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Hard work, high-flying stunts and big dreams have propelled a new Elgin gym’s young tumblers toward a nationwide competition in Orlando next month—and they’re turning to the community for help making the trip a reality.
Two teams from Texas Ultimate Cheer and Tumble, the Neon Titans (ages 7-9) and Midnight Mavens (ages 9-15), earned bids to nationals after competing regionally March 22 in San Antonio, according to co-owner and head coach Rebecca Montemayor.
Neon Titans finished third in their division, while Midnight Mavens took home first place.
“We’re a brand-new program, and many of our athletes just started cheering this season,” Montemayor said. “Our athletes are amazing at handling pressure and hard work for their ages… it’s amazing to see.”
TUCT began in May 2023, when Montemayor, an Elgin native, started teaching cheer and tumbling lessons out of the back of her pickup truck. She packed mats, air tracks and equipment, meeting students at parks and event spaces across Central Texas.
The team had to stop when the heat got too intense, but the interest just kept growing, Montemayor said.
By September, Montemayor and co-owner Dustin Tomlin secured their current Main Street location, where they now train athletes from Elgin, McDade, Manor, Taylor, Lexington and Hutto—already planning for future expansion.
Rigor and family
The squads—with athletes ranging from 4 to 15 years old—practice up to 10 hours each week, according to Montemayor. Every session begins with a mile-and-a-half run and a 30-minute workout, followed by breaking down routines for detailed review.
“These practices are rigorous and intense, but we always mix in fun,” she said. “These athletes are every bit hardworking and determined to grow and get better. They thrive off the push we give and their own drive to progress their skills and craft.”
Though many didn’t know one another before joining, Montemayor said the athletes have formed an unbreakable bond.
“They look out for each other, encourage each other… and pray together when showtime nerves try to win,” she added. “We have built this gym on kindness, hard work, respect and determination, but these kids have taken it beyond our expectations.”
The gym’s youngest squad, the Lil Marvels, has also been impressing crowds at local showcases, Montemayor noted. All teams will perform at a final local event April 12-13 at the Kalahari Convention Center in Round Rock.
Raising for the dream
To fund the upcoming trip—including travel, lodging, entry fees and practice gear—the gym aims to raise $25,000.
TUCT will host in-person fundraisers in the coming weeks, with details to be announced on social media. Sponsors who pledge support may have their name or logo featured on “Florida Sponsor” T-shirts, which athletes will wear in Orlando.
“Every single boost of team and gym support we are so thankful for,” Montemayor said, adding that whether it’s a kind word or a donation—every little bit helps these athletes keep chasing their dreams.
Looking ahead
Montemayor and Tomlin are already planning for the gym’s second season, with tryouts scheduled for May 9 and a tryout prep session May 8 for athletes ages 7–18.
Beyond nationals, Montemayor said she hopes the gym’s momentum will continue to build.
“It’s a blessing to have had the opportunity to work with these wonderful athletes,” she said. “The growth that they have had is incredible. We look forward to seeing them all grow into the amazing athletes they will become.”
For more information, visit portal.iclasspro.com/txultimatecheertumble.
Donations can be made via CashApp ($txultimatecheer), Venmo (@txultimatecheer_ tumble) or Zelle ([email protected]).
