Former Power Athletics employees and students make move to new gymnastics and cheer program
Cookeville – Empire Elite Athletics (EEA) has officially opened the doors on their 1824 Browns Mill Road location, according to Alyssa Wheeler, owner of EEA. With the fall of Power Athletics, staff and students were forced to search out a new avenue to showcase skills and jumpstart a new era for gymnastics and cheer in the Upper Cumberland.
Lets go – Students at EEA recently showcased their talent at a skills camp.
EEA’s mission is simple, give everyone an opportunity to succeed.
“Our mission with opening Empire Elite is to provide every child with the opportunity to pursue something new or progress in the sport they already love,” Wheeler told the Upper Cumberland Business Journal (UCBJ). “We strive to create a family atmosphere where there is something for everyone to enjoy. We pride ourselves in having a group of experienced and professional staff that will provide your child with the best instruction they can get.”
EEA has been running classes since Nov. 4 out of a space Wheeler called “small”, but on New Year’s Eve, the new facility opened with all new equipment.
“We have received super positive feedback as we have started this journey,” said Wheeler.
The students aren’t the only ones chasing a dream.
“We cut all ties (with Power Athletics) and decided to pursue our family dream of starting a gym,” said Wheeler. “It has definitely been a hard past couple of months but we are super proud to be officially up and running after only a short 8 weeks. We have been immensely blessed.”
Wheeler says the goal is for students to fall in love with gymnastics.
“I’ve been involved in gymnastics and cheer since I was 4,” said Wheeler. “I’ve always had a passion for it. I competed in gymnastics and cheerleading until I was 22 (since I cheered in college). I started coaching at a young age (16) and my passion has only grown since then. I want every kid to fall in love with gymnastics, tumbling and cheerleading just like I did. And now I get to further my dream with Empire Elite Athletics.”
EEA has retained most of the students that once flipped and tumbled at Power Athletics, but the list of young athletes is growing.
“We are grateful to every family who has supported us in this journey, and we continue to gain new students every day. We have a special love for every athlete that walks in the door,” said Wheeler.
Empire Athletics is open from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. They hold clinics, birthday parties and special events on Saturdays. For more information call or text 931-316-3578, email admin@empireeliteathletics.com, or message them on Facebook HERE.
Image by viarprodesign on Freepik.
