PITTSBURGH – Duquesne University head acrobatics and tumbling coach Michaela Soper has announced the team's inaugural recruiting class, which includes 33 future Dukes.
"I am pleased to officially announce the initial signing class for Duquesne University's inaugural Acrobatics and Tumbling program," said Soper. "I am honored to have this group of accomplished young women representing the philosophy and mission of the University and what this program stands for. The academic accolades, extracurriculars, and athletic aptitude of this group of women is truly noteworthy. I cannot wait to see the positive impact they will make on campus and in the community."
The inaugural class features 31 first year signees from 15 states and two transfers, Abby McDermott from Glenville State announced on May 8th and Alia Ellis from Iona announced on June 6. The athletes arrive on the Bluff from a variety of skillset backgrounds including cheer, gymnastics, and A&T.
"On top of their high academic achievements, in each respective discipline, these athletes are top tier. Each student-athlete was recruited explicitly to ensure the program has the essential groundwork required to be competitive and future focused. Their prior athletic achievements, elite level of training and potential in their skill sets will offer depth and variety as the sport continues to evolve," said Soper. "I am excited to continue constructing the vision that administration, the team and myself are looking to bring to life. We are already making history here and I know this team will be a powerhouse in the coming years."
Acrobatics & Tumbling, which will begin competition at Duquesne during the 2024-25 school year, is the evolution of different disciplines of gymnastics, which includes the athletic aspects of competitive cheerleading. The format was created at the collegiate level in 2009 to address the interests and abilities of young women competing in this skill set. Individuals and small groups execute acrobatic lifts, tosses, and tumbling. The sport was adopted as an NCAA emerging sport in all three divisions in August of 2020.
"I would also like to thank the administration and my staff here," added Soper. "They have been on my team since the beginning and I am grateful for the guidance and mentorship from everyone who has played a role in the foundation of this program. The University and the Athletic Department's continued support of competitive opportunities and emerging sports for females has been paramount in making this possible. Lastly, to all of the athletes and coaches who have been trailblazers in building this incredible sport, thank you for making all of this a reality for myself and these young women who are about to embark on this journey. This is a pivotal time for the NCATA and I am thrilled to bring Acrobatics and Tumbling to Duquesne University next fall as we work to propel this sport into championship status. Go Dukes!"
MEET THE DUKES (PDF)
Natalie Angland
Bolton, MA • Nashoba Regional High School • Tumbler/Base
Alaina Baumgartner
North Huntingdon, PA • Norwin High School • Base/Tumbler
Krista Bily
Doylestown, PA • Central Bucks East High School
Jamie Bray
Lithia, FL • Newsome High School • Top
Kylee Carlson
Mukilteo, WA • Kamiak High School • Tumbler/Top
June Cubbage-Troop
Louisville, KY • Assumption High School • Tumbler/Base/Top
Michela Del Rosso
Old Tappan, NJ • Northern Valley Old Tappan High School • Top/Tumbler
Mia Dipner
Pittsburgh, PA • Seneca Valley High School • Stunt Specialist
Abby Eberle
Freeport, PA • Freeport Senior High School • Flyer/Tumbler
Alia Ellis
Roseville, CA • Woodcreek HS / Iona University • Base
Lauren Epting
Mohnton, PA • Governor Mifflin Senior High School
McKenna Fisher
Mount Airy, MD • Glenelg High School • Base
Clare Frantti
Livonia, MI • Stevenson High School
Sarah Golie
Schwenksville, PA • Pope John Paul II High School
Rebekah Hendley
Kernersville, NC • Middle College of Forsyth • Top/Tumbler
Madeline Hollingsworth
Fort Collins, CO • Fossil Ridge High School • Tumbler/Base
Taylor Hollis
Churchville, PA • Council Rock South High School • Base/Tumbler
Sienna Johnson
Mount Airy, MD • Linganore High School • Tumbler/Flyer/Base
Mia Kenney
Mechanicsville, VA • Hanover High School • Top/Tumbler
Carly Longenecker
State College, PA • State College Area High School
Clarie Marshall
Baltimore, MD • Towson High School • Tumbler
Eden MacMartin
San Diego, CA • Del Norte High School • Tumbler/Top/Base
Mireya Maymi
San Antonio, TX • Johnson High School • Base/Tumbler
Abby McDermott
Leechburg, PA • Glenville State / Leechburg Area HS • Base
Genevieve Muise
Fredericksburg, VA • Mountain View High School • Back Spot/Tumbler
Lea Philarom
Lake View, NY • Frontier High School • Tumbler/Top
Claire Piper
Altoona, PA • Altoona Area High School • Base/Tumbler
Ailee Sheehan
Chesapeake, VA • Oscar Smith High School • Utility
Anna Trent
West Union, WV • Doddridge Country High School • Tumbler/Base
Anna Twork
Royal Oak, MI • Royal Oak High School • Base/Tumbler
Briella Unger
Allentown, PA • Parkland High School • Tumbler
Mykaela Gisele Vasquez
San Antonio, TX • Incarnate Word High School • Top/Base/Tumbler
Taylor Wallace
Rockaway, NJ • Morris Catholic High School • Base/Tumbler
FOLLOW THE DUKES
Stay up to date by following the Duquesne Acrobatics and Tumbling team on Twitter (X) and Instagram (@duqacrotumb).
