GALT, CA (MPG) - For Carina Escobar, the next step in her athletic journey will come with a familiar face by her side.

Escobar has signed a scholarship to compete in STUNT at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, where she will continue her career alongside her cousin, Andriena Marroquin. The two cousins are preparing to leave California together for a new opportunity at the college level, turning what could have been a big move far from home into a shared family milestone.

The chance to compete in college is already special. Getting to do it with a cousin at the same university makes the moment even more meaningful. Escobar and Marroquin will both join Northwest Nazarene’s STUNT program as the Nighthawks continue building one of the newest varsity programs on campus.

Northwest Nazarene University is a private Nazarene university located in Nampa, Idaho. Athletically, the Nighthawks compete at the NCAA Division II level and are members of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, also known as the GNAC. The university announced STUNT as its 16th intercollegiate varsity sport in June 2024, with the program beginning competition during the 2025-26 academic year.

 

Happy supporters take photos of their athletes signing to play at the next level.

For Escobar, signing with Northwest Nazarene means more than continuing in the sport she loves. It means stepping into a growing college program with the opportunity to help shape its early identity. As STUNT continues to expand across the country as an NCAA Emerging Sport for Women, athletes like Escobar are part of the next wave helping the sport to grow at the collegiate level.

The family connection adds another layer to the story. Escobar and Marroquin will be able to support each other through the transition to college life, from moving out of state to adjusting to the demands of being student-athletes. Their shared commitment gives both families a reason to celebrate and gives the cousins a unique chance to chase their goals together.

Escobar’s signing marks an exciting new chapter and a proud moment for her family, her supporters and the local STUNT and cheer community. As she heads to Idaho, she will do so with confidence, family support and the opportunity to compete for Northwest Nazarene.

Congratulations to Carina Escobar on signing with Northwest Nazarene University and continuing her STUNT career at the next level.