WACO, Texas - The Baylor Acrobatics & Tumbling team is picked to finish second in the recently released National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association (NCATA) Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Bears came away with three first place votes, just behind the reigning champion Oregon Ducks' eight votes.

"It's flattering for this program. People are seeing that the athletes here are very talented. Everyone is ready for that to be harnessed," said first-year Baylor head coach Felecia Mulkey. "We really appreciate those first place votes, although we don't pay attention to where we start each season. It's about where we finish. Being on the outside of this program a year ago, I knew the talent was here. We are ready to take that recognition and do something with it."

Mulkey and assistant coaches Angela Ucci and Emily Maike, Baylor welcomed 15 newcomers to the acrobatics & tumbling program for 2015. The Bears returned 22 letterwinners from the 2014 NCATA semifinalist squad including the reigning Six Element national champion Kiara Nowlin. Mulkey's team will kick off the season on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 6 p.m., in the Ferrell Center in a tri-meet against Quinnipiac University and Concordia University Wisconsin.

"This team has turned a corner. They are a lot more mentally tough than they were two weeks ago. They're excited to represent Baylor well. They haven't taken the preseason ranking too seriously. Had that not come out, I think you would see the same Baylor team on that first meet day. They are ready to compete."

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