Any gym owner interested in adding power tumbling and/or trampoline can benefit from reaching out to the USTA. The organization provides gyms, athletes and owners with a community and resources, in addition to giving out over $2,000 worth of scholarships to graduating seniors or to athletes that are still competing and continuing their education. “It’s one big family,” says Dean. “They truly have a vested interest in the athletes and coaches.”

The USTA was founded in 1971 by Larry Griswold and George Nissen (the founder of the trampoline). Currently, there are over 6,000 athletes enrolled and competing in power tumbling, double mini and trampoline. Affiliating with USTA was the path Briggs and his colleagues chose to start their fledgling program; they’re working to fully develop all levels of the program before branching out into the USAG.

“From a cost factor, USTA is less expensive than USAG because they don’t require full sleeves for leotards or full warm-ups,” explains Briggs. “As we continue to grow and develop the program, we will eventually begin to enter USAG competitions with select athletes.”