Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) is making history as the first NCAA institution in New Mexico to sponsor STUNT as an intercollegiate athletic program.
“This is a major step for the growth of Greyhound athletics and the pursuit of an emerging sport,” said ENMU athletic director Kevin Fite. “I want to thank other ADs in the Lone Star Conference and USA Cheer for their assistance in this process.“
ENMU plans to begin competing in STUNT during the 2025-26 academic year, with an anticipated roster size of approximately 20 student-athletes. Scholarships will be available for the program, and the STUNT season will run from February to April.
Currently, five Lone Star Conference (LSC) institutions sponsor STUNT: Dallas Baptist, St. Edward’s, St. Mary’s, Texas Woman’s, and Texas A&M-Kingsville. ENMU will become the sixth school in the conference to add the sport.
STUNT, an all-female sport governed by USA Cheer, is one of the fastest-growing collegiate sports. The competition features two teams performing head-to-head skill-based routines in categories such as partner stunts, jumps and tumbling, pyramids and tosses, and team routines. The sport removes traditional sideline cheerleading elements and instead prioritizes technical skill execution in a structured, game-style format.
More than 70 colleges nationwide now compete in STUNT, with Division II schools permitted up to nine athletic scholarships for the sport. Each team competes in 8-16 contests per season, with matches lasting 45 to 60 minutes.
USA Cheer continues to expand STUNT at the high school level, with active participation in nine states and growing interest from nine additional states and Washington, D.C.
“Special thanks to Dr. James Johnston for his guidance as we made this decision to help support additional opportunities for female participation in sport,” said Fite. “This is a great opportunity for Eastern New Mexico University, and I look forward to welcoming STUNT as our next program.”
ENMU will begin its search for a head STUNT coach immediately, with an assistant coach expected to be hired in summer 2025.
Stay updated with the latest cheer and STUNT news—visit cheerdaily.com for more updates!
