MEET THE STAFF

Photo Credits to McKenna McNelly Photography

Lexi Hellman:

Lexi is the owner of TNT Cheer. She has been a part of TNT since the gym opened in 2013. Cheerleading and tumbling is something that she grew up around and quickly became one of her passions. Before being involved with TNT Cheer she was a competitive power tumbler for 10 years.

Her favorite part about coaching is getting to see each athlete and team that she coaches grow throughout the season. As well as watching her teams bond together and work for the same goal. There is not a greater feeling that seeing the athletes you coach accomplish something they have been putting so much effort and hard work into.

Along with being the owner of TNT she is also an All-Star Elite head coach for Force, Madness, and Sirens, tumbling coach, choreographer for both the All-Star Elite and All-Star Prep programs, and offers private lessons.

Email: [email protected]

Kia Widen:

Coach Kia has been with TNT since 2016 and has played an active role in helping TNT grow into the program it is today. She started competitive cheerleading when she was in high school and fell in love with the sport immediately. It has continued to be one of her passions, and she loves getting to share her love for cheerleading with each of the athletes that she coaches.

Her favorite part about the sport of cheerleading is the impact that it leaves on you. The friendships, the bonds, the trust, and the life lessons stay with you forever! It is something not like any other feeling.

Kia is an All-Star Elite head coach for Force, Wicked, and Treasure, tumbling coach, flexibility and jump coach, and offers private lessons.

Email: [email protected]

Ciara Ackley:

Coach Ciara has been with TNT since 2022! Her passion for coaching is unmatched, she spent many years as an All-Star Cheerleader herself – starting at TNT our first year open in 2013 before moving to Des Moines – Ciara moved back to the Cedar Valley after graduating high school and knew her journey with TNT wasn’t yet complete!

Her favorite part about TNT Cheer is getting to be a part of the athlete’s journey by pushing them to be the best they can possibly be. She also really enjoys the connections and bonds that she gets to make with every athlete along the way. The atmosphere in the gym is unreal!

Ciara is a head All Star Elite coach for Madness and Force, and also coaches tumbling classes, flight classes, and offers private lessons

Hannah Bustamante

Coach Hannah has been with TNT since 2019! Originally from the Des Moines area, she moved to the Cedar Valley after graduating High School. Hannah has played a vital role in the development and growth of our All-Star Prep program.

Her favorite thing about TNT Cheer is the long-lasting bonds she has made with the coaches and athletes. Every time she walks into the gym, it is such a happy and welcoming environment!

Hannah is the head All Star Prep coach for Lady Red this season.

Samantha Jones

Coach Sam started TNT as an athlete in 2014! Spending 5 years as a competitive athlete herself and then switching into a coaching position in high school – she has been with the staff on and off since 2020.

Here favorite thing about TNT is the strong bonds that she gets to create with all of the athletes and coaches.

Sam is a head All-Star Elite coach for Venom, head All-Star Prep coach for Infinity, and coaches tumbling classes.

Emma Schmidt

Coach Emma started TNT as an athlete the first year we were open in 2013! Spending 9 years as a competitive athlete herself and graduating with the program in 2022. Emma has spent the last 2 years at Iowa and is back to coach this season!

Her favorite thing about TNT is the welcoming environment and the bonds she gets to make with every athlete she works with. She enjoys helping the athletes grow into great leaders and cheerleaders both inside and outside of the gym. TNT is a place that she holds very near and dear to her heart, and she hopes that she can make as small impact on every athlete’s life that she has the opportunity to work with.

Emma is a head All-Star Elite coach for Wicked and Venom, head All-Star Novice coach for Poison, and coaches tumbling classes.