FEATURE | A&T | Tigers Talk | Ellie Davis

4/10/2024 2:10:00 PM

TIGERS TALKS

By: Haylie Stum

The mat in Ornelas Gym rolls up as its wheels up for the East Texas Baptist University acrobatics and tumbling team flying Mequon, Wisc., for their final meets of 2024. Starting Thursday, the Tigers will compete in the NCATA Division III National Championships seeking their first national title in school history.

Senior Ellie Davis, a powerlifter before attending ETBU, was unaware that she would eventually join both the cheer and acrobatics and tumbling teams for the school. When she discovered what acrobatics and tumbling consisted of, she was immediately invested. She says her time in the sport on the Hill has encouraged personal growth.

I am definitely a lot more mentally tough just because of the sport of acrobatics. It’s not easy by any means, and so having that team aspect has really helped me [learn how to] lean on teammates and them lean on me. I have become a better person overall.

ELLIE DAVIS

The Tiger acrobatics and tumbling program features first-year head coach Berkley McDonald, a former member of the team from 2019 to 2022. With current team members having competed alongside McDonald, the leadership dynamic is unique. Davis says that very dynamic has propelled the team forward.

It was challenging at first just because some of us see Coach Berkley as more of a friend. But, from the very beginning, as seniors we decided ‘she’s Coach Berkley’. She definitely dove in and put everything she has into us. She spends countless hours figuring out new skills and combinations of everything, so it’s been really good.

ELLIE DAVIS

ETBU made their first appearance at the NCATA Division III National Championships last year where they advanced to the semifinal meet. With more experience on their side, Davis feels their veteran leadership is an asset that could drive a title run this year.

Having more seniors this year is definitely a lot more special, me being one as well. Everyone’s not just doing it for themselves or for the team but really for the seniors. The seniors on the team are leading underclassmen and returners mentally and physically, especially with all the stress coming to the end of the season.

CALLIE HUMPHREY

Davis and her teammates used their last two regular season meets in Talladega, Ala., to take risks skill-wise and bond as a team. Heading into nationals, she thinks building off of their momentum from the regular season is crucial to a shot at victory.

Just staying locked in, staying focused and keeping that determination and adrenaline going as we compete. We start off competing against a team we really enjoy being with. So, just feeding off of their energy and them feeding off of ours will help us keep our energy high and stress low.

ELLIE DAVIS

ETBU opens the 2024 NCATA Division III National Championships on Thursday, April 11, at 10:00 a.m.

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