Lander University

Acrobatics & Tumbling 1/21/2026 2:58:00 PM Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Lander Named Preseason Favorite in Conference Carolinas Acrobatics & Tumbling Poll

GREENVILLE, S.C. - For the first time in program history, the Lander University acrobatics & tumbling team has been selected as the preseason favorite in the 2026 Conference Carolinas Preseason Coaches Poll, announced Wednesday by the league office.

The Bearcats claimed the top spot with 75 points and five first-place votes, edging out Coker (68 points, two first-place votes) and Mars Hill (64 points, one first-place vote). Wingate followed closely in fourth with 63 points and two first-place votes.

2026 Acrobatics & Tumbling Preseason Coaches Poll

Rank	School	Votes (first place)
1.	Lander	75 (5)
2.	Coker	68 (2)
3.	Mars Hill	64 (1)
4.	Wingate	63 (2)
5.	Montevallo	49
6.	Converse	35
7.	Belmont Abbey	34
8.	Francis Marion	29
9.	King	24
10.	Newberry	9

Lander's preseason recognition comes on the heels of a strong 2025 campaign, as the Bearcats finished 5-4 overall and captured the Open Toss title at the Conference Carolinas Event Finals. The season concluded on the national stage at the NCATA National Event Finals Championship, where Lander competed in Toss Heat 1 of the 450 Salto Toss.

After being picked second in the 2025 preseason poll, this marks the first time Lander has been tabbed No. 1 entering a season, underscoring the program's continued rise within the conference.

In addition to the top preseason ranking, three Bearcats were also named to the Conference Carolinas Players to Watch list, including juniors Cayden Groome (base/tumbler), Ashlyn Shively (top/tumbler) and Morgan Axiotis (top/tumbler). Groome and Shively each earned second-team All-Conference Carolinas honors and competed in the NCATA National Event Finals during the 2025 season.

Lander will open the 2026 season at home, hosting Wingate at 6 p.m. inside Finis Horne Arena, as the Bearcats look to live up to their preseason billing in front of the home crowd.

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