Sacred Heart University Athletics has recently announced they will be adding Division I Acrobatics and Tumbling to the list of varsity sports, bringing the total number of Division I teams at SHU to 35.
The team will look to build on the success of SHU’s outstanding cheerleading program, who are six-time national champions.
The interest of collegiate acrobatics and tumbling is quickly growing, and SHU will be joining the list of schools with this DI program in the fall of 2027.
Source: Instagram, @shubigred
“We are in the early stages, focusing on planning, staffing and recruiting. With our initial announcement, we have already received inquiries from potential recruits and from those seeking to be SHU’s first A&T Head Coach,” said Judy Ann Riccio, executive director of Athletics.
There is a strong interest, as well as support, amongst the field of dancers, cheerleaders, and gymnasts.
“As a dancer in the Sacred Heart Dance Ensemble, I really see the addition of a tumbling and acrobatic team as something that could positively impact lots of students on campus. Not everyone is able to fully commit to the demands of the dance team or join a club gymnastics program, whether it’s because of time, experience level, or simply wanting something a little different,” said sophomore Emily George.
This team will open many doors for SHU Athletics, as well as acrobatics and tumbling recruits with the opportunity to be a part of the very first acrobatics and tumbling team at SHU.
“As a student-athlete at SHU, I’m always excited for another Division I team to be added, I think the community within athletics is very tight-knit, so adding another team will only make the community within athletics even tighter. I’m excited to watch the acrobatics and tumbling team grow over the next few years,” said junior Lauren McQuillan.
SHU is not the first university to have a Division I acrobatics and tumbling team but will be one of 14 Institutions in the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA).
“We’ll compete against established programs such as Baylor University, the University of Oregon and Quinnipiac University. The sport continues to grow, creating an increasingly competitive landscape,” said Riccio.
The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) has gained interest in sponsoring acrobatic and tumbling teams.
“Should the MAAC decide to sponsor A&T, they would be the first D1 conference to do so, which is exciting,” said Riccio.
With acrobatics and tumbling on the rise, athletes will have more options to participate and compete, while the fans get more to enjoy.
“Having this kind of team would create a space for people to stay connected to movement in a way that feels more accessible and flexible for everyone,” said George.
“I think it’s great, as someone who works in broadcasting at SHU, I think the opportunity to add another Division I Sport at SHU is huge. Not only for the student-athletes coming to Sacred Heart, but for the university as a whole,” said McQuillan.
“Our goal is to build a nationally competitive, sustainable program. We see it as a key part of expanding opportunities and elevating our overall athletics profile,” said Riccio.
