Cal Poly’s STUNT team is headed to Nashville, Tennessee, this weekend, as their first time being a Division I recognized sport in the NCAA.
Although this is the first time the Mustangs (11-6) are going to the championships in the Division I bracket, this is not their first time going as a team.
Since 2011, the STUNT team has had 10 national appearances at the club level, and won their only national championship in 2023.
The team has shown steady improvement over the years, recording sixth-place finishes in 2011, 2012, and 2018 before climbing to fourth in 2019. More recently, they secured runner-up positions in 2022 and 2024, followed by a third-place finish in 2025.
This year, the stakes are high since the team will be competing in the highest level against the best teams in the nation: Kentucky, Cal Baptist, Mercyhurst, and Missouri State.
The Mustangs head into the tournament ranked third among the five qualifiers.
On April 24th at 9 a.m., the Mustangs will begin their competition against Kentucky for their first round matchup.
Get to Know the Team
Of the 36 players, this championship will be the last performance for four athletes: Maya Delgado, Mikayla Maire, Madalyn Wantz, Emma Osterink, and Lauren Garboski.
Head Coach Annette Laron-Pickett has led the team since its debut 16 years ago, making her the longest-tenured STUNT coach in the nation. Her longtime leadership has mirrored the program’s own longevity, as Cal Poly also holds the distinction of being the longest-standing STUNT team in the country.
She earned STUNT Coach of the Year honors in 2019 and 2023 and has served on the College STUNT Coaches Association board.
Cal Poly will kick off matches Friday morning, looking to take home their second national championship and first as a Division I program.