FAIRFIELD, Conn. – 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 with the 2027-28 academic year. 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 H. 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."  

"We are thrilled to welcome Sacred Heart to the NCATA and Acrobatics & Tumbling community," said NCATA Executive Director Janell Cook. "Sacred Heart has been engaged in an exciting period of growth with program expansion and a move to join the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). We look forward to working with them to offer more competitive opportunities for women. Each new program announcement creates new pathways for young women training in gymnastics and cheerleading to pursue their academic and athletic goals."

"The rapid growth of DI programs in the region, and within the MAAC, is exciting for the sport as we continue to move through an exciting period of transition as a new NCAA championship sport.  We are optimistic about continued growth in the region and the impact of the program announcement nationally, Cook added." 

Felecia Mulkey, the NCATA's director of expansion, is also 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."