By Kelli Rich
STUNT Coach
When I first said yes to becoming the inaugural head coach of STUNT at NNU, I felt God nudging me into something bigger than just coaching a new program. Starting STUNT has been a faith-driven journey from day one.
Before we ever stepped onto a mat, we had to build a team. I started with a simple prayer: to pursue excellence with character and Jesus at the center, building a team culture rooted in faith, authentic community and a commitment to serving one another. That’s what “humble in heart, bold in mission” means to me, and to us as a team.
What is STUNT?
STUNT is still a new sport to many people, and I love introducing it. Unlike traditional cheerleading, STUNT focuses exclusively on technical, head-to-head routines including stunts, pyramids, tumbling, jumps and team routines.
It’s structured, competitive and team-oriented, giving athletes with a wide range of skill sets the opportunity to shine. Every role matters and every athlete is recruited for their specific strengths.
One of the things I love most about STUNT is how it creates space for athletes who may not have fit the traditional cheer mold. There’s room for strength, leadership, grit and heart in every form.
More Than a Team
My deepest hope is that the women on this team feel like they are part of a family—a place where they are known, supported, challenged and loved. It’s about servanthood. It’s about letting God’s grace fill in the places where our own strength falls short.
From the beginning, 2 Corinthians 9:8–11 has shaped this program. We don’t rely on our own abilities alone. God equips us for the purpose and mission He has called us to.
We learn from leaders who emphasize character, clarity and courage, but above all, we seek to lead like Jesus. Team spirit is an eagerness to put others first. To me, that is humility in action. At the same time, Scripture calls us to boldness—to step forward in the mission God has given us with confidence and purpose.
A Mission and a Family
The most rewarding part of this journey isn’t competition. It’s watching these young women deepen their faith, build lasting friendships and discover that their purpose is bigger than athletics.
My hope is that they leave knowing who they are in Christ and confident in the calling on their lives. I want them to carry a confidence rooted not in achievement, but in identity.
As we prepare for our first official season, I’m grateful for the opportunity to build something meaningful and lasting—something that ultimately glorifies God.
STUNT at NNU is more than a sport. It’s a mission and a family. It’s a group of young women learning to live humble in heart and bold in mission.
Go Nighthawks.
