Fostering a sense of community is an essential aspect of a thriving society. For communities like Tullahoma, a sense of belonging, common goals, and shared values are critical for growth and prosperity. Two individuals who understand this well are Katie and Brandon Leming. They know it so well that they are on a mission to create even more community through their business, Tullahoma Gymnastics and Cheer (TGC).
When you walk through the doors of TGC, you see kiddos of all ages and skill levels practicing their routines, perfecting their skills, and pushing their limits. Some are practicing flips and jumps on the floor mat, while others are swinging on the bars or gracefully moving along the balance beam. You can hear the sound of feet hitting the mat, the grunts and gasps of effort, and cheers of encouragement from coaches and fellow participants. While those who attend TGC are learning the skills of tumbling, gymnastics, and cheer, they are also learning the skills of teamwork, leadership, and, most importantly, the value of community.
MAKING THE TEAM
TGC is Brandon’s dream. Since 2008, he has been working to create a place that makes and harnesses energy, encouragement, and excellence.
“When I was in middle school, we were sitting around the lunch table during spring football practice and said wouldn’t it be funny if we went out for cheerleading,” he said. “And I was the only one that showed up at tryouts. I saw the girls doing flips, and I thought, I could do that. I was wrong, but I did wind up making the team.”
His mother then advised Brandon that if he was part of the team, he needed to do it safely.
“She put me in tumble classes,” he said. “But after a month or two of classes, the teacher asked if I would help her out. That was my first job. Once I outgrew the gym in terms of skill, she sent me to a gym in Huntsville where I trained during my high school years.”
During Brandon’s time making the drive to and from Huntsville, he began to envision opening up a gym that was closer to home.
“I was driving an hour each way to practice three or four days a week. I knew I would be back to open a gym like that. And over time, it evolved in terms of deciding what that would look like.”
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK.
Executing your dream is great, but doing it alongside a partner who supports and joins you in your venture is a dream come true. Brandon considers his wife, Katie, that person.
“She’s the secret weapon in everything I aspire to do. She’s the smartest person in the room in almost every situation,” he said.
Katie said she has enjoyed participating in this journey with her husband.
“Brandon is very much in front of the scene, and I’m behind the scenes. He’s passionate about coaching, teaching, and tumbling, and I’m passionate about supporting him.
Both say their support of each other has been a key to their success and something that helps them continue to build on that success. The couple also credits their staff, who they say are just as dedicated to nurturing the community at TGC as they are.
NOT A BUSINESS BUT A FAMILY
“One of the words that people seem to use about TGC is family,” said Brandon. “When you walk in TGC, you get this sense of community. And so whether you take classes one day a week or are involved in a competitive program and there three or four nights a week, there is an incredible sense of community that you will feel.”
Katie added that the most rewarding aspect of the business is seeing people come from different towns and connecting when they might not have otherwise.
“We have families coming from Cowan and Fayetteville who are meeting and then becoming connected outside of TGC, which is great. This creates an overlap in their lives, and they spend time together here,” she said.
In the future, the Lemings plan to continue to build on the strengths of family and community at TGC.
“I think it’s cool for not only our children but all the children that we interact with to see that you don’t just have to color between the lines all the time,” explained Katie. “The phrase, it takes a village phrase, is alive for us because there are families in our program in our gym that my kids are as close to as any family member.”
Brandon added that TGC is their calling.
“It’s important to walk into your calling, no matter your spiritual alignment,” said Brandon. “We all are called to something that brings us alive. For us, it’s this community and doing something that we wake each day passionate about doing here in Tullahoma.” GN
