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PITTSBURGH — Abby McDermott has become quite familiar with the reactions she receives when discussing her sport. A slight head tilt, a momentary pause in conversation often accompanies phrases like “acrobatics and tumbling.” With a chuckle, McDermott noted that the term “acrobatics” sometimes evokes thoughts of the circus.
The Duquesne graduate student understands the confusion; she used to be among those unaware of what the sport entails. To address this, she has developed a succinct explanation that shifts bewilderment into intrigue. She explains, “When I talk about it, it’s cool but can be confusing because people ask, ‘What?’ Then I have to clarify that it’s like gymnastics and cheerleading, but without the cheering.”
Acrobatics and tumbling does not feature balance beams or vaults, nor does it involve pom-poms or megaphones. Instead, it showcases athletes performing flips and routines on a large foam mat for two hours, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement and camaraderie.
The sport originated in 2009 with just a handful of schools aiming to merge elements of gymnastics and cheerleading to create a platform for female athletes. It has grown into one of the fastest-expanding collegiate sports in the United States, with membership in the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA) swelling from 14 teams a decade ago to over 50 today, encompassing more than 1,200 athletes, including Duquesne, which fielded a team earlier this month. In 2020, the NCAA recognized acrobatics and tumbling as an emerging sport, and it is poised for possible NCAA championship inclusion by the 2027–28 academic year.
While the rapid rise of acrobatics and tumbling may seem sudden and aligned with an overall increase in interest in women’s sports, its potential has always been present.
Currently, over 3 million girls participate in either cheerleading or gymnastics in the U.S., yet only a small percentage pursue collegiate competition. The NCATA promotes acrobatics and tumbling as an appealing alternative for college athletic departments. With team sizes that can reach up to 50 athletes and minimal equipment required—the mat being the sole item needed—acrobatics and tumbling offers institutions an avenue for improved Title IX compliance while allowing athletes an opportunity to extend their sporting careers. “There was an unmet need,” said Janell Cook, the NCATA executive director. “This sport bridged the gap.”
Situated on a hillside overlooking Pittsburgh, Duquesne University boasts a female undergraduate population exceeding 60%. When exploring options for new women’s sports, athletic director Dave Harper discovered that acrobatics and tumbling was “a perfect fit” for the school. “We aimed to enhance competitive rosters and improve our women’s sports numbers, which aligns well with our objectives,” he stated.
In spring 2023, Harper appointed Michaela Soper, a former artistic gymnast who transitioned to acrobatics after a serious injury, to lead the program. Over the following year, Soper successfully recruited a team of 34 athletes, mainly freshmen, from 15 states—showing her ability to extend the reach of the Duquesne brand to new areas.
Soper’s journey mirrors that of many aspiring athletes. Growing up near Baltimore, she once dreamed of competing in college gymnastics until a fall during practice disrupted those plans. A small college in Pennsylvania later expressed interest in her joining their new program, prompting Soper to initially question its validity. “I thought it was a hoax,” she admitted. However, she ultimately chose to join, feeling welcomed and valued by the team.
McDermott also shares a similar sentiment. As the most seasoned member of the Duquesne team after completing four years in gymnastics at Glenville State, she has taken on a mentoring role, assisting her less experienced teammates. “Learning to trust others in acro was challenging, but doing it for my teammates motivates me to work much harder,” she commented. This involvement also had a positive impact on her mental well-being, transforming her experience after years in a demanding and sometimes monotonous gymnastics routine.
Acrobatics and tumbling necessitate various roles, with each athlete assigned a number. “Bases” support teammates with lifts and positions that create impressive formations, while “Tops” perform aerial flips and twists, ultimately landing safely in the arms of “back spots.” “Tumblers” execute elaborate movements across the mat, often synchronized with their teammates.
Each meet consists of six events. The initial five events — compulsory, acro, pyramid, toss, and tumbling — are made up of multiple heats featuring distinct required elements. Team members often count together, ensuring everyone maintains the correct tempo. Routines have assigned difficulty levels, with scoring mirroring gymnastics standards, and team performances have a rhythmic, competitive flow.
The day’s events culminate with a team showcase, where all 24 members exhibit their skills in a nearly three-minute routine set to music. During Duquesne’s inaugural meet on February 7 against Gannon, they worked hard, using video tutorials to educate attendees, many of whom were unfamiliar with the sport. The atmosphere was electric, with rhythmical music and enthusiastic supporters urging the teams on. Gannon, which had recently finished as the runner-up in the NCATA national championship, initially took the lead, but the Dukes rallied to pull ahead after the tumbling acts.
As the event concluded, a spirited cheer of “Go Dukes!” rang out, marking a historical moment for the team, which Soper eagerly embraced, reminding her athletes that they are making history one routine at a time. Many in her squad may not have known about acrobatics before being recruited, but they recognized the chance to continue their athletic journeys through this new sport.
This is not gymnastics, nor is it cheerleading, and definitely not a circus act. It encompasses something innovative and unique to its participants. “Here, everyone can find a place where they’re accepted and supported, no matter their background or skills,” Soper stated. “There will always be a position for athletes who are passionate about and love the sport.”
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