By Jeffrey Swindoll
Sports Writer

Freshman acrobatics & tumbling standout Shayla Moore was named the National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumbling Association Player of the Week on Tuesday. Moore was given the honor for an impressive meet against Azusa-Pacific on March 9 in Azusa, Calif.

Moore competed in five events and seven heats against Azusa Pacific, scoring 9.85 in the compulsory pyramid and a 9.55 in compulsory tumbling. Baylor’s Heat 2 Pyramid squad, which included Moore, scored a perfect 10. Moore also scored a 9.8 in aerial pass.

“I am excited for Shayla to receive this honor from the NCATA. Shayla is a fierce competitor,” head coach Felecia Mulkey said. “As a freshman she has had a lot of pressure on her shoulders. She’s competed in numerous events as a top, base and tumbler. She has handled it like a seasoned veteran, and we very proud.”

Moore’s naturally outstanding athleticism her compete as cheerleader as well as a hurdler in high school. For Johns Creek High School in Johns Creek, Ga., Moore holds the school records in the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles. In 2013 and 2014, Moore won the regional title in meter hurdles.

In more recent history, the Bears dealt the formerly undefeated and No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks their first loss at home in program history. Moore’s scores for multiple events and heats in the Oregon meet aided the Bears tremendously in pulling off a historic upset.