In second season, STUNT rising to new heights, earns DIII ranking

Last spring, Heidelberg’s STUNT team competed in its inaugural season, under the direction of Head Coach Courtney Neering, Volunteer Assistant Coach Alyssa Kontak and Graduate Assistant Kinzie Earl. The STUNT team continues to be led by the trio in its second season, with even higher expectations for the upcoming season.

The STUNT team was ranked tenth in the final College STUNT Division III rankings last season. This season, the team has climbed to fifth in the Division III College STUNT Preseason Rankings. These rankings are based on the team’s overall record, total points garnered from the previous season, and input from coaches within the program.

As the STUNT team enters its second season, Courtney applies key lessons from the first. “The biggest thing I took away from last season is to go with the flow,” she says. “Things happen and you have to learn to adjust.”

This season, the STUNT team has grown not only in numbers but also in determination. “We have a team who wants to be here and put in the work. The drive and attention to detail of our athletes is incredible.”

Jada Harvey, a sophomore Health Science major who is serving as team captain, has worked hard to prepare the team for the upcoming season. She explains, “The biggest thing to keep the team focused and motivated is always supporting them on and off the mat. I’m always encouraging the team in the weight room and lifting them up for their daily accomplishments.”

STUNT games consist of four quarters: partner stunts, pyramids and tosses, jumps and tumbling, and a mashup routine of the previous three quarters. Each season, College STUNT releases routines from levels 1-8 for teams to learn and execute based on their skill level.

Courtney expects the team to progress by adding more levels than the previous season, all while having fun and taking pride in every small accomplishment. “We are seeking to do our best, earn points, and win our first game in program history,” she says.

“I would love to see us all reach some personal goals and our goals as a team,” Jada shares. “I hope we put out harder levels each game and push ourselves to always be better than the last time.”

The STUNT team officially begins its second season with back-to-back doubleheaders on February 15 and 16 at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. The team will play Central Michigan, Concordia Chicago, Malone, and Saint Mary’s.

– by Kami Stanfield ’25