The Quinnipiac acrobatics and tumbling team won four individual event titles on April 26 at the 2026 National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA) National Championship in Azusa, California.
The results mark a significant achievement for the Bobcats, tying their program record for most titles earned on the final day of competition. The team previously reached this milestone during the national championship in West Liberty in 2023.
Quinnipiac’s strong performance included winning the open pyramid event with a score of 9.950, ending a season that began with attention from a viral ESPN clip against Gannon. The Bobcats also secured victories in two toss rounds: the 450 Salto and Duo heats. Katherine Carter concluded her season by winning the six-element heat with a score of 9.975.
During the awards ceremony, Gabby Pierce and Ashleigh Dugan were named to the NCATA All-American First Team, while Madysen Bradley was recognized as part of the Second Team. Pierce and Dugan also received selection to the NCATA All-Academic Team for their achievements both athletically and academically during this season.
The event marked an important transition for collegiate acrobatics and tumbling as it was announced that this would be NCATA’s last time running its own championship before passing oversight to NCAA for its inaugural championship in spring 2027. The organization acknowledged those who contributed to building up the sport, including special recognition for its four founding coaches such as Quinnipiac head coach Mary Ann Powers. A new Founders’ Award was introduced to honor individuals who support growth within elite levels of acrobatics and tumbling; this year’s award went to all four founding head coaches.
Quinnipiac finished its tournament run after reaching its third appearance in a national championship final round, marking its first such berth since 2018.
