Photo by: Eric Evans/GoDucks.com
Acrobatics and Tumbling Joins NCAA
01/16/26 | Acrobatics & Tumbling
EUGENE, Ore. – Sixteen years after the sport's inception, acrobatics and tumbling has been approved as an NCAA Championship sport. The decision represents the culmination of an innovative effort with the University of Oregon, which was one of the sport's founding programs in 2011.
The legislation was approved following a consensus vote between Divisions I, II and III to establish a collegiate championship at the NCAA Convention in Maryland this week. Across the three divisions, 47 universities currently sponsor acrobatics and tumbling with more than 1,300 student-athlete participants.
According to the NCAA, at least 40 schools must sponsor the sport at a varsity level and meet competition and participation requirements before being approved for championship status. Acrobatics and tumbling was named an NCAA Emerging Sport in 2020 and was recommended for championship status in May of 2025.
Acrobatics and tumbling joins stunt, wrestling, beach volleyball, bowling, water polo, ice hockey and rowing as the latest sport to achieve NCAA championship status through the Emerging Sports for Women program.
"The NCAA's approval of acrobatics and tumbling as a championship sport is a tremendous and well-deserved step forward for a sport that has experienced remarkable growth and momentum," Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens said. "Oregon has been at the forefront of acrobatics and tumbling since its inception, and we are proud of the leadership role our coaches and student-athletes have played in elevating the sport nationally. We look forward to the continued growth of acrobatics and tumbling and the opportunity for student-athletes to compete for an NCAA championship in a sport that showcases athleticism, creativity, and teamwork at the highest level."
Oregon joined Azusa Pacific, Baylor, Fairmont State, Maryland and Quinnipiac in the inaugural season of the NCATA. The Ducks won the inaugural NCATA championship in 2011, the first of four consecutive national titles.
The Ducks have continued to set a precedent of success for student-athletes in the sport, earning 53 individual event titles while making 14 NCATA Championship appearances, including three event titles in 2025.
Head coach Taylor Susnara began her career at Oregon as a student-athlete, earning four individual national championships, and was named a three-time NCATA all-American. Susnara spent three seasons as an assistant coach before taking over the head coaching role in 2021.
In four seasons as head coach, Susnara has led the Ducks to a 19-15 record while winning 10 national event titles. From acrobatics and tumbling competitor to head coach, Susnara exemplifies the progress the sport has made since it's early years.
"I've been a part of acrobatics and tumbling for roughly 12 years. From just about 14 schools to now almost 50, that is true expansion and growth." Susnara said. "History is being made and I couldn't feel prouder to be a part of something so special. This sport brings people together, it breeds confidence, and most importantly, it provides opportunity. This vote means more than just another check on a list. It shows power, belief and support. It's a chance for current and future women to showcase their craft and mold history with the recognition they deserve."
Next Steps
Following Friday's approval, a NCAA Women's Acrobatics and Tumbling Committee will be formed and begin preparations for the first national championship, which will take place in the spring of 2027. The committee will be a sport-specific group that will be responsible for determining championship hosts, format and dates.
The NCAA Board of Governors approved a budget for the National Collegiate Women's Acrobatics and Tumbling Championship in August 2025, with funds that will be allocated to the Division I championship budget.
As acrobatics and tumbling progresses towards it's first season in the NCAA, Oregon will continue preparations for upcoming competition in 2026. The Ducks will travel to Missouri State for the first meet of the season on Feb. 8. A competitive home schedule will feature visits from Quinnipiac, Gannon, Iona and Baylor, before making a trip to California for the 2026 NCATA Championships hosted by Azusa Pacific.
The legislation was approved following a consensus vote between Divisions I, II and III to establish a collegiate championship at the NCAA Convention in Maryland this week. Across the three divisions, 47 universities currently sponsor acrobatics and tumbling with more than 1,300 student-athlete participants.
According to the NCAA, at least 40 schools must sponsor the sport at a varsity level and meet competition and participation requirements before being approved for championship status. Acrobatics and tumbling was named an NCAA Emerging Sport in 2020 and was recommended for championship status in May of 2025.
Acrobatics and tumbling joins stunt, wrestling, beach volleyball, bowling, water polo, ice hockey and rowing as the latest sport to achieve NCAA championship status through the Emerging Sports for Women program.
"The NCAA's approval of acrobatics and tumbling as a championship sport is a tremendous and well-deserved step forward for a sport that has experienced remarkable growth and momentum," Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens said. "Oregon has been at the forefront of acrobatics and tumbling since its inception, and we are proud of the leadership role our coaches and student-athletes have played in elevating the sport nationally. We look forward to the continued growth of acrobatics and tumbling and the opportunity for student-athletes to compete for an NCAA championship in a sport that showcases athleticism, creativity, and teamwork at the highest level."
Oregon joined Azusa Pacific, Baylor, Fairmont State, Maryland and Quinnipiac in the inaugural season of the NCATA. The Ducks won the inaugural NCATA championship in 2011, the first of four consecutive national titles.
The Ducks have continued to set a precedent of success for student-athletes in the sport, earning 53 individual event titles while making 14 NCATA Championship appearances, including three event titles in 2025.
Head coach Taylor Susnara began her career at Oregon as a student-athlete, earning four individual national championships, and was named a three-time NCATA all-American. Susnara spent three seasons as an assistant coach before taking over the head coaching role in 2021.
In four seasons as head coach, Susnara has led the Ducks to a 19-15 record while winning 10 national event titles. From acrobatics and tumbling competitor to head coach, Susnara exemplifies the progress the sport has made since it's early years.
"I've been a part of acrobatics and tumbling for roughly 12 years. From just about 14 schools to now almost 50, that is true expansion and growth." Susnara said. "History is being made and I couldn't feel prouder to be a part of something so special. This sport brings people together, it breeds confidence, and most importantly, it provides opportunity. This vote means more than just another check on a list. It shows power, belief and support. It's a chance for current and future women to showcase their craft and mold history with the recognition they deserve."
Next Steps
Following Friday's approval, a NCAA Women's Acrobatics and Tumbling Committee will be formed and begin preparations for the first national championship, which will take place in the spring of 2027. The committee will be a sport-specific group that will be responsible for determining championship hosts, format and dates.
The NCAA Board of Governors approved a budget for the National Collegiate Women's Acrobatics and Tumbling Championship in August 2025, with funds that will be allocated to the Division I championship budget.
As acrobatics and tumbling progresses towards it's first season in the NCAA, Oregon will continue preparations for upcoming competition in 2026. The Ducks will travel to Missouri State for the first meet of the season on Feb. 8. A competitive home schedule will feature visits from Quinnipiac, Gannon, Iona and Baylor, before making a trip to California for the 2026 NCATA Championships hosted by Azusa Pacific.
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