Depth, experience, and renewed energy highlight the start of the 2026 season for the Gannon Acrobatics & Tumbling team as the Golden Knights prepare for another competitive spring on the mat under first-year head coach Addy Womeldorph.

Before being at the helm of the Acrobatics & Tumbling program, Womeldorph was a four-year member of the team and helped Gannon to a 2022 NCATA national runner-up finish.

She competed in three national champion events over her final two seasons, including Synchronized Toss titles in 2022 and 2023 and a Synchronized Pyramid championship in 2022.

Adding to the motivation this season is the historic announcement made on January 16 that Acrobatics & Tumbling will officially become the NCAA's 93rd championship sport, with the first NCAA Championship set for 2027.

The 2026 campaign marks the final season before the sport transitions to full NCAA championship status, giving this year's team an opportunity to compete with added purpose as the program enters a new era.

Gannon enters the season focused on steady improvement and building confidence meet by meet after a 3–5 campaign a year ago. In the final NCATA Coaches Poll of the 2025 season, Gannon finished ranked No. 10 nationally.

With a veteran core returning, several student-athletes stepping into expanded roles, and a coaching staff that understands the program's recipe for success, the Golden Knights believe this year's group is positioned to bring more stability across multiple events.

"The hope for this season is controlling what we can control," Womeldorph said. "It's about being one meet better every time we step on the mat and feeling good about what we did when we walk off."

Leading the group is fifth-year student-athlete Lillie Fritz (Chandler, Ariz./Chandler), who steps into a prominent leadership role after already carrying significant responsibilities last season. Her experience and presence throughout the lineup are expected to set the tone early in the year.

"She's grown incredibly as a leader and someone who thinks about how to make this program better, not just herself," Womeldorph said.

Avery Tumler (Kings Mills, Ohio/Kings High School) returns ready to contribute across multiple rounds, while Layna Bergeron (Johnston, R.I./La Salle Academy) provides a steady, reliable presence in key positions. Makayla Lynard (Cherry Hill, N.J./Cherry Hill High East) is also expected to take on larger roles as the season progresses.

Gannon's tumbling events could be a major strength this year. Freshman student-athlete Tori Spearman (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Preparatory School) is expected to make an immediate impact, bringing depth and excitement to the lineup.

Several student-athletes who gained meaningful reps in supporting roles a year ago are now stepping into primary lineup positions, giving the Golden Knights greater depth and balance throughout the meet.

Throughout preseason training, the focus has been on refining execution, cleaning transitions, and building routines that can score consistently from the first competition through nationals.

With a schedule that moves quickly from February through April, early confidence will be key.

"Our plan is to find our footing early," Womeldorph said. "We don't need to throw our biggest skills right away. It's about building confidence meet by meet and growing into our full potential by the end of the season."

Gannon opens the season on Monday, February 9 at 5 p.m. on the road against Quinnipiac in Hamden, Conn., before returning home for its home opener on Friday, February 20 at 7 p.m. against Duquesne inside the Highmark Events Center.

NCATA Nationals are scheduled for April 23–26 at Azusa Pacific. Last season, Gannon's synchronized toss group earned an at-large bid to the 2025 NCATA National Championships Individual Event Finals, continuing one of the program's strongest traditions on the national stage.

Womeldorph is joined on the staff by new assistant coach Katelyn Cooper, a former Hawaii Pacific student-athlete from 2020–2023 who was part of HPU's 2021 fourth-seeded national championship team and later completed an internship with the NCATA.

As the Golden Knights begin the 2026 campaign, the focus remains on growth, consistency, and putting together complete performances each time they step on the mat.