2025 STUNT Season Preview

Note from the Executive Director

We are thrilled to introduce the highly anticipated 2025 STUNT season, which promises to be our biggest and most exhilarating season yet! With STUNT experiencing exponential growth across all age groups throughout the United States, USA Cheer is proud of the opportunities it’s creating for female athletes. The excitement is palpable as we gear up for a season filled with opportunities for athletes, coaches, and families to come together, showcase their talents, and be part of this incredible journey.

Lauri Harris,
USA Cheer Executive Director


Division I

Division I has expanded with the inclusion of newcomers Missouri State and the University of Northern Kentucky, along with Mercyhurst, which has transitioned from DII to DI. Coach Oakes mentions that her team feels a mix of nerves and excitement about this change, yet are eager to demonstrate the hard work they’ve been putting in to prepare for the upcoming season. This year, CBU aims for another perfect season as they pursue their fifth National title. Entering their fourth season of STUNT, Kentucky boasts an impressive roster of 62 athletes. They are thrilled to host games in the newly renovated Historic Memorial Coliseum and will be traveling to several new states this year! UT Martin is also looking forward to the continued growth of their program, while Missouri State and NKU are excited for their inaugural STUNT season and all the enthusiasm it brings.


Division II

Currently, our largest division, DII, is experiencing growth with the inclusion of Great Lakes Valley Conference members Quincy, East Stroudsburg, and Lewis University. This expansion brings the GLVC total to six STUNT programs, alongside the recent announcement that STUNT will be officially sponsored as a conference sport starting in the fall of 2025. With this addition, there are now three conferences in Division II that support STUNT as a sport. Newcomers also include Purdue Northwest University and Lone Star member Texas A&M Kingsville. One of the most significant changes in Division II comes from the addition of former NAIA powerhouses, Jessup and Vanguard, both recognized for their strong programs and recognized by coaches as teams to watch this year. Last year, DII marked a significant achievement as Oklahoma Baptist University earned their inaugural national title. Many programs returning this season have not only expanded their rosters but also enhanced their talent pool, all while aiming for a spot in the National Championship. With an abundance of skilled teams, DII promises to be thrilling this year.


Division III

Division III is set to welcome four new programs this year: Centenary, Gallaudet, Randolph, and St. Mary’s, all eager to play their inaugural games and score their first points. Coaches believe that second-year program George Fox is a team to watch this season, while Heidelberg, with an expanded roster, looks forward to showcasing more routines on the mat. Saint Elizabeth, now in its second year, feels significantly improved despite having a limited roster. Buena Vista is thrilled that their schedule features more teams within their division this year. For many teams, including CUC, Misericordia, and Buena Vista, the challenge lies in educating new athletes on the game of STUNT, as they have few players with prior experience. Hiram, entering its seventh year of STUNT, is now under new leadership with Coach Araujo at the helm, supported by seasoned veterans and a long-time assistant coach who has a deep understanding of the game. Muskingum will have the opportunity to face George Fox this season as they travel to Oregon for their games. Olivet, despite struggling with a limited roster, remains excited about the upcoming 2025 season.


NAIA

The NAIA presents a compact yet fiercely competitive field this season. With Vanguard and Jessup moving to Division II, a new NAIA champion will be crowned this April, and many coaches believe that preseason #1 Hope International could take that title. Central Methodist, now led by a new head coach, considers themselves small but mighty. Missouri Baptist, with a robust roster of 31 players, is eager for new routines and for their rookies to experience game day. Newcomer Sienna Heights will encounter several Division III teams in their schedule, while second-year Missouri Valley College has a strong lineup that includes many DI-DII level programs. OUAZ will kick off their season against Hope, followed by a matchup with cross-town rival ACU in early March.


Club

The Club division continues to grow stronger by adding Alma, the University of Michigan, Purdue, and South Carolina to its already impressive roster of programs. Alma brings extensive experience and aims to execute throwing routines 1-8 without modifications. The 2024 Club National Champion, OSU, has expanded its roster with new athletes who have previously played STUNT at the high school level. Central Michigan, GCU, and UC Davis are eager for more travel opportunities this season, looking forward to exploring new locations. ASU boasts a youthful team that is enthusiastic about kicking off the season. Connors is particularly excited about the introduction of the 8-round format this year. Additionally, MSU, Cal Poly, and Riverside are returning and are eager to showcase their new routines on the mat.


STUNT Announced as the NEXT GLVC Sport in 2025-26

INDIANAPOLIS –The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) announced Friday it will start sponsoring STUNT as its 26th sport, beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.

The inaugural season of GLVC STUNT will feature six institutions, including full-time league members Drury University, Lewis University, Maryville University, Quincy University, Southwest Baptist University, and associate member East Stroudsburg University. East Stroudsburg was approved for associate membership status in September 2024.

Drury, Maryville, and Southwest Baptist have had non-varsity programs since 2019 but will elevate their programs to NCAA status starting in 2024-25. Lewis, Quincy, and East Stroudsburg will begin sponsoring the sport in 2024-25.

You can read the full article HERE.