This year, as we celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, we welcome to campus Calvin's newest women's varsity team, acrobatics and tumbling. Behind first year head coach Ellen Barker, Calvin is currently reporting the most athletes signed for 2024-2025 out of any Division III acrobatics and tumbling program. They have also added walk-on athletes from on campus at Calvin with gymnastics and cheer backgrounds that are adding to their overall roster.
Recently, six athletes have signed on to be a part of the brand new program. Get to know them better below in a brief Q&A along with personal insights from Coach Barker:
Jeanette Grimes
Hometown: DeWitt, MI
High School: DeWitt High School
Athletic Background: High School Competitive Cheerleading, Sideline Cheerleading
Position: Base
Intended Major at Calvin: Nursing
Quotes from Jeanette:
Why did you choose Calvin?
"I chose Calvin University because as soon as I stepped on campus it felt like home. I knew that this was where I wanted to be for my next steps in life!"
Why did you choose Acrobatics & Tumbling?
"I originally didn't think I was going to be an athlete in college but as soon as I started to talk to Coach Ellen, I really fell in love with my sport all over again!"
What are you most looking forward to in this next step of your journey?
"I am looking forward to being a college athlete and just being independent. I am ready to take the next step of being a student athlete!"
COACHES COMMENT: "Jeanette comes to us with extensive basing experience and will be a huge asset to our compulsory, acro, pyramid, toss, and team events," said coach Barker. "Her versatility and positive attitude will allow her to contribute in so many ways. She is a Calvin athlete through and through! I'm excited to see how much acrobatics and tumbling will allow her to grow beyond what she is already capable of, and I can't wait to get started with her!"
Erin Ledkins
Hometown: Marne, MI
High School: Kenowa Hills High School
Athletic Background: All Star Competitive Cheerleading, High School Competitive Cheerleading, Sideline Cheerleading
Position: Base/Tumbler
Intended Major at Calvin: Pediatric Nursing
Quotes from Erin:
Why did you choose Calvin?
"I chose Calvin because after finding Acro and Tumbling, it checked off every single one of my factors for my perfect school. I wanted something smaller, close to home, Christian, and most of all I wanted to keep doing the sport that I love without sacrificing my education."
Why did you choose Acrobatics & Tumbling?
"It still held onto some of my favorite aspects [cheer]. Going to the clinics gave me a chance to try something new and I absolutely fell in love. From the encouraging mentors and extremely amazing coach it was an instant click for me and really solidified my decision with Calvin in general as well."
What are you most looking forward to in this next step of your journey?
"I'm most looking forward to trying new things! I'm not a big risk taker usually so trying something new but similar after 12 years is so exciting to me. I'm also just very excited to be landing somewhere where I don't have to sacrifice either of my passions."
COACHES COMMENT "I met Erin at our very first clinic that we hosted at Calvin, and she was an immediate standout. We bonded over our similar athletic experience in Michigan competitive cheer, and I was incredibly impressed by her technique in acro right away. Her cheerleading background allowed her to catch on so quickly! On top of her acro expertise, she will contribute to the tumbling portion of the meet as well. She's an all-around athlete who will make an immediate impact on our program! I think Erin will continue to develop very quickly, and I'm so excited to see what she will accomplish here at Calvin."
Allie Mackens
Hometown: New Boston, MI
High School: Huron High School
Athletic Background: High School Competitive Cheerleading, Sideline Cheerleading
Position: Base/Tumbler
Intended Major at Calvin: Nursing
Quotes from Allie:
Why did you choose Calvin?
"I really like the college and the nursing program. I also really like Coach Ellen and how she runs the acrobatics and tumbling team."
Why did you choose Acrobatics & Tumbling?
"I chose acrobatics and tumbling because it is something new and fun. I also really like the coach and how she coaches her team. Plus, it's my two favorite things put together. I love it!"
What are you most looking forward to in this next step of your journey?
"I am looking forward to getting to room with a group of girls that have the same interests as me. I am so excited to be doing acrobatics and tumbling as well."
COACHES COMMENT: "I have been recruiting Allie for years!! I am so excited that she chose me and this program to help her continue her athletic success and talent. Her tumbling in particular has always been a standout and will continue to shine and develop in her athletic career in our program. Allie is an athlete who is always willing to improve herself and brings her best to every opportunity to show what she can do! I am really looking forward to adding Allie to our team!"
Ellerie Poel
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
High School: Homeschool
Athletic Background: Artistic Gymnastics – Level 9, Cardinal Gymnastics
Position: Base/Tumbler
Intended Major at Calvin: English
Quotes from Ellerie:
Why did you choose Calvin?
"I chose Calvin because I felt so welcomed as soon as I walked on campus. Not only does Calvin make me unafraid of going to college, it fills me with joy at the prospect of being a part of a mission bigger than myself. I can't wait for Calvin to be where I call home!"
Why did you choose Acrobatics & Tumbling?
"I was drawn to A&T because I was ready for something new! I've done gymnastics my whole life, and though I was originally nervous about letting go of it, I knew that I wanted to be a part of a new team and a new sport that could truly make a change for other athletes looking to pursue college athletics."
What are you most looking forward to in this next step of your journey?
"I'm looking forward to starting something new and working with an amazing school and team! I can't wait to see how I grow during this next chapter of my life."
COACHES COMMENT: "When I think of someone who embodies Calvin athletics, I think of Ellerie! She is passionate about her faith, academics, as well as athletic excellence; three pillars that we are building this program on. On top of her experience and overall talent, she brings an incredible uplifting attitude that will encourage others and enhance her teammates' experience. Ellerie's tumbling expertise and strength will immediately increase start values for our team next season. I can't wait to see Ellerie in action again and have her on our team!"
Abigayle Sutton
Hometown: Davison, MI
High School: Goodrich High School
Athletic Background: High School Competitive Cheerleading, Sideline Cheerleading
Position: Back/Base
Intended Major at Calvin: Elementary Education
Quotes from Abbey:
Why did you choose Calvin?
"I chose Calvin because there is a family there. I believe that this school will push me to be the best I can be and to set me up for success. Calvin is a school where you can be yourself and not feel like you are being judged."
Why did you choose Acrobatics & Tumbling?
"It has some aspects of cheerleading, but it's so much more than that. It has its own unique way of performing. I've cheered for 11 years, and I want to step up my game. Acrobatics and tumbling really showed me that this is what I'm supposed to do. Also, Coach Ellen takes time to get to know her athletes and she truly cares about each one of them."
What are you most looking forward to in this next step of your journey?
"The things I am most looking forward to in my journey at Calvin are expanding the people I know and making lifelong friendships. Getting to do Acrobatics and Tumbling and becoming a family with the girls. And learning about how to become a great teacher one day."
COACHES COMMENTS: "Abbey brings such an incredible energy to everything she does, and she is already so passionate about this program. Teams made up of people like Abbey become family very quickly, so I am overjoyed to have Abbey become a Calvin Knight! Abbey leads by example, something I've already seen in action during her recruiting process. I am confident she will inspire her teammates to be their very best, just like she demands of herself. Skill wise, Abbey will be instrumental in our compulsory, acro, pyramid, toss, and team events. Her strength and versatility as a base and backspot will be major contributors to higher start values."
Jenna Wert
Hometown: Saint Clair, MI
High School: Saint Clair High School
Athletic Background: Artistic Gymnastics – Level 9, All American Flames Gymnastic
Position: Base/Tumbler
Intended Major at Calvin: Accounting
Quotes from Jenna:
Why did you choose Calvin?
"I chose to go to Calvin, because I love Grand Rapids, the atmosphere of the campus, the athletic facilities, and I instantly felt welcomed by Coach Ellen."
Why did you choose Acrobatics & Tumbling?
"I chose Acrobatics & Tumbling, because it is so different compared to gymnastics, yet I still get the things I love, such as tumbling. It is such a diverse sport where you see so many girls with different sports backgrounds go into it. It is something new and exciting that I can't wait to pursue."
What are you most looking forward to in this next step of your journey?
"The thing I am looking forward to most is meeting so many new people, creating lots of new friendships and memories. Also getting to live a more independent life, even though that sounds scary."
COACHES COMMENTS: "Jenna is another athlete who has been on my radar for a long time! Jenna came to our big clinic at the end of the summer, and it was so cool to see her fall in love with the sport and Calvin's campus. Her extensive gymnastics experience allowed her to pick up the acro side of our sport so quickly and watching her tumble is mesmerizing! Jenna will be an immediate contributor in all our events, but especially in compulsory, acro, tumbling, and team events. Jenna loves what she does, and I cannot wait to get to work with her and watch her develop throughout her Calvin career!"
Katie Wiggins
Hometown: Portland, MI
High School: Portland High School
Athletic Background: High School Competitive Cheerleading, Sideline Cheerleading
Position: Back/Base
Intended Major at Calvin: Nursing
Quotes from Katie:
Why did you choose Calvin?
"Calvin stuck out to me for many reasons, including their wonderful staff that made my visit during the summer one to remember. The close proximity to home is something that also played an important factor."
Why did you choose Acrobatics & Tumbling?
"Having prior experience working with Coach Ellen during my time with high school cheer has played the biggest role in my decision. I believe coaching can either make or break your experience in athletics, and Coach Ellen has taught me a lot in the limited time I've been working with her."
What are you most looking forward to in this next step of your journey?
"I'm excited for a new challenge and meeting new people to go through it with. I'm ready to move past familiarities and find new adventures."
COACHES COMMENTS: "Katie has such incredible strength, and I cannot wait to see her thrive here at Calvin! I've had the opportunity to work with her high school team for a few years now, so it's been great to see her grow and work with her throughout the years! Backspots are one of the most underappreciated positions in cheerleading and acrobatics and tumbling, so I am excited to bring on such a skilled athlete in her position. Katie showed me exactly how much she will contribute to our team at our summer clinic, she is a natural for acrobatics and tumbling! I am so excited to welcome her on our team!
Katie Wiggins
Hometown: Portland, MI
High School: Portland High School
Athletic Background: High School Competitive Cheerleading, Sideline Cheerleading
Position: Back/Base
Intended Major at Calvin: Nursing
Quotes from Katie:
Why did you choose Calvin?
"Calvin stuck out to me for many reasons, including their wonderful staff that made my visit during the summer one to remember. The close proximity to home is something that also played an important factor."
Why did you choose Acrobatics & Tumbling?
"Having prior experience working with Coach Ellen during my time with high school cheer has played the biggest role in my decision. I believe coaching can either make or break your experience in athletics, and Coach Ellen has taught me a lot in the limited time I've been working with her."
What are you most looking forward to in this next step of your journey?
"I'm excited for a new challenge and meeting new people to go through it with. I'm ready to move past familiarities and find new adventures."
COACHES COMMENTS: "Katie has such incredible strength, and I cannot wait to see her thrive here at Calvin! I've had the opportunity to work with her high school team for a few years now, so it's been great to see her grow and work with her throughout the years! Backspots are one of the most underappreciated positions in cheerleading and acrobatics and tumbling, so I am excited to bring on such a skilled athlete in her position. Katie showed me exactly how much she will contribute to our team at our summer clinic, she is a natural for acrobatics and tumbling! I am so excited to welcome her on our team!"
Any 2024-2027 female high school graduates interested in being recruited for the team are encouraged to fill out this recruitment form: Calvin University - Acrobatics & Tumbling Recruitment Form. Furthermore, find more information about acrobatics and tumbling on the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association website.
