When you’re part of a program that has won six straight national titles, most everyone’s minimum expectation for you is the maximum accomplishment in your sport. If that has been in any way a burden, Baylor Acrobatics & Tumbling continues to carry it well — and with added style.
Baylor A&T won its seventh straight national title Saturday night in Eugene, Ore., defeating No. 3-ranked Gannon in the NCATA championship meet. With student-athletes (and even their parents) showing solidarity with green-sprayed hair, the Bears won all six events to claim the championship.
Led by NCATA Most Outstanding Athlete of the Year Emily Tobin and Specialist of the Year Bayley Humphrey, who each joined teammate Riley Chimwala in earning all-America honors, the Bears won all four meets in Oregon, including an opening victory over the host Oregon Ducks, to finish the year undefeated at 11-0.
They put the finishing touch on their seventh straight title with some additional flair; a players-only meeting resulted in a “mosh pit” added to the final team event, with Tobin pointing at her No. 7 jersey to signal seven straight titles for the program.
“(Every title is) so special, they’re all so different,” says head coach Felecia Mulkey. “The journey every year is so different. Seven was fun, eight is going to be fantastic. We’re going to go for another one next year.”
For those who are wondering, this marks Baylor Athletics’ the 13th national championship. In addition to A&T’s seven wins, Baylor has also won team national titles in men’s basketball (2021), women’s basketball (2005, 2012 & 2019), men’s tennis (2004) and equestrian (2012).
Sic ’em, Baylor Acrobatics & Tumbling!
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