I didn’t plan on joining the acro and tumbling team—but now I can’t imagine college without it. Acrobatics and Tumbling (acro, for short) was introduced as an athletic program at Concordia in 2013. Since then, the program has continued to grow, attracting athletes from around the U.S. with backgrounds in gymnastics, cheer, dance, and more . As a first-year member of the team, I’ve gotten to learn new skills and work with some amazing athletes. Want to learn what it’s like to be a part of CUW’s acro and tumbling team? Read on as I discuss the perspectives of some first-year athletes on the team.
I didn’t join this sport the traditional way—I was originally recruited to CUW for field hockey. During my sophomore season, I met freshman Rylee Binley, who was a dual-sport athlete competing in both field hockey and acro. I had mentioned my interest in acro to Rylee, and over winter break, she reached out to let me know the team was looking for more girls. I immediately contacted head coach Caitlin Lowery to express my interest. I told her that I had a background in gymnastics and diving and would love to be a part of the team—and to my surprise, she was excited and wanted me on board.
What shocked me at first was that practice started at six in the morning. I was so used to having practices at night for field hockey, and I am by no means a morning person. But as the days went on, I actually started to prefer morning practices over evening ones. When I first joined, I was told I’d mainly be filling out the roster so the team wouldn’t lose points at meets—and I was completely fine with that. But at my second practice, Coach Cait asked if I wanted to try a skill, and after that, I just kept getting added to more and more events.
The toughest part about acro for me has been learning and mastering new skills. At practice, we focus on perfecting the ones we need for our upcoming meets, but with any extra time, everyone spreads out and works on different skills. Whether you’re a base (the athlete who lifts and supports) or a top (the one being lifted and performing the skills), we’re always pushing ourselves—holding inversions (like handstands in the air), practicing dangles (where a top is held by the hands with arms fully extended overhead), or getting in extra reps of tumbling.. There’s always something to improve or learn, and that constant drive to get better is what makes the sport so intense and rewarding.
When I first joined, I was nervous to meet the team. I knew a few girls beforehand, but most of them had already been together since the fall and had formed close friendships. I wasn’t sure how I’d fit in. But the team was incredibly welcoming—it honestly felt like I had known some of them for years. Everyone is constantly hyping each other up, especially when someone lands a new skill. I remember when I was first put into the bridge pyramid—I was so nervous—but hearing everyone cheer for me made me believe I could do it. Now, I compete in that skill at every meet in the synchronized pyramid event with my bridge buddy, Amanda Owens. But I think my favorite moment this season was when I threw a round-off tuck for the first time in about eight years. People on the other side of the mat were yelling and cheering for me—it was one of those moments that reminded me how supportive this team really is. Freshman Jenna Gardner said “my favorite memory from acro would probably be all the support from the whole team, during competitions we’re always cheering for each other and making sure we feel encouraged doing new or more intense skills.”
As I’m writing this, we’re in our final week of practice before nationals. My goal for nationals is simple: to do what I’ve been practicing and to cheer on my teammates, because they’ve all worked so hard to get where they are now. Freshman Rylee Binley kept it short and sweet when I asked about her goal: “Win. Duhh.”
A few of the girls have asked if I’m planning to do acro again next year, and I always say the same thing—if they want me back, I’d love to do it. I honestly can’t imagine going to CUW and not being part of this team. I’ve made so many friendships, and I want to keep helping the program grow year after year.
What really stands out about this team is how supportive everyone is, no matter your background or experience. From day one, I felt like I belonged. I’m so thankful that Head Coach Caitlin Lowery took a chance on me and let me join this team, because acro became something I didn’t know I needed. Joining this team—and, honestly, any team as a first-year athlete—can shape your college experience in ways you don’t expect. It’s not just about the sport; it’s about the connections you make and the confidence you gain along the way.
—Grace Partain is a writer and layout designer for The Beacon. She is a Mass Communication major graduating in 2027. She is a member of both the field hockey team and the acrobatics and tumbling team.