A sport on the rise : STUNT

USA Cheer, longing for recognition, created the sport STUNT, one of the fastest-growing women’s sports across the nation. STUNT, removing the crowd-leading aspects of cheerleading, was formed to meet the requirements for a Title IX sport. STUNT aims to give athletes who prioritize the technical side of cheer, such as tumbling, jumps, partner stunts, and pyramids, a sport of their own. 

Unlike traditional cheerleading, where competing consists of performing a 2-minute routine focusing on entertainment, STUNT dives deep into the competitive side. Two different STUNT teams perform the same routine side by side in 4 quarters, partner stunts, pyramids and tosses, jumps and tumbling, and a final team routine. 

Member of the Grand Canyon University Stunt Team, Clare Fields said, “Nobody has ever understood what STUNT is, even when I explain it, they always think it’s just cheer unless I bring them to watch a game.” STUNT athletes are craving the recognition they deserve, being that most of the sport’s goals are delivering absolute perfection. 

Judges score on execution, synchronization, and difficulty. Because both teams are performing the same routine and skills, a victory depends on who performs the material more cleanly and precisely. 

The sports format creates a fast-paced and strategic atmosphere. Coaches must decide which routines to call, when to challenge other teams’ skills, and how to maintain momentum through each quarter. “Unlike cheer, where it is only a 2-minute and 30-second routine, a STUNT game usually lasts around 45 minutes,” Fields said. 

Athletes must maintain incredible strength, flexibility, endurance, and trust in their teammates. One small mistake, a wobbly stunt, a miscounted step-can be the difference between victory and defeat. 

STUNTs’ rise has opened new doors for female athletes. “Cheer teams are starting to discover it and it’s becoming more popular,” Fields said when discussing STUNTs’ growth. The NCAA recognizes it as an emerging women’s sport, which has led to colleges across the country adding programs and offering scholarships! This recognition has created opportunities for athletes looking to continue growing their skills in college. 

Beyond competition, STUNT emphasizes safety and equality. Because all teams perform the same material, judging is more objective, and injuries are reduced through strict rules and training standards. Athletes and coaches alike love the balance between challenge and safety that the sport maintains. 

Stunt continues to grow rapidly, with thousands of athletes across the country participating at the high school, college, and club levels. What started as an offshoot of cheerleading has now become one of the most exciting and empowering new sports in America. A true showcase of teamwork, precision, and power.