Acro’s Goulding builds up another program

By: Ryan Patota, Sports Reporter

The Canisius acrobatics and tumbling team continues to compete in its inaugural season. Goulding, in her first season at Canisius, continues to develop the program after serving as head coach at Glenville State University, where she led the program to its best record in school history in 2018-19 and finished as runner-up in the MEC. Goulding followed at Gannon University as an assistant in 2021-22. 

The Griffs currently sit at a 3–1 record on the season following a home loss to the No. 3 Quinnipiac Bobcats 263.435–208.735 on March 15. Despite the team’s first loss, it was a step in the right direction for the program, with competing against a ranked opponent. Goulding was extremely proud of her team and the success that they have been able to build on. “The three wins were extremely special. It is such a pivotal learning moment for our program. You have to go against nationally ranked teams to get our name out there. I thought our team responded well and learned what it takes to be a nationally ranked team,” she said.  

As the Griffs prepare to go to Buffalo State University, it will be a homecoming for Goulding, as she served as assistant coach for the Bengals for two seasons. Goulding stated, “I learned that building a program is celebrating every single moment, built upon the belief in something greater than ourselves. Every single moment, practice and conversation is a teaching moment.” During her time as a Bengal, she played a large role in building the program from the first year of competition in 2024 and was part of the staff when the team earned its first program win.

The impact of transitioning from a Division III program to Division I can be a challenge for coaches, but Goulding has conquered it. She was able to build her team within less than six months due to having limited time after being hired, while other coaches would have had a full offseason to recruit. “I knew my vision and coaching philosophy and past experiences recruiting helped to hit the ground running quickly,” said Goulding. A West Seneca native, Goulding says the transition from Buffalo State to Canisius was an adjustment process, however, coaching in her hometown was a dream job. 

The Griffs will compete at their first-ever tri meet, facing Buffalo State and No. 8 Mary Hardin-Baylor on Friday, beginning at 6 p.m. on the campus of Buffalo State Sports Arena. 

Via GoGriffs