On Sept. 19, Whitworth University announced the addition of STUNT as its 22 varsity sport, marking a significant step forward for women’s athletics on campus.

Athletic Director Tim Demant described STUNT as “a way of taking the competitive cheer part, or the acrobatics and athleticism of cheer and making it a competitive sport.” Demant explained that the emerging collegiate sport features teams competing side by side, performing identical routines that are scored for precision and execution.

Each game consists of four quarters, each with four routines. Every team has to master the same routines to the same music, creating a level playing field for competition. Demant said the addition of STUNT will support Whitworth’s goals for enrollment growth and gender equity. “Adding sports like STUNT attracts new students and helps us create gender balance,” he added.

Whitworth University is in the process of hiring a coach who reflects the athletic department’s core values of academic success, athletic excellence and character development. Demant said the first priority is to build a roster large and skilled enough to perform every routine. “Having enough people capable of doing all the events would be a great first year,” he said. “Then we can start looking at competing and winning.” He also emphasized creating a team culture that values mentorship and enjoyment, “a group that people want to be a part of.”

While the athletic department focuses on recruiting new STUNT athletes, members of the cheerleading team are also encouraged to join because of the sport’s similarities. Sophomore cheerleader with 10 years of cheer experience, Mailee Osorio said, “I felt so honored and excited to know that the hard work and efforts of Whitworth cheer has enabled the school to add STUNT as a varsity competitive program for us.” Osorio expressed that STUNT could change the visibility and understanding of cheerleading at Whitworth, noting that many athletes plan to participate in both cheer and STUNT.

Senior Kate Norris, one of two cheer captains and a three-year varsity cheerleader, said she is “pretty excited to see what it is going to look like” and noted that STUNT is a long-awaited addition. “A lot of us have wanted this to happen. I wish it was added sooner so I could have been a part of it.”

Norris also reflected on cheerleading’s broader role on campus. “To be a cheerleader means being encouraging and supportive to those around you, bringing energy to the games and helping get the crowd involved,” she said. She added that STUNT could help others understand the time and effort cheer requires. “It’s just like every other sport on campus,” says Norris.

Whitworth plans to debut the STUNT program in the coming seasons and expects competition to begin in spring of 2027, expanding opportunities for women athletes while strengthening the university’s spirited sports culture.