LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena University has announced the addition of women's acrobatics & tumbling as the school's 22^nd Division I athletic program. The Saints newest varsity sport is targeted to begin competition in the 2027-28 academic year.
 
"Our focus is on strategic growth that delivers real value for students," said Siena University President Chuck Seifert. "Acrobatics & tumbling expands opportunity, enhances the student experience, and positions Siena to compete nationally as the sport enters NCAA championship status."
 
Siena University is now set to sponsor 22 Division I athletics programs for the 2027-28 academic year – nine men's and 13 women's sports – with the addition of acrobatics & tumbling. This will be the first expansion of Division I offerings within the Siena Athletics Department since the additions of men's and women's indoor and outdoor track beginning in the 2015-16 academic year.
 
"The addition of acrobatics & tumbling presents an exciting opportunity for Siena to become a part of a growing sport both across the country and in the Metro Conference," said Siena University Vice President and Director of Athletics John D'Argenio. "Acrobatics & tumbling has been an emerging sport for women, which was just recently designated as an NCAA Championship sport, and its addition as our newest varsity sport aligns both with our University recruitment strategy while also contributing to the overall student experience."
 
The addition of acrobatics & tumbling aligns with Siena's forward-looking approach to institutional growth as the sport enters a new phase of national visibility with NCAA championship competition beginning in 2027. Programs typically carry rosters of between 35-to-45 student athletes, generating significant participation and enrollment impact while requiring limited new facility investment.
 
Siena's location within a strong Metro Conference and Northeast footprint of sponsoring institutions supports sustainable scheduling, regional competition, and a high-quality student athlete experience.

"We welcome Siena University to the NCATA and to the growing community of acrobatics & tumbling," said NCATA Executive Director Janell Cook. "Their commitment to providing high-quality student-athlete opportunities provides exciting new pathways for young women training in gymnastics and cheerleading to pursue their academic and athletic goals.

"The rapid of growth of DI A&T 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.  With continued growth in the region, and the impact of this program announcement nationally, the future is very bright," Cook added. 
 
Siena becomes the 54^th collegiate institution to sponsor acrobatics & tumbling as a varsity sport, including the 15^th at the NCAA Division I level, and sixth Metro Conference institution, joining Canisius, Iona, Manhattan, Quinnipiac, and Sacred Heart.
 
Acrobatics & Tumbling is the evolution of different forms of gymnastics, and is a fast-paced, team-based discipline in which athletes perform a series of synchronized skills in events such as acrobatics, pyramid, toss, tumbling, and team routines.
 
Acrobatics & Tumbling is a spring sport featuring a 144-day playing season. Teams compete in between 6-12 contests featuring head-to-head competition in meets of two or three teams. Meets consist of six events with a total of 20 heats, and typically span 90 to 120 minutes. Scores are based on predetermined start values and evaluated on the execution of skills. In any given heat, anywhere from between one to 24 student athletes may be competing as individuals or in groups.
 
The sport is currently governed by the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA), and draws participants from gymnastics, cheerleading, diving, dance, and other strength-based sports.
 
Added to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program in August 2020, NCAA members from all three divisions voted to add acrobatics & tumbling as a championship sport at the 2026 NCAA Convention held in the Washington, DC area in January. The 93^rd NCAA Championship – in which student athletes from every division will compete for a single title – is projected to debut this coming spring.  
 
Siena is currently accepting applications for the head coaching position, and working on the recruitment of student athletes to join the program for its planned inaugural 2028 season. Prospective student athletes interested in joining the program are kindly asked to complete a recruiting questionnaire by CLICKING HERE.