That was before Raleigh-based Saltare wowed the country with its performances on the popular MTV show “America’s Best Dance Crew,” affectionately known as ABDC.

More surprising, however, is that N.C. State has its own connection to the sport.

For Suzanne Cash, a junior in architecture, jumping rope has been a part of her life for more than a decade.

In fact, Cash said she has been jumping rope with her sisters since she was five years old.

Since that time, she has competed all around the United States and in countries around the world.

In Canada she and her team won first place in a world jump rope competition in 2006. Other competitions have taken her to Australia, South Africa, and Belgium.

In Istanbul, Turkey, for example, she performed in a weeklong festival alongside trampoline acrobats as well as the performers Acrodunk who are known for their appearance on America’s Got Talent.

According to Cash, however, jumping rope is never just about the competition.

“It’s not really like a competition, it’s more about having fun,” she said while describing her many experiences in the sport.

Last year, Cash had the chance to participate in a special opportunity with the USA jump rope team as they hopped, jumped and skipped down the streets of New York as part of the Macy’s Day parade.

“It was a thrilling experience to jump down the streets of New York City,” she said.

According to Cash, growing up as a jumper wasn’t always the easiest thing. In fact, it was often the exact opposite.

“Growing up in high school everyone made fun of me for jumping,” Cash said. “There are a lot of misconceptions about competitive jump roping, and Saltare being on national TV has helped to show people what it’s really like.”

Cash said she has been friends with the members of Saltare for years and has competed with (and against) them all over the country.

“Everyone who jump ropes knows everyone who jump ropes,” she said. Cash claimed that Saltare have recently shown the world the sport of jump roping.

“They exposed the sport on national TV,” she said. “ABDC is spreading the sport of jump rope, and getting people excited about it.”

Cash said she was unable to join her friends because of school obligations.

However, she and Brittany Fortier, a member of Saltare and local jump rope team Impact Tri-force, stayed in contact while Saltare was competing in ABDC. According to Cash, watching her friends on TV was a surreal experience.

“It’s so nerve-wracking when they’re on national TV showing your sport,” Cash said. “I think it’s great how they incorporated dance into jumping. I watched them from week to week, and at first they just jumped the whole time. Then they started incorporating dance, and it was great to watch them grow each time.”

So, what’s next in the world of jump rope? Many jumping enthusiasts are pushing to make jump rope an Olympic sport. But it’s not so easy.

“There are a lot of requirements to get in the Olympics,” Cash said. “A certain number of countries have to register, and not many people do it.

But it’s an up-and-coming sport, and I think jump rope is spreading a lot.” With shows like “America’s Best Dance Crew” bringing exposure to the sport, its population is growing around the world.

With this type of exposure, perhaps one of the first Olympic jump ropers will be one of the Wolfpack’s own.