Talladega College is known for being Alabama’s first private historically black liberal arts college, but the school is hoping for people to notice them for their sports after adding a new program.

Talladega College Vice President and Athletic Director Michael Grant said the school plans to launch a women’s acrobatics and tumbling program. Recruitment has begun for the program already, and competition is set to begin in the spring of 2024.

“Acrobatics and tumbling are an emerging sport that will expand opportunities for female athletes to compete. The program will help increase enrollment and retention while also creating more sponsorship options,” said Grant in a press release.

“We are excited about the growth Talladega College will experience as we launch our newest sports program and begin the process of transitioning to the National Collegiate Athletic Association.”

Acrobatics and tumbling, according to a press release from the college, involves tumbling, acrobatic lifts, tosses and pyramids and is “the evolution of diverse forms of gymnastics.” The sport is governed nationally by the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association, or NCATA.

Shirlynn Hight, a competitive cheer and dance coach, has been named the first head coach for the sport and plans to recruit 20 or more athletes.

Hight has 20 years of coaching experience has received numerous awards, including National Cheersport Champion, Super National Jammiest Cheer Champion, Cheer Power National Champion, and Worldwide Spirit Association National Beach Champion. She earned a sports management degree from the University of West Georgia.

President Gregory J. Vincent also released a statement about the new program. “Talladega College recently made history by becoming one of only two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to offer a women’s gymnastics program. The addition of acrobatics and tumbling, a relatively new sport on college campuses, further distinguishes our institution.”

“Through our athletic programs, we are able to broaden access to an outstanding, student-centered Talladega College education.”

Talladega College was founded in 1867, and was recognized as 13th in the nation for social mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2022 and named one of Princeton Review’s 2023 Best Colleges Region by Region, according to the school.