The Morgan State Tumbling and Acrobatics Team had a memorable senior night to end its first season as the only D1 HBCU school with a Tumbling and Acrobatics team. In a Senior night that will be etched in the memories of everyone present. The team put on an incredible display of athleticism and teamwork, impressing the crowd and emerging victorious over Bluefield State.
Coach Regina Smith deserves credit for her leadership and guidance, which enabled the team to show their resilience and commitment to excellence. Despite the team’s diverse background in gymnastics and cheerleading they worked together seamlessly and demonstrated their passion for the sport. None of the Morgan State athletes have previously been in an Acrobatics and Tumbling competition before this year.
Senior Ayona Young expressed the significance of representing their institution and breaking down the stereotypes in the acrobatics and tumbling field. She emphasized the importance of celebrating diversity and inclusion in sports and how it can help empower women of color to achieve their goals.
The team’s academic achievements are equally impressive, with a GPA exceeding 3.2. These athletes are true role models for their peers and future generations, embodying the values of scholarship and sportsmanship both on and off the mat.
The team’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is a big part of the mission. Coach Smith highlighted the importance of Morgan State’s addition to Division I acrobatics and tumbling in enhancing diversity within the sport by becoming the only D1 HBCU with a team. The welcoming and supportive environment created by the team empowers women of color to excel athletically and academically.
The Morgan State Tumbling and Acrobatics Team is poised for even greater success. Senior Jayonce Bland expressed optimism for the team’s future, envisioning a path toward championship success. The team’s hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport make them a force to be reckoned with and a true inspiration for everyone.
ABOUT MORGAN STATE TUMBLING AND ACROBATICS
● On April 8, 2022, Morgan State announced the addition of acrobatics and tumbling as its 16th NCAA varsity sport. Saturday’s meet will have historical significance, as the program will officially get underway.
● Morgan State is the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) Division I program to offer the sport and is only the third school in Maryland (following Frostburg State and Stevenson) to add acrobatics and tumbling. The Lady Bears are also the 10th NCAA Division I program in competition this season.
● “This historic moment is so profound not only for Morgan State University, the Community of Baltimore, Maryland, and HBCU’s, but for all the brown girls who have a passion for these skill sets,” said Morgan State head coach Regina Smith, who during her coaching career has captured over 30 national championship college and high school titles. “We are truly honored to embark on this journey and looking forward to representing Morgan State University well tomorrow.”
● Morgan’s score of 235.600 in a road loss to Presbyterian (248.110) on March 22 was the highest total score in the program’s history.
●The team made its inaugural debut on Feb.10th as it hosted the No. 3 ranked Quinnipiac Bobcats at Hill Field House. The Lady Bears would fall short, finishing the meet with 220.770 points, while the Bobcats finished with a total of 262.580 points.
● Morgan’s team will complete their inaugural campaign with a challenging road match against Long Island on April 11th in the regular season finale.
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