By Jett Johnson
Sports Editor
![](https://mithilastudentunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1715601674_443_STUNT-coach-named-GMAC-coach-of-the-year.png)
STUNT had a successful first year with an overall record of 15-6 in their first 21 matches and 9-1 in conference play.
Kelly Quigley, STUNT head coach, was named GMAC STUNT coach of the year and thinks it is a result of the overall team’s success.
“I didn’t really have words for it when I found out. I think it just goes to show that all of the hard work and everything we’ve put into this team was for something. It’s amazing to see that other coaches are noticing the hard work we’re putting into the program. I wouldn’t have won that award without the girls and how dedicated they are,” said Quigley.
The ups and downs the team had eventually benefited them, according to Quigley.
“It’s been a whirlwind. We’ve definitely had our ups and downs, and it’s been amazing to see the evolution of those ups and downs. Our downs are less detrimental now, and our ups have been amazing,” said Quigley.
Quigley sees her relationship with her athletes as a tight bond that has contributed to their success.
“We are very close with our athletes. We over-communicate with them, and they are constantly in and out of our office. They try to get help whether it’s stunt-related, school-related or even family-related. That shows them that they have someone in their corner at all times. It’s also helped the girls bond together more,” said Quigley.
Olivia Jarrell, freshman STUNT athlete, also values the relationship with her coach.
“She’s really great. She always makes sure to help us through things, and no matter what, we always figure it out,” said Jarrell.
Quigley emphasizes the mentality they had and knows it never kept them satisfied.
“We haven’t played our best game yet, and that’s the question that we ask the girls after every game. Every single game so far we’ve gotten a ‘no’ from the girls, so we know we haven’t peaked yet. That’s the mentality we carry on into every game. We’ve had a lot of small wins, but we’re still waiting on that big moment,” said Quigley.
This mentality led to a team that improved drastically over the year, according to Quigley.
“They’ve improved in so many ways. They’ve improved on the mat, and they have improved off the mat. They’ve become better athletes, better people and better communicators. It’s amazing to see them as a team from the beginning all the way until now. This group was willing to learn and do something, and now it’s transitioned into a group of girls who are a team. They want to push each other and enjoy the moments with each other,” said Quigley.
The sports culture at Trevecca has been accepting of the STUNT program, Quigley said.
“I think the exposure and the support we’ve gotten from the school has been more than I ever would’ve imagined. So many students talk about their professors asking questions about STUNT in class or people on campus will say they saw us at our tournament. The support has been more than we ever could’ve hoped for. Hopefully, this brings people back year after year,” said Quigley.
Quigley thinks that this year could be the beginning of a bright future.
“We’re so excited for the future. I’m trying to hold on to this season as long as I can, but we are so excited for next year. We have a solid recruiting class coming in. Thinking about where these girls started early this year going into next year could be a recipe for something amazing,” said Quigley.