IRVINE, Calif. – This past weekend at the NCAA Convention in San Antonio, Texas featured a ground-breaking vote that approved STUNT to become a NCAA DII sport in the fall of 2023.

Concordia University Irvine has competed in STUNT as a club sport since the school moved up to the NCAA DII level as an institution.   

Beginning with the 2023-24 school year, STUNT will become Concordia's 20th program that competes at the NCAA DII level under Athletic Director Crystal Rosenthal.

"When I first heard the news of STUNT passing as an emerging NCAA sport at the DII level, I felt overwhelmingly grateful," said CUI STUNT head coach Karli Shutt. "Grateful for our athletic administration who has supported us since our first season in 2016, for every STUNT athlete that has played the sport wholeheartedly regardless of status, and to everyone and anyone that has advocated for our sport!"

An emerging collegiate sport for women, STUNT has grown in popularity throughout states such as California and Texas in recent years.  This landmark decision establishes legislation related to membership, financial aid and playing and practice seasons for collegiate STUNT programs across the country.

Former CUI STUNT head coach Amy Haney also has helped the sport make huge strides – both in California and at a national level after being named the Director of College STUNT in 2020.

During Shutt and Haney's time at Concordia, the team at Concordia has doubled in size, hosted multiple tournaments and earned multiple wins on the national stage during trips to Nationals hosted in Oklahoma.

"With NCAA recognition, I know Stunt will really take off and provide immense opportunities for young women in athletics," continued Shutt, who worked with Haney at CUI before taking over as director of the spirit teams. "STUNT has grown exponentially at the youth and high school level and each year there has been greater need and desire for positions in college athletics for these talented and passionate athletes. I'm so excited for STUNT's promising future!"

The Concordia STUNT squad is scheduled to begin its last season as a club sport this spring.  The schedule includes a road trip to Texas and home games against defending national champion CBU and local rivals Hope International and Vanguard.

CLICK HERE for the most up-to-date CUI STUNT schedule for the upcoming 2023 season