the sport eligible to pursue championship status through the emerging sports pathway.

The decision followed a comprehensive review of Gardner-Webb's entire athletics portfolio that examined participation trends, competitive sustainability, facilities needs and long-term resource alignment across all sports. University and athletics leadership conducted the review with the support of the Gardner-Webb Board of Trustees.

Additional details regarding timelines, staffing and competition for women's flag football and women's acrobatics and tumbling will be announced as the programs move forward.