Long Island University (LIU) in Brookville has added a women's acrobatics and tumbling program to its athletics department. Recruitment for 2023 is now underway and competition begins spring 2024.
A national search for a head coach has begun, according to Director of Athletics Dr. William E. Martinov Jr.
"Acrobatics & Tumbling is an emerging sport nationwide and we look forward to welcoming some of the best student-athletes across the country to Shark Nation," said Martinov.
With this program, LIU became the eighth program to sponsor Acrobatics & Tumbling at the NCAA Division I level.
A statement released by LIU says that Acrobatics & Tumbling is the evolution of different forms of gymnastics. The sport involves tumbling, tosses, acrobatic lifts and pyramids. Competitors in this sport demonstrate significant strength, power, flexibility, and balance in their skill set.
The National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA), the governing body for Acrobatics & Tumbling, says that over 9 million young women participate in the skill sets of acrobatics & tumbling, through youth participation in all disciplines of gymnastics or cheerleading.
"LIU's announcement enhances the recent growth Acrobatics & Tumbling has experienced in all three NCAA divisions in the northeast," said NCATA Executive Director Janell Cook. "We are excited about the possibilities for additional growth in the region, and nationally, as we continue progress towards our goal of NCAA championship status."
Long Island University is home to a competitive NCAA Division I athletics program and is the winner of back-to-back Northeast Conference Commissioner's Cups, honoring the best conference member for success on the field. LIU fields 37 athletics teams on two campuses. In LIU's history, its teams have combined for 23 national championships, 220 conference championships, and 379 All-Americans.