Calvin University’s Acrobatics and Tumbling program is entering its second season with a new coach and a reshaped roster following the departure of founding head coach Ellen Barke.
Barke, who coached at Calvin for three years and launched the program, left a week after the team’s inaugural season on February 13th 2025. Her departure had a substantial impact on the young program. “Her loss really took a big toll on our program, just because a lot of people chose not to stay with the team or transferred to different schools,” said sophomore Erin Gledkins. “It really impacted our team’s size.”
The team lost approximately 10 members across all positions — tumblers, mids, tops, bases and utility players. For some athletes, the loss was deeply personal.” She was the first coach to really believe in me, even when I was injured,” sophomore Sam Smith said. “She had confidence in me and was proud of me, so losing her was really difficult.”
Stepping into the head coaching role on July 17, 2025 is Tiffany Lincoln, a 2025 graduate of Kutztown University who earned First-Team All-Conference honors — the first athlete in Kutztown’s history to achieve that distinction. “I feel really ready for this role,” Lincoln said. “It was a little nerve-wracking at first, but once I started planning things and laying everything out, I realized the transition wasn’t going to be as intimidating as I thought.”
Lincoln, who recently transitioned from athlete to coach, credited her former coaches and a mentorship with Buffalo State University head coach Aly Stark for helping her prepare. She was drawn to Calvin by the community and the support from the athletic department. “Everyone here at Calvin and in Grand Rapids has been so friendly and helpful,” Lincoln said. “Being surrounded by people who share my beliefs has also helped me feel grounded and connected.”
Despite the losses, the program added six new members, according to freshman AnnaMae Barber. Gledkins and Smith, both of whom are returning sophomores, said their commitment to Calvin extended beyond the sport.
“I knew I was coming to Calvin regardless of sports,” Gledkins said. “I wanted to stay to help keep the program alive and encourage new teammates.”
Smith echoed that sentiment: “I was coming to Calvin anyway, and I felt this was the right fit for me.”
The team has focused on bonding activities to build chemistry. New members described a campus scavenger hunt led by Lincoln that included funny poses, video recordings and finding team gear for the season.
Team members emphasized the importance of maintaining certain traditions established in the program’s first year. “Praying before practice and before meets kept us grounded, no matter how we performed,” Gledkins said.
Smith highlighted the team’s close relationships: “Even if there’s conflict off the mat, once we’re on the mat, we set it aside and support each other.”
Lincoln said she is committed to continuing the culture Barke established. “The one thing I definitely want to continue is the culture she established — praying before practices and meets, doing bonding activities and keeping the team’s values alive,” Lincoln said.
The team finished fifth in Division III in its inaugural season, a result Lincoln called “a big accomplishment” for a first-year program.
This season, the team aims higher. Lincoln outlined plans for more difficult skills, including advanced pyramids, half-rounds and switch-ups, while working to improve routine start values closer to the maximum of 10. “With last year’s fifth-place finish, the athletes are hungry to push into the top three in Division III,” Lincoln said. “It’ll take dedication, but I believe we can do it if we grow together.”
Gledkins expressed cautious optimism: “I think we can hold steady at last year’s level, maybe even move up to third or fourth in Division III.”
Smith focused on skill development: “Even if we don’t win, advancing our skills will be huge.”
The freshmen expressed excitement about the program’s future potential. “I’m excited to see how the team progresses and how the seasons unfold, especially since last year was the very first year for this program,” Barber said.
Rodney added: “I’m excited about all the new opportunities and to see how far the program grows by the time we graduate.”
Lincoln believes her recent competitive experience helps her connect with the athletes. “Because I just finished competing myself, the perspective of being an athlete is still fresh in my mind,” she said. “That makes it easier to relate to the athletes and guide them through skills I just performed myself.”
The team is hosting open tryouts on Oct. 8 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No prior experience is required. Details are available on flyers around campus.
For gymnasts considering the sport, Barber offered encouragement: “Don’t be afraid to try Acro, it’s rewarding to grow trust and friendship within a team. Acro is different but different can be fun.”
