MC Scots make history at first STUNT tournament

For the first time, the Scots took the mat for an official tournament in STUNT at the Saint Mary’s Catholic Valentine’s Tournament in South Bend, Indiana. 

Head Coach Jasmin King described the sport as cheerleading stripped to its most technical form. 

“Each quarter focuses on a different element – partner stunts, pyramids and basket tosses, jumps and tumbling – and everything is based on technical precision and difficulty,” King said.

STUNT is a head-to-head sport, unlike sideline cheerleading. Teams compete in four quarters, performing identical routines and earning points based on execution. 

“The biggest difference [between cheerleading and STUNT] is that we don’t cheer on other sports. STUNT is its own sport; there are no bows, no cheering, no dancing,” King said. “Cheer and STUNT are very similar, but STUNT removes the sideline aspect. It’s just stunts, tumbling and the difficulty.”

According to Madi Welch (‘29), “STUNT is very detail-oriented, so every motion, transition, and skill has to be extremely sharp and synchronized. It’s challenging to balance strength training, conditioning, and perfecting technique, especially while also keeping up with classes. But that challenge is also what makes it rewarding.”

King mentioned that last year was strictly a recruiting year, trying to build the foundation for the program. However, at a smaller institution, like MC, roster size can present challenges. Despite the challenges, King believes the first roster set the expectation for the program.

“In my opinion, I got the best group of girls to start our first program. They’re very committed, really excited about everything and they truly love STUNT,” King said.

For many of the athletes, stepping onto the mat was terrifying yet exhilarating.

“I was really excited, but it was so scary,” Hadleigh Walborn (‘27) said. “I hadn’t competed in front of people since I was a senior in high school, so I was crying and laughing at the same time.”

Welch found the atmosphere of the tournament to be “intense but energizing.”

The week of the tournament, the team faced some adversity. With people out due to illness and Walborn recovering from a concussion, the team felt nervous. But, they proved to be successful at their first tournament, winning 4-2. 

“I don’t think people realize how much athleticism it takes. The rounds can go so fast — you step off the mat, they call the point, and you’re right back on,” Walborn said. “You get maybe five seconds and a sip of water before you’re back out there. You have to have the stamina to keep going.”

Early preseason practices were difficult, since there was a learning curve in adjusting to collegiate-level skills. Walborn said the practices were rough and everyone was learning new skills, but the team remained positive and supportive.

“Even with people coming and going, we’ve stayed positive. We’re always encouraging each other, and there’s no bad tension — everyone gets along. When we see each other outside of practice, we say hi. I think that makes for a really good team dynamic,” Walborn said.

Welch mentioned the strong sense of unity and accountability that makes the team really meaningful.

Ja’Kobia Baldwin (‘29) commented on the team’s determination and clarified misconceptions about the sport.

“A lot of people that I have come across assume STUNT is the same as cheer and it’s an easy sport just because girls are doing it, but that’s completely false,” Baldwin said. “STUNT is very competitive, and we are constantly working on [and perfecting our] skills, so I would never say it’s easy. No matter the gender, I think STUNT can be difficult for anyone… but it’s just another reason for us to keep pushing.”

For Baldwin, first-tournament nerves were no big deal. She mentioned that she was a little nervous, but she knew how hard the team had worked and how many people were supporting them back home. 

Baldwin joined STUNT because of her cheer background, but was seeking something more challenging.

“I enjoyed stunting in high school, so once Coach Jasmin came to me with the opportunity, I knew it was something I should take. And the thought of making history really persuaded me to try it,” Baldwin said.

The team’s first victory symbolized more than just a win.

“When we won our first game, I cried my eyes out,” King said. “I just remembered our first practice – it was awful. To see how far they’ve come, especially doing skills they’ve never done before, it’s like night and day.”