A Texas Acro trio performed an exhibition routine last weekend at the 2012 National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA) National Championships at Baylor University. The women’s group of Abigail Rosilier, Jessica Campbell and Aubrey Rosilier train at USAAA in San Antonio under the direction of Jennifer Banowsky and Sarah Longi. The girls were excited to perform in front of a crowd that wasn’t generally familiar with acrobatic gymnastics but could appreciate the grace and skill of the sport.

Aubrey Rosilier, Abby Rosilier & Jessica Campbell perform at NCATA National Championships

Acrobatics & Tumbling is a growing collegiate sport that is currently working towards emerging sport status with the NCAA. To date NCAA member institutions have invested millions of dollars in athletic scholarships for their Acrobatics & Tumbling programs, and new programs are being established at universities around the country. According to NCATA, “Acrobatics and Tumbling is a derivative of [the] power of gymnastics, the uniqueness of competitive cheer, the balance and grace of acrobatics.”

The Oregon Ducks held on to the national title for the second year in a row, beating out the Maryland Tarpins for the honors. Baylor University, under the direction of head coach LaPrise Harris-Williams, is the only Texas university with an Acrobatics & Tumbling program.