Purdue Northwest is adding one of the fastest-growing women’s sports to the university’s roster of athletic programs.

STUNT will become PNW’s 21st varsity athletic program next fall. 

STUNT combines technical and athletic components of cheer, including partner stunts, basket tosses, group jumps, and tumbling to create a collegiate sport.

“It’s exciting for the university to expand its opportunities for our female student-athletes,” said Rick Costello, PNW’s athletic director. “It’s also exciting to assist in the enrollment in the university.” 

To say that the athletic department has grown under Costello’s 12-year tenure is an understatement.

“When I became athletic director, we had 100 student-athletes and 10 teams,” he said. “Today, we have 450 student-athletes and 20 teams, with STUNT as our 21st.”

The addition of eSports and track and field made PNW attractive to students who might otherwise not have considered the school. Costello believes STUNT promises similar benefits. That is one reason why PNW will become the first school in the state to establish a STUNT varsity program at the collegiate level.

“I think the cheer and gymnastics marketplace is untapped,” Costello said. “There is no STUNT in Indiana. There are two division three [STUNT teams] that are just getting rolling in Chicago. There are just tons of cheer and gymnastics in Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area. It will help us recruit amazing students who love the sport.”

Costello realizes the advantages of being a trailblazer for STUNT in the area. However, a few hurdles must be overcome. 

“The first thing is creating an awareness of what STUNT is,” he said. “Getting started first in the marketplace … is an advantage to develop a first-class championship program. Now, many of these students that want to cheer at the next level can come to Purdue Northwest.” 

STUNT competitions are head-to-head over the course of four quarters. Points are earned through the execution of short routines, as competitions are broken up into multiple categories such as partner stunts, tumbling, and team routines. Created by USA Cheer, it is a way for females to use their cheerleading or gymnastics background in a new competitive format. 

The school has yet to name a head coach for the program, but the search remains extensive, as the Pride are hopeful to get started on the right foot for their first competitive season in 2024-25.

“I think it is going to be a lot of fun for the faculty, staff, students, and the NWI community to watch,” said Costello.