About

Austin Tumbling Academy was founded in 2016 by longtime coach and cheerleader Johnny Alvarez, with a clear mission: to create a place where athletes of all levels could grow in skill and confidence through high-quality instruction and genuine connection. What began with a few tumbling classes and school cheer training quickly became something more: a trusted training space and second home for athletes and families across Austin.

Built on a foundation of strong fundamentals, supportive coaching, and a family-first atmosphere, ATA quickly became known as the place to go for school cheer prep. As interest continued to grow, ATA expanded to include Austin Cheer Academy in 2018, launching its first All Star season the following year.

Today, ATA and ACA offer a full range of cheer and tumbling programs for athletes of all ages and experience levels. Whether an athlete is working toward a school tryout, building foundational tumbling skills, or competing at the All Star level, they’ll find expert coaching, a positive environment, and a team that truly cares.

STAFF BIOs

  • Coach Johnny is the founder and managing owner of Austin Tumbling Academy and Austin Cheer Academy. With nearly three decades of experience in the cheer and tumbling world, he brings a deep level of knowledge, passion, and leadership to the gym. As a former collegiate cheerleader for both Texas Tech University and the University of Texas, member of the inaugural USA Spirit Team, and NCA staff member, Johnny offers athletes insight, structure, and support rooted in years of hands-on training and coaching.

    Over the years, Johnny has served as a tumbling director, team coach, class instructor, and national camp instructor across all divisions, including All Star, middle school, high school, college, and international programs. He’s a multi-time NCA National Champion coach and is widely respected for his ability to teach athletes at every level, from first-time tumblers to elite performers. While he is extremely well-versed in all things tumbling and cheer, his specialty lies in preparing athletes for school and collegiate cheer, with a strong focus on proper technique, smart progression, and consistent growth.

    More than anything,  Johnny is known for the relationships he builds with his athletes. His athletes trust him, look up to him, and often stay connected with him and the ATA/ACA family long after they’ve left the gym. He brings a mix of humor, kindness, and unwavering support to every class, private lesson, or practice, and treats every athlete like family. His coaching goes far beyond skills; it’s about helping athletes become their best both on and off the mat.

  • Coach Ashley is the All Star Director at Austin Cheer Academy and has been coaching at ACA since 2022. Originally from Ohio, she brings nearly two decades of cheer experience, including both All Star and sideline. She competed for a year in collegiate acro & tumbling and spent three years cheering at the University of Akron.

    Ashley is passionate about athlete development and loves seeing the progress athletes make from season to season. She’s known for building strong connections with her teams and helping each athlete reach their full potential, on and off the mat!

  • Coach Shelby is from Dripping Springs, TX and has been tumbling and working at Austin Tumbling Academy since she was 16. She cheered at Lake Travis High School and continued cheering at Texas State University, where she earned her degree in Criminal Justice. She’s now pursuing her Master’s degree in the same field from Arizona State University.

    At ATA, she assists with gym administration, teaches tumbling and cheer classes, and helps coach the All Star teams. Shelby brings a calm, positive energy to every class and is passionate about helping athletes feel confident and capable.

  • Coach Ryan is originally from Tennessee and has been part of the ATA family since 2018. He brings a deep background in both school and college cheer, including titles as a UCA High School National Champion and UCA College Cheer National Champion. He spent five years on UCA staff and cheered for the nationally recognized coed program at Morehead State University.

    At ATA, Ryan coaches tumbling, stunting, and coed stunting. He’s known for his strong technique, clear instruction, and high-energy coaching style. Whether he’s spotting a new tumbling pass or refining stunt technique, he brings focus, patience, and passion to every athlete he works with.

  • Coach Tellis joined ATA in 2023 and brings a strong background in coed cheer. He’s a 2013 UCA High School Large Coed National Champion, a UCA College Cheer National Champion, and an alum of the powerhouse coed cheer program at Morehead State University.

    Athletes love Tellis for his calm presence and his focus on building confidence in those he trains.

  • Coach Zach has been coaching in Austin for over 24 years and is a tumbling coach here at ATA. A Navarro College cheer alum (class of 2005), he brings a standout resume that includes 8 NCA National Titles, 168 National Titles overall, a Silver Medal at the World Cheerleading Championship, and an NCA Nationals Choreography Award. He also has a dance background through Ballet Austin, which brings a unique edge to his coaching.

    Zach is USASF certified through Level 6 in all areas and is known not only for his expertise, but also for his sense of humor and ability to get the best out of every athlete. His practices are focused, fun, and full of progress and he’s always ready to help athletes level up with confidence.

  • Brooklin is originally from Odessa, Texas, where she grew up cheering at Odessa Extreme Allstars for 10 years, competing on Levels 1–5. Throughout her All Star career, she had the opportunity to compete at major events including NCA All-Star Nationals, NDA, The Cheer Summit, The Dance Summit, The Dance Worlds, and Jamfest, earning multiple championship titles along the way.

    In addition to competing, she coached and choreographed at her home gym, helping lead teams to undefeated seasons. It was through that experience that she first discovered her passion for coaching and mentoring younger athletes.

    After her All Star career, Brooklin continued cheering at the University of Texas as a member of the All-Girl team for four years. During her time there, she served on the choreography committee, was named Co-Captain her junior year, and most recently served as Captain of White Squad during her senior year.

    Through both her All Star coaching experience and collegiate leadership roles, she has developed a strong passion for helping athletes grow, not only in their skills, but also in their confidence. She strives to create an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged, and excited to reach their full potential both on and off the mat.

  • Coach Miranda is from Frisco, TX, where she grew up cheering at Spirit of Texas while attending Liberty Christian School. She continued her cheer career at the University of Mississippi, where she earned a National Championship title.

    With over 20 years of experience as a cheerleader, Miranda has competed at UCA Nationals and NCA Nationals, earning four NCA jackets during her All Star career.

    She specializes in flyer flexibility, body control, and clean, sharp motions, and also teaches tumbling classes with a focus on technique and progression.

    Miranda brings a positive, driven energy to every class and is passionate about helping athletes grow in confidence and skill.