The Hive Sports

by James Tate

When Clearfield High School cheerleader Kennedy Stoker stepped onto the floor of the Navarra Arena in Pamplona, Spain, she wasn’t just representing herself; she was representing her school, her club, her community, and her country. Competing at the 2025 Trampoline & Tumbling Junior World Championships from November 14–16, Stoker delivered a performance that placed her 12th among 39 of the world’s best tumblers, a remarkable achievement for the Utah athlete.

“It was exhilarating, and so much fun,” Stoker said. “It was a complete honor and dream to represent my country on the world stage.”

For Stoker, one highlight stands above the rest: landing her second pass in qualifications, a skill she had wrestled with all season.

“That pass was something I had struggled with having the confidence to do all year,” Stoker said. “Executing it at worlds was very rewarding. And seeing my family after competing made it even more special.”

Kennedy Stoker: A dynamic athlete

Beyond her international finish, Kennedy is a dynamic athlete whose talents extend far beyond the competition floor. While many may not recognize the athletic skill, training, and commitment it takes to be both a power tumbler and a cheerleader, Stoker embodies the grit and versatility required to excel in both.

“Cheer has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and made it easier to try new things in both sports,” Stoker said. “Tumbling gives me confidence in cheer because I know it’s something I can always control and do well.”

Power tumbling is one of the most explosive and demanding disciplines in gymnastics, performed on a spring-loaded runway rather than a traditional floor. Athletes sprint down the track and launch into a series of flips, twists, and combinations, often stringing together multiple consecutive skills in a single pass.

Athletes like Kennedy dedicate years to mastering skills, building confidence, and refining technique, proof that tumbling is every bit as demanding as more widely recognized sports.

Preparation and mindset

Stoker’s preparation for the Junior Worlds was both mental and physical. She immersed herself in the arena’s atmosphere, soaking in the lights, sounds, and energy during Team USA’s training sessions.

“I prepared mentally by taking in the arena and how it would feel,” Stoker said. “Physically, I trained more intently than I ever have before, staying in tune with my body and listening to the cues it gave me.”

Her dedication paid off, proving she could compete with the best.

“I learned I should not doubt my abilities,” Stoker said. “I can compete with the best in the world and finish well. While I finished 12th, I know I have a lot more room for growth.”

Roots at Northern Star Bounders

Stoker’s journey began at Northern Star Bounders Power Tumbling Club in West Haven, where she trains under longtime coach Holden Steed.

“I’ve been taught everything I know about my sport from Northern Star Bounders,” Stoker said. “Coach Steed has coached me since I was about six or seven years old. He knows how to help me overcome my nerves and push me to reach my potential.”

Her parents have also been a constant source of support, driving her to practices, traveling to competitions, and cheering her on from the stands.

“They show me what it means to be dedicated and work for what you want,” Stoker said.

A typical training session for Kennedy runs about 1.5 to 2 hours, beginning with a dynamic warmup and stretching, then rotating through three stations. She starts on the floor with whip warmups and passes, often adding new skills or refining combinations if time allows.

After about 45 minutes, her group moves to the double mini, where she warms up with jump turns before focusing on pass repetitions and technique upgrades. The final rotation takes her to the second floor for additional pass work, mirroring the first station. Practices often conclude with 15–30 minutes of conditioning or stretching, ensuring she leaves each session stronger and more prepared.

Balancing cheer and tumbling

In addition to tumbling, Stoker is a cheerleader for the Clearfield Falcons, a role she says complements her skills.

“Cheer gives me another outlet to do what I love and share it with others,” she said. “It helps me adjust to tumbling on different surfaces and makes me a more diverse athlete.”

Her favorite part of cheering? The friendships.

“I’ve met so many people from across the nation and now the world because of tumbling,” Stoker said. “I get to share my talents with all of them.”

Looking ahead

Stoker’s goals for the coming year include competing as a senior elite, making international teams again, and increasing the difficulty of her passes. Long-term, she hopes to continue competing at the highest level possible.

“I hope younger athletes see that it’s possible to do everything you want,” Stoker said. “Progressing isn’t linear, there will be ups and downs. But no dream is ever too big, so keep dreaming because there is no limit to how great you can be.”

Kennedy’s impact isn’t limited to her own routines. She also teaches younger athletes in tumbling, passing on the lessons she’s learned about perseverance, confidence, and technique. Her role as a mentor reflects the same dedication she shows in competition, helping the next generation of athletes grow in the sport.

Equally impressive, she balances her athletic commitments with academics, maintaining a 4.0 GPA at Clearfield High School. That combination of excellence in the classroom and the gym underscores her drive to succeed in every arena she enters.

For Clearfield High and the Northern Utah community, Kennedy Stoker’s journey is more than just a sports story; it’s a reminder of what determination, support, and belief can achieve. From cheerleading sidelines to the world stage in Spain, she embodies the spirit of perseverance and pride.

photos courtesy of Filippo Tomasi, Instagram: @filipptomasiphot, and Amber Togisala, Instagram: @togfoto