If you’re a student-athlete (or parent) asking, “How do I get an NCAA acrobatics and tumbling scholarship?”—the answer combines early planning, targeted skill development, and strategic communication. You must be proactive, build the right athletic and academic profile, and understand the unique recruiting landscape for this fast-growing collegiate sport.
Quick Answer:
To earn an NCAA acrobatics and tumbling scholarship, you need to excel athletically and academically, start the recruiting process early, create standout highlight videos, maintain open communication with college coaches, and understand that most scholarships in this sport are partial (equivalency) awards—often stacked with academic or need-based aid.
Table of Contents
Why Acrobatics & Tumbling is Unique
Scholarship Types and What’s Offered
What Coaches Look For in Recruits
Timeline: When to Start & Key Steps
Must-Have Materials for Recruiting
Tips for Communicating With Coaches
Alternatives and Additional Resources
Real Coach Insights & Quotes
Final Checklist
Why is NCAA Acrobatics & Tumbling Recruiting Unique?
Acrobatics & Tumbling combines gymnastics, cheer, dance, and tumbling skills in team formats. It’s growing rapidly—with over 40+ programs at NCAA schools and many more at NAIA, and the sport is advancing toward NCAA championship status in 2027. This growth means more opportunities, but also more competition for limited scholarships.
Unlike “head count” sports with only full rides (e.g., D1 football, D1 women’s basketball), acrobatic & tumbling scholarships are equivalency awards, so one full scholarship may be split among multiple athletes. Academic, merit, and need-based awards frequently stack to cover more costs.
What Types of Scholarships Can You Get?
Athletic scholarships: Partial awards mainly, varying by school, division, and program budget.
Academic scholarships: Many athletes combine athletic aid with academic or other institutional awards via their GPA, ACT/SAT, and honors courses.
Need-based aid: Submit the FAFSA and inquire about school-specific grants.
Stacking: Most athletes receive a mix of scholarships totaling a bigger financial package.
“Be sure to ask each coach about the mix of athletic and academic aid—they’re all different!”
What Do Coaches Look For?
Skill set: Tumbling passes, stunting, balance, power, and overall strength. Coaches value athletes with a competitive background in artistic/acrobatic gymnastics, trampoline, cheerleading, or even dance and other “movement sports”.
Position versatility: Top, base, tumbler—each role requires distinct physical and technical strengths. Specialization is valued, but multi-skilled athletes fit more roster needs.
Teamwork and attitude: “This is all about athleticism, and athleticism looks different on different people... whatever piece of the skillset you are training, there is a place for you on an Acrobatics & Tumbling team.” —Kristi Kiefer, Founding Coach
Academic readiness: GPA, rigor, and test scores matter. Eligibility is governed by NCAA and NAIA rules.
Timeline: When Should You Start?
Freshman/Sophomore years: Begin skill development, seek competitive experience, and collect video footage of performances.
Sophomore/Junior years: Fill out recruiting questionnaires—even if you’re not eligible for two-way contact, you can still submit your info and update coaches periodically.
Summer before Junior year: Attend camps, follow programs on social media (@theNCATA), and join showcase events.
Junior/Senior years: Direct communication opens. Send introductory emails, your athletic resume, and your video. Schedule official and unofficial visits.
Must-Have Recruiting Materials
Skill highlight video: Showcase running and standing tumbling, balance skills, and routines from competitions or practices. No special uniform needed; authenticity matters.
Athletic resume: Include position(s), club history, awards, and team/individual stats.
Academic summary: GPA, test scores, relevant courses.
How to Communicate With Coaches
Begin with email introductions and recruiting questionnaires—even in early high school.
Respect NCAA/NAIA contact rules; coaches may not be allowed to reply, but will track your progress.
Keep correspondence short, professional, and highlight new skills, achievements, and academic updates.
Ask each program about current scholarship opportunities and typical packages.
Alternatives & Additional Information
Diversify your search: Some schools offer club-level teams with scholarships (often via organizations like NAIGC).
Consider NAIA programs: Many offer aid and a competitive experience similar to NCAA.
Stack your aid: Always file FAFSA and look for school-specific scholarships beyond athletics.
Final Checklist
Build your skills: Focus on versatility and specialty positions.
Get video: Record skills and routines for coaches.
Reach out: Complete questionnaires, send emails, and track communication.
Keep academics high: GPA, transcripts, and test scores are just as critical.
Explore all options: Stack athletic, academic, and need-based aid.
Stay proactive: Attend events, respond promptly, and maintain professionalism in every interaction.
Getting an NCAA Acrobatics & Tumbling scholarship is absolutely attainable with the right preparation, skills, and recruiting approach. Start early, keep improving, and make sure coaches see your potential—both in the gym and in the classroom.
Ready to Give Your Athlete a Real Scholarship Advantage?
Stop guessing, start winning.
Thousands of families miss out on scholarships not for lack of talent—but because they don’t know the system. It's not just the most talented athletes that make it, rather the ones who know the proper steps to take.
The Acrobatics & Tumbling Scholarship Playbook is your step-by-step roadmap, packed with proven timelines, coach communication scripts, and the exact strategies top recruits use to secure NCAA offers—even if they're not the “obvious” D1 prospect.
👉 Click here to unlock your copy now. Invest today—secure your athlete’s tomorrow.
Don’t wait until other families have taken all the spots! Give your athlete every possible edge. If the Playbook doesn’t deliver clarity and confidence, you get your money back—no questions asked.
If you’re a student-athlete (or parent) asking, “How do I get an NCAA acrobatics and tumbling scholarship?”—the answer combines early planning, targeted skill development, and strategic communication. You must be proactive, build the right athletic and academic profile, and understand the unique recruiting landscape for this fast-growing collegiate sport.
Quick Answer:
To earn an NCAA acrobatics and tumbling scholarship, you need to excel athletically and academically, start the recruiting process early, create standout highlight videos, maintain open communication with college coaches, and understand that most scholarships in this sport are partial (equivalency) awards—often stacked with academic or need-based aid.
Table of Contents
Why Acrobatics & Tumbling is Unique
Scholarship Types and What’s Offered
What Coaches Look For in Recruits
Timeline: When to Start & Key Steps
Must-Have Materials for Recruiting
Tips for Communicating With Coaches
Alternatives and Additional Resources
Real Coach Insights & Quotes
Final Checklist
Why is NCAA Acrobatics & Tumbling Recruiting Unique?
Acrobatics & Tumbling combines gymnastics, cheer, dance, and tumbling skills in team formats. It’s growing rapidly—with over 40+ programs at NCAA schools and many more at NAIA, and the sport is advancing toward NCAA championship status in 2027. This growth means more opportunities, but also more competition for limited scholarships.
Unlike “head count” sports with only full rides (e.g., D1 football, D1 women’s basketball), acrobatic & tumbling scholarships are equivalency awards, so one full scholarship may be split among multiple athletes. Academic, merit, and need-based awards frequently stack to cover more costs.
What Types of Scholarships Can You Get?
Athletic scholarships: Partial awards mainly, varying by school, division, and program budget.
Academic scholarships: Many athletes combine athletic aid with academic or other institutional awards via their GPA, ACT/SAT, and honors courses.
Need-based aid: Submit the FAFSA and inquire about school-specific grants.
Stacking: Most athletes receive a mix of scholarships totaling a bigger financial package.
“Be sure to ask each coach about the mix of athletic and academic aid—they’re all different!”
What Do Coaches Look For?
Skill set: Tumbling passes, stunting, balance, power, and overall strength. Coaches value athletes with a competitive background in artistic/acrobatic gymnastics, trampoline, cheerleading, or even dance and other “movement sports”.
Position versatility: Top, base, tumbler—each role requires distinct physical and technical strengths. Specialization is valued, but multi-skilled athletes fit more roster needs.
Teamwork and attitude: “This is all about athleticism, and athleticism looks different on different people... whatever piece of the skillset you are training, there is a place for you on an Acrobatics & Tumbling team.” —Kristi Kiefer, Founding Coach
Academic readiness: GPA, rigor, and test scores matter. Eligibility is governed by NCAA and NAIA rules.
Timeline: When Should You Start?
Freshman/Sophomore years: Begin skill development, seek competitive experience, and collect video footage of performances.
Sophomore/Junior years: Fill out recruiting questionnaires—even if you’re not eligible for two-way contact, you can still submit your info and update coaches periodically.
Summer before Junior year: Attend camps, follow programs on social media (@theNCATA), and join showcase events.
Junior/Senior years: Direct communication opens. Send introductory emails, your athletic resume, and your video. Schedule official and unofficial visits.
Must-Have Recruiting Materials
Skill highlight video: Showcase running and standing tumbling, balance skills, and routines from competitions or practices. No special uniform needed; authenticity matters.
Athletic resume: Include position(s), club history, awards, and team/individual stats.
Academic summary: GPA, test scores, relevant courses.
How to Communicate With Coaches
Begin with email introductions and recruiting questionnaires—even in early high school.
Respect NCAA/NAIA contact rules; coaches may not be allowed to reply, but will track your progress.
Keep correspondence short, professional, and highlight new skills, achievements, and academic updates.
Ask each program about current scholarship opportunities and typical packages.
Alternatives & Additional Information
Diversify your search: Some schools offer club-level teams with scholarships (often via organizations like NAIGC).
Consider NAIA programs: Many offer aid and a competitive experience similar to NCAA.
Stack your aid: Always file FAFSA and look for school-specific scholarships beyond athletics.
Final Checklist
Build your skills: Focus on versatility and specialty positions.
Get video: Record skills and routines for coaches.
Reach out: Complete questionnaires, send emails, and track communication.
Keep academics high: GPA, transcripts, and test scores are just as critical.
Explore all options: Stack athletic, academic, and need-based aid.
Stay proactive: Attend events, respond promptly, and maintain professionalism in every interaction.
Getting an NCAA Acrobatics & Tumbling scholarship is absolutely attainable with the right preparation, skills, and recruiting approach. Start early, keep improving, and make sure coaches see your potential—both in the gym and in the classroom.
Ready to Give Your Athlete a Real Scholarship Advantage?
Stop guessing, start winning.
Thousands of families miss out on scholarships not for lack of talent—but because they don’t know the system. It's not just the most talented athletes that make it, rather the ones who know the proper steps to take.
The Acrobatics & Tumbling Scholarship Playbook is your step-by-step roadmap, packed with proven timelines, coach communication scripts, and the exact strategies top recruits use to secure NCAA offers—even if they're not the “obvious” D1 prospect.
👉 Click here to unlock your copy now. Invest today—secure your athlete’s tomorrow.
Don’t wait until other families have taken all the spots! Give your athlete every possible edge. If the Playbook doesn’t deliver clarity and confidence, you get your money back—no questions asked.
If you’re a student-athlete (or parent) asking, “How do I get an NCAA acrobatics and tumbling scholarship?”—the answer combines early planning, targeted skill development, and strategic communication. You must be proactive, build the right athletic and academic profile, and understand the unique recruiting landscape for this fast-growing collegiate sport.
Quick Answer:
To earn an NCAA acrobatics and tumbling scholarship, you need to excel athletically and academically, start the recruiting process early, create standout highlight videos, maintain open communication with college coaches, and understand that most scholarships in this sport are partial (equivalency) awards—often stacked with academic or need-based aid.
Table of Contents
Why Acrobatics & Tumbling is Unique
Scholarship Types and What’s Offered
What Coaches Look For in Recruits
Timeline: When to Start & Key Steps
Must-Have Materials for Recruiting
Tips for Communicating With Coaches
Alternatives and Additional Resources
Real Coach Insights & Quotes
Final Checklist
Why is NCAA Acrobatics & Tumbling Recruiting Unique?
Acrobatics & Tumbling combines gymnastics, cheer, dance, and tumbling skills in team formats. It’s growing rapidly—with over 40+ programs at NCAA schools and many more at NAIA, and the sport is advancing toward NCAA championship status in 2027. This growth means more opportunities, but also more competition for limited scholarships.
Unlike “head count” sports with only full rides (e.g., D1 football, D1 women’s basketball), acrobatic & tumbling scholarships are equivalency awards, so one full scholarship may be split among multiple athletes. Academic, merit, and need-based awards frequently stack to cover more costs.
What Types of Scholarships Can You Get?
Athletic scholarships: Partial awards mainly, varying by school, division, and program budget.
Academic scholarships: Many athletes combine athletic aid with academic or other institutional awards via their GPA, ACT/SAT, and honors courses.
Need-based aid: Submit the FAFSA and inquire about school-specific grants.
Stacking: Most athletes receive a mix of scholarships totaling a bigger financial package.
“Be sure to ask each coach about the mix of athletic and academic aid—they’re all different!”
What Do Coaches Look For?
Skill set: Tumbling passes, stunting, balance, power, and overall strength. Coaches value athletes with a competitive background in artistic/acrobatic gymnastics, trampoline, cheerleading, or even dance and other “movement sports”.
Position versatility: Top, base, tumbler—each role requires distinct physical and technical strengths. Specialization is valued, but multi-skilled athletes fit more roster needs.
Teamwork and attitude: “This is all about athleticism, and athleticism looks different on different people... whatever piece of the skillset you are training, there is a place for you on an Acrobatics & Tumbling team.” —Kristi Kiefer, Founding Coach
Academic readiness: GPA, rigor, and test scores matter. Eligibility is governed by NCAA and NAIA rules.
Timeline: When Should You Start?
Freshman/Sophomore years: Begin skill development, seek competitive experience, and collect video footage of performances.
Sophomore/Junior years: Fill out recruiting questionnaires—even if you’re not eligible for two-way contact, you can still submit your info and update coaches periodically.
Summer before Junior year: Attend camps, follow programs on social media (@theNCATA), and join showcase events.
Junior/Senior years: Direct communication opens. Send introductory emails, your athletic resume, and your video. Schedule official and unofficial visits.
Must-Have Recruiting Materials
Skill highlight video: Showcase running and standing tumbling, balance skills, and routines from competitions or practices. No special uniform needed; authenticity matters.
Athletic resume: Include position(s), club history, awards, and team/individual stats.
Academic summary: GPA, test scores, relevant courses.
How to Communicate With Coaches
Begin with email introductions and recruiting questionnaires—even in early high school.
Respect NCAA/NAIA contact rules; coaches may not be allowed to reply, but will track your progress.
Keep correspondence short, professional, and highlight new skills, achievements, and academic updates.
Ask each program about current scholarship opportunities and typical packages.
Alternatives & Additional Information
Diversify your search: Some schools offer club-level teams with scholarships (often via organizations like NAIGC).
Consider NAIA programs: Many offer aid and a competitive experience similar to NCAA.
Stack your aid: Always file FAFSA and look for school-specific scholarships beyond athletics.
Final Checklist
Build your skills: Focus on versatility and specialty positions.
Get video: Record skills and routines for coaches.
Reach out: Complete questionnaires, send emails, and track communication.
Keep academics high: GPA, transcripts, and test scores are just as critical.
Explore all options: Stack athletic, academic, and need-based aid.
Stay proactive: Attend events, respond promptly, and maintain professionalism in every interaction.
Getting an NCAA Acrobatics & Tumbling scholarship is absolutely attainable with the right preparation, skills, and recruiting approach. Start early, keep improving, and make sure coaches see your potential—both in the gym and in the classroom.
Ready to Give Your Athlete a Real Scholarship Advantage?
Stop guessing, start winning.
Thousands of families miss out on scholarships not for lack of talent—but because they don’t know the system. It's not just the most talented athletes that make it, rather the ones who know the proper steps to take.
The Acrobatics & Tumbling Scholarship Playbook is your step-by-step roadmap, packed with proven timelines, coach communication scripts, and the exact strategies top recruits use to secure NCAA offers—even if they're not the “obvious” D1 prospect.
👉 Click here to unlock your copy now. Invest today—secure your athlete’s tomorrow.
Don’t wait until other families have taken all the spots! Give your athlete every possible edge. If the Playbook doesn’t deliver clarity and confidence, you get your money back—no questions asked.