COSTA MESA -- The Vanguard STUNT team was recently rewarded for a solid season by the College STUNT Coaches Association (CSCA) as VU picked up four All-Americans and two Honorable Mentions.  Brenna Higdon and Alexis Jimenez were placed on the First Team and Graysen Young and Tatum Thompson were selected for the Second Team.  In addition, Tenley Romberger and Ysabella Hernandez were named to the Honorable Mention list for 2024.  The six winners represent the most names across all three categories in program history.  You can view the full award listing HERE.
 
To be eligible for the CSCA All-American award, an individual must participate in all four quarters of a STUNT match, play in at least 50% of a team's schedule, and be a vital component of the team's success.  The Blue and Gold finished the year at 15-10 and went 2-2 at the STUNT NAIA Division Championship.  With eight shutouts on the year, the Lions also grabbed their first perfect game under the new scoring system with four routines in the final quarter against Sonoma State on March 15 and grabbed another against OUAZ at the STUNT National Championship. 
 
Both Jimenez and Higdon were two of the more prolific scorers for the Lions, as the duo each recorded over 300 points for the team during the campaign.  They were also two of only three Lions to play in over 300 routines this year.  Higdon also became one of the few Lions to play in over 1,000 routines in her collegiate career.  Said Head Coach Leslie Allen, "Brenna was a captain this year and one of our top scorers, she led out in all quarters of the game.  Lexi is a three-time All-American and a team captain.  She is consistently a top scorer in each match and played in almost every routine." 
 
Thompson and Young each played in over 200 rounds during the year and also eclipsed the 300-point threshold for VU in 2024.  Relayed Coach Allen, "This is Tatum's first time as an All-American and she stepped up in all areas of the game.  She mostly featured in partner stunts and pyramids, but she also got in a few rounds of jumps and tumbling this season.  Graysen was one of our captains this year and was a base in every round of quarters one and two.  She also was able to make an appearance in quarter three this year!  Graysen's strength in leadership helped shape our team."
 
Romberger and Hernandez joined the 300-plus point club this season, which resulted in both being very busy on the mat.  Hernandez participated in over 200 routines this year and Romberger cleared 300 to join Jimenez and Higdon.  Stated Coach Allen, "As a freshman, Tenley led out in all quarters of the game.  She especially contributed to our third-quarter squad with her elite tumbling.  She was able to quickly learn all the positions of the game and rose to any and all occasions in her first year ever playing STUNT!  Bella is a three-time All-American and is strong in whatever role she's asked to play.  She is a strong athlete and teammate.  She can do it all."