Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Duquesne acrobatics and tumbling program will open its second season ranked No. 7 in the NCATA National Preseason Coaches Poll, released Friday by the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA).

Led by head coach Michaela Soper, the Dukes earned the highest preseason ranking in program history following a strong debut campaign. Duquesne was consistently ranked in the top 15, climbing as high as No. 12, during its inaugural season and was the only first-year program nationally to receive a ranking in 2025.

Five of Duquesne's six scheduled opponents enter the season ranked in the national top 15. The Dukes open the 2026 season on Thursday, Feb. 12, hosting West Liberty at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. Admission to all home meets is free.

NCATA Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Baylor (39 first-place votes)
2. Oregon (2)
3. Quinnipiac (2)
4. Iona
5. Augustana
6. Fairmont State
7. Duquesne
8. UMHB
9. Gannon
10. Azusa Pacific
11. Saint Leo
12. Glenville State
13. Hawaii Pacific
14. Lander
15. La Salle

2026 Duquesne Acrobatics & Tumbling Schedule
Feb. 12 – vs. West Liberty (6 PM)
Feb. 20 – at Gannon (7 PM)
March 4 – vs. Azusa Pacific (6 PM)
March 15 – at Fairmont State (2 PM)
March 28 – at Baylor (5 PM)
April 9 – vs. La Salle (6 PM)
April 23-26 – NCATA National Championships, hosted by Azusa Pacific
**All home meets are free admission**

FOLLOW THE DUKES
Follow the Duquesne Acrobatics and Tumbling team all season online at GoDuquesne.com and on Twitter (X) and Instagram (@duqacrotumb).

ABOUT ACROBATICS & TUMBLING
Created in 2009, Acrobatics & Tumbling is the evolution of multiple gymnastics disciplines, incorporating the athletic elements of competitive cheerleading. The sport is sponsored by 52 NCAA varsity programs, with 47 teams competing this spring and more than 1,300 student-athletes nationwide. In January, Acrobatics & Tumbling was officially elevated from an NCAA Emerging Sport to an NCAA Championship Sport and will debut its first National Collegiate Championship in spring 2027. For more information, visit TheNCATA.org.