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 Jakki has been part of the cheer world her whole life; as an athlete, coach, and cheer mom. She grew up cheering in Texas, served as a high school cheer captain, and continued cheering at the University of Texas at San Antonio. From 2018 to 2021, she coached at Champion Athletix in Massachusetts, leading Junior Level 1 and 2 teams and assisting on two US Finals championship teams. 

    During her time in MA, Jakki also served as Program Director and Head Coach for the Westford Acton Boxborough Pop Warner cheer program, developing competitive rec teams while creating a strong, confidence-building culture for young athletes. In addition, she spent several years as an Assistant Varsity Coach at Littleton High School, supporting both sideline and competitive teams. 

    Jakki’s coaching style focuses on building clean, technically sound routines and helping athletes progress in Level 1-3 tumbling. She loves seeing athletes grow, not just in skill, but in self-belief.

  • 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 Madi grew up cheering at FCA Gems in Pittsburgh, where she spent 18 years as an athlete. She competed at major events like Jamfest, Cheersport, Majors, and Worlds, and later went on to cheer with Lady Lux of Cheer Extreme All Stars, where she became a World Champion and Triple Crown winner. 

    Madi began coaching in 2015 and has worked with all star teams across Levels 1 through 5, and tumbling through Level 6. Over the past decade, Her teams have earned national wins, choreography awards, and high-point honors. While she is proud of the accomplishments of her teams, Madi’s favorite part of coaching is seeing athletes grow in their confidence and find joy in the sport.

  • Coach Flo has been coaching athletes for over three decades. She started her tumbling program in 1986 and added cheerleading in 2001. After growing and running a successful gym for many years, she recently sold the business and relocated to Austin.

    She’s USASF certified for Levels 1–6 and even served on the USASF National Advisory Board in 2016. Her athletes have won major titles at competitions like Jamfest and Cheersport, and her teams have competed and won at Summit. She’s coached everything from tiny teams to Worlds athletes, always with a focus on safety, progress, and connection. Flo’s favorite part of coaching is watching kids develop, not just as athletes, but as people.

  • 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 focus on building confidence in the 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.