BALTIMORE, Md. (January 28, 2025) – The long-awaited debut of the 2025 Morgan State Acrobatics and Tumbling team is finally here, and excitement is building for what promises to be an unforgettable season.

The squad will officially kick off its campaign on Saturday, February 2, as it travels to Hamden, Connecticut, to take on the third-ranked Quinnipiac University at the M&T Bank Arena. With both teams hungry for success, this season opener is set to deliver a thrilling and competitive showcase of talent and skill.

Head coach Regina Smith is leading the Bears into this exciting season, entering her second year at the helm of the program. Under Coach Smith's guidance, the team has made tremendous strides over the offseason. With a sharp focus on improving technical precision and routine difficulty, the Bears are prepared to take their performance to the next level.

"As we approach the new season, we are eager to build upon the achievements of last year, aiming for a meet total that surpasses our highest score from the previous season. Our team is focused on qualifying our heats for nationals, with the ambition of excelling as a cohesive unit," Smith remarked, reflecting her commitment to collective success and growth.

She further emphasized the importance of refinement, adding, "To attain these goals, we are concentrating on the execution of our routines and the cleanness of our heats. Our training sessions have been designed to enhance our performance and ensure that we can deliver a standout season."

In addition to refining their existing talent, Coach Smith made an impactful move in recruiting, adding 13 new athletes to the roster. This influx of new talent will provide fresh energy and depth to the team, enhancing their overall performance and competitiveness.

On January 21st, the Bears hosted their highly anticipated Orange and Blue Meet, an event designed to showcase the team's progress and give fans and families a sneak peek into what they can expect from the squad this season. The meeting provided a firsthand look at the dedication and hard work that has gone into preparing the routines, and it was clear from the energy and performance that this team is ready to take on the challenges ahead. 

The Bears will face their first road challenge of the season when they square off against Quinnipiac University, a team that has been a dominant force in the sport of Acrobatics and Tumbling for years. Quinnipiac, coached by the experienced and highly respected Mary Ann Powers, is entering her 28th season as the head coach of the program. 

The Bears know they have a tough battle ahead against a program as seasoned and formidable as Quinnipiac, but they are determined to make their mark in this debut season. With a mix of experienced returners, promising newcomers, and a dynamic coaching staff, the team is ready to rise to the occasion.

This season, sophomore Tehya Purifoy is embracing the mantle of leadership as she steps into the role of team captain.

As the season prepares to begin, she sets the tone with a powerful message: "The gap between dreams and reality is filled with discipline. It's the unwavering commitment to put in the work, day in and day out, that turns aspirations into accomplishments."

As the countdown to February 2nd continues, the excitement around Morgan State's Acrobatics and Tumbling team is palpable. Fans, families, and supporters alike are eager to see this historic season unfold and witness the Bears prove themselves on the national stage.