Meet the Coaches

Connor Tarr - Owner

Connor is the owner of The Tumble Company, where he's passionate about training athletes through hands-on coaching and a long-term approach to growth. Since 2019, he's been coaching in the area, building strong relationships with athletes and helping them reach their full potential in a safe, supportive environment.

Originally from Maine, Connor brings a love of fitness to everything he does—on the floor and beyond.

Brooks Owen - Tumble Coach

Coach Brooks began coaching nearly 20 years ago starting with boys gymnastics, eventually developing an expertise in tumbling and competitive cheerleading. With a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from UNCG, Coach Brooks prides himself in implementing his knowledge of exercise and bio mechanics into his coaching style. He holds tons of experience in coaching and spotting all levels and does so with an emphasis on strong basics and proper progressions.

His favorite quote is "Excellence is not an act but a habit" ~Aristotle

Matt Leonard - Tumble Coach

Matt is a collegiate cheerleader at NC State University, with 8 years of experience competing alongside top programs, Cheer Extreme and Top Gun Allstars. Matt won a gold medal at the World Championships with Top Gun Large Coed (TGLC).

Chris Johnston - Tumble Coach

Coach Chris brings nearly 15 years of comprehensive cheerleading experience across all levels, complemented by 7 years of dedicated coaching expertise. Over the past four years at NC State, he has played an integral role in elevating the program into the powerhouse it is today. Chris is committed to advancing the sport of cheerleading by sharing his extensive knowledge of stunt and tumbling technique, emphasizing skill development, athlete safety, and purposeful progression. His passion lies in helping athletes and teams reach their highest potential through intentional coaching and high-level technical instruction.

Favorite quote: “Attitude is a choice. Think positive thoughts daily. Believe in yourself.” – Pat Summitt

Angelina Potynsky - College Prep Stunt Coach

I am a U.S. National Team member from 2023 to 2025 and a three-time ICU World Champion during those same years. I am also an NCA College National Champion from 2023 and a UCA Partner Stunt Champion from 2024, and I currently serve as an NCA Head Instructor. After years of college cheer and experience on the U.S. National Team, I’ve built my coaching around preparing high school athletes for the next level. My passion is college prep—helping athletes develop college-level skills, navigate the recruitment process, create strong tryout videos, and walk into tryouts confident and prepared.

Autumn Jacques - Tumble Coach

Autumn is a 15-year competitive cheerleader currently competing with Cheer Extreme Senior Elite and Bombshells. She became a 2025 Cheerleading Worlds Champion with Maine Stars Glory and is also a 6x D2 Summit Champion. As a 2x Nfinity Legend, All American, and member of Inside Cheerleading’s TEAM iC, she’s built a reputation for her dedication, leadership, and love for the sport.

Raised in Maine, Autumn brings her passion for cheer and tumbling to everything she does—on the mat and off. As a 2025 Tumble League Top 20 Tumbler of the Year, she is excited to help athletes achieve their goals, grow with confidence, and discover their own passion for cheer.

Sydney Johnson - Tumble Coach & Office Staff

I’ve been a dedicated cheerleader for over 10 years and currently cheer on SSX at CEA Raleigh. As an SSX veteran and XSS/SMOEX alum, I was honored to earn the MVP Award in the 2025 season with XSS. My experience overcoming adversity and returning from injuries has strengthened my resilience and passion for the sport. I’ve worked with younger athletes in tumbling since I was 13 and love helping them build confidence and strong fundamentals. I’m committed to sharing my Worlds experience with the next generation and inspiring them to chase their goals as individuals.

Blake Harvey - Tumble Coach & Office Staff

Blake brings 10 years of gymnastics experience and 2 years of varsity cheer at Cardinal Gibbons High School. She now cheers on Smoex at Cheer extreme Raleigh, continually building her skills at the elite level. She loves working with beginner athletes and focuses on building a strong foundational technique to help athletes grow with confidence and progression.

Leigha Gilbert - Tumble Coach & Office Staff

Leigha Gilbert is an accomplished all-star cheerleader with seven years of experience A decorated athlete, she is both an NCA Champion and a Summit Champion, demonstrating her dedication, skill, and competitive excellence. Leigha currently trains and competes with Cheer Extreme Raleigh Medusa, where she continues to push her limits, grow as an athlete. She is excited to be involved with The Tumble Company and the opportunities that come.

Vera Arnold - Tumble Coach & Office Staff

Coach Vera has been coaching gymnastics for three years, building on her background as a competitive gymnast and cheerleader. Currently cheering at Leesville, she focuses on helping athletes gain confidence in tumbling through strong technique, proper progressions, and an inclusive coaching style that welcomes every athlete.

Her favorite quote is: Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Brooke Fields - Tumble Coach & Office Staff

Brooke is a dedicated cheerleader with ten years of experience, Brooke is a Summit Champion and accomplished Level 6 performer. Her background reflects strong discipline, teamwork, and the ability to excel under pressure—qualities that translate seamlessly into any professional setting.

Molly Doyle - Tumble Coach & Office Staff

Molly has six years of cheerleading experience and is a Summit Champion, bringing both skill and a strong understanding of what it takes to excel. Currently training and competing with Cheer Extreme Raleigh Medusa, she focuses on refining her technique, pushing her limits, and growing as an athlete. Molly is so excited to bring her passion and experience to The Tumble Company, supporting athletes through positive coaching, proper progressions, and an encouraging approach.

Favorite quote: Joshua 1:9 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Zoe Breedings - Tumble Coach & Office Staff

Zoe currently cheers with Cheer Extreme Raleigh – Cougars with over 10 years of cheerleading experience. I am a 2-time Allstar Worlds Champion, and I take great pride in the dedication and teamwork that accomplishment represents. Beyond competing, I have a true passion for working with kids and helping them grow, both in skill and confidence. I enjoy creating a positive, encouraging environment where young athletes feel supported, motivated, and excited to learn. I value teamwork, communication, and dedication, and I bring these strengths into everything I do.

Turner Farmer - Tumble Coach & Office Staff

Turner has over 10 years of cheerleading experience and is a 2x Summit Champion, NCA Champion, and Triple Crown Champion. Through years of competing at a high level, she has developed strong technique, discipline, and a deep love for the sport. As she steps into a coaching role, Turner is passionate about helping athletes build confidence, progress safely, and grow both on and off the mat. She is excited to share her knowledge, dedication, and positive mindset while supporting athletes every step of their journey.

Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

Lexi Jones - Tumble Coach & Office Staff

Lexi has over several years of experience in competitive cheer and is a Summit Champion and NCA All-American (2025). Through her time at Cheer Extreme, she learned firsthand how a supportive and loving environment makes all the difference. Cheering at CEA showed her how encouragement, teamwork, and connection help athletes grow in confidence and succeed. As a coach, she wants every athlete to feel supported, valued, and confident—knowing they are capable and truly believed in.