The Evolution of STUNT: From Cheerleading to a Recognized Sport

STUNT is one of the fastest growing female sports in the country. Originally created by USA Cheer to meet the strict Title IX requirements of a sport, STUNT removes the traditional crowd-leading elements of cheerleading and focuses entirely on the athletic components. 

A STUNT game consists of four quarters, each with a specific set of skills. The first quarter features partner stunts, followed by pyramids and tosses in the second. The third quarter is dedicated to jumps and tumbling, and the final quarter showcases a team routine of the previous three quarters. 

Like any other sport, STUNT involves referees and coaches who make key decisions and calls throughout the game. The match begins with a coin toss to determine possession. The team with possession then selects a routine to play, which both teams then execute simultaneously. 

Each fall, STUNT releases routines at levels 1-8 for teams to learn, allowing them to advance at their own pace. Less experienced teams may focus on levels 1-4 while more seasoned teams aim for higher levels, such as 5-8. 

The first STUNT scrimmage took place in December 2010 between Methodist University and the University of North Carolina in Fayetteville, NC. By January 2011, twenty college programs participated in the inaugural STUNT season. 

In 2019, STUNT submitted its application to the NCAA's Committee on Women's Athletics to be considered an emerging sport. By 2022, STUNT was officially recognized as an emerging sport at the DI, DII, and DIII levels for women. 

While cheerleading has been a staple in American athletics for over 150 years, it has traditionally been classified as a sport. With the rise of STUNT, the athletic world is witnessing a major shift. As a female-dominated sport, STUNT provides a platform for athletes to showcase their skills in ways cheerleading has not. 

Today, over 70 colleges participate in STUNT, with over 100 programs expected to launch in the coming years. STUNT is making its mark, moving beyond the world of stereotypical cheerleading, and firmly establishing itself as a legitimate sport. 

In just two seasons at Heidelberg, STUNT Head Coach, Courtney Neering, has lead her team to a sixth place ranking among DIII schools.