By John Davis
Community Relations Director
Kristen Kaufman and Lexi Porter may have grown up five hours apart, but their bond is unmistakable—so strong that most people assume they’re family. Despite a ten-year age gap, the two have forged a deep friendship rooted in shared passion, mutual respect, and a love for coaching.
Their coaching journey began in 2019 when they teamed up to lead Power Tumbling classes. What started with playful friction—Porter jokes that Kaufman once called her a “prom queen”—quickly turned into a tight-knit partnership built on trust and teamwork.
Now, they’re embarking on a new chapter together at Oxford Park Commission’s Coach Howell Center, where they’ll be leading a dynamic new program in Power Tumbling.
“We’re opposites in a lot of ways, but somehow completely in sync,” Kaufman said. “Coaching together just works.”
Together, Kaufman and Porter bring over 30 years of combined experience in cheerleading and tumbling. Kaufman is a Lafayette High School alum who cheered under the legendary Sandra Smith, went on to cheer at Northwest Mississippi Community College, and later served on UCA Staff during her college years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management from the University of Mississippi.
Porter, originally from Biloxi and a graduate of St. Martin High School, earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Ole Miss and has spent years focusing on athlete development, strength training, and injury prevention.
Power Tumbling, often described as a high-energy fusion of cheerleading and gymnastics, is designed for athletes who already have foundational tumbling skills—like back handsprings—and are ready to take things to the next level.
“If you’ve already mastered walkovers and a clean back handspring, this class is your next step,” Kaufman explained. “We’re going to train the powerful, running tumbling combinations that you see in elite cheer and gymnastics.”
For a visual, think of the explosive, acrobatic floor routines performed by world-class gymnasts like Simone Biles—combined with the creativity and flair of cheerleading.
“Gymnastics gives us the foundation: the technique, the strength, the form,” Porter added. “Cheerleading brings the performance, the stunting, and the energy. Power Tumbling is the perfect blend of both.”
Each class begins with intentional preparation, emphasizing physical readiness before skill execution.
“Every session starts with strength and flexibility to prevent injuries and improve performance,” Kaufman said.
Porter agrees: “Strength and flexibility are our number one priority. Every athlete will condition and stretch before moving into drills and trampoline work.”
More than anything, their mission is to give athletes with potential the focused training they need to grow. This isn’t just an open enrollment class—it’s designed specifically for athletes who are ready to work hard and advance.
“Some kids already have the talent,” Porter said, “but they need direction and structure. That’s what we’re here for.”
To kick off the program, Kaufman and Porter are hosting a Meet & Greet this Sunday, August 3rd from 2–4 PM at the Coach Howell Center. Families will have the chance to tour the space, meet the coaches, and learn more about what makes Power Tumbling unique. Registration is now open for August sessions!