Meet Our Coaches

Joe & Kelly Eagle- Owners & Head Coach

Coach Kelly has been involved in tumbling, dance, and cheerleading her entire life. She started out as a gymnast at age 3. She was a member of a traveling tumbling team that performed throughout Central Illinois. She cheered her freshman year of high school and then switched to dance in order to compete. Kelly choreographed routines and competed in lyrical, pom, and jazz divisions (IDTA). Placing top 5 in the state, earning UDA All-American honors and the Most Valuable Senior Award.

She then came to Missouri to attend Mizzou and soon discovered All-Star cheerleading. She began coaching at Spirit of Missouri Elite aiding them in winning over 20 National Championships, including a 1st place finish at U.S. Finals. Kelly choreographs cheerleading, dance, and competition routines across the state. She has done champion choreography for Van-Far High School, Fayette High School, Tolton Catholic High School, Sturgeon High School, Harrisburg High School, Pacific High School, New Bloomfield High School, Rock Bridge High School and Central Methodist University to name a few. She has traveled across the country teaching cheerleading camps from beginner to elite as well as judging. She has attended numerous All-star and High School Coaching conferences in order to stay on top of the newest skills and trends within the cheerleading industry. She has done voice critique, score tabulation and judged for the Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association’s High-School Regionals. Kelly has competed across the country on a National Champion level 7 (College) All-Star squad with Spirit of Missouri Elite, during this time she was also honored with the most outstanding coach award. In 2010 she was an assistant coach to the Central Methodist University Dance Team. 2009-2011 she was an assistant coach, choreographer, and tumbling coach for the Rock Bridge Bruin High School Cheerleaders. She has 17+ years of All-Star, class, camp and tumbling coaching experience. Kelly has a private tumbling client base that has followed her since 2008 and has also ran private tumbling for several high school programs as well. 2011-2014; She was the Cheer Program Director at a local gymnastics gym, leading her squads to a 2nd place finish at U.S. Finals in 2011 and 2013 as well as organizing and running a successful program during three full cheer seasons where the program tripled under Kelly's direction. She is ACCAA Certified, First Aid Certified, an NFHS Interscholastic Coach, PCA (positive coaching alliance ) certified and is credentialed through level 6 in tosses, building, and tumbling by the United States All Star Federation (USASF) Cycle 2.

In 2014, together with her husband Joe, they pursued their dreams by opening Eagle Elite, LLC. Eagle started season one with over 40 competitive team athletes. Kelly was soon after honored as Inside Columbia Magazine’s Best of Columbia 2015- Best Youth Sports Coach as well as Best Entrepreneur 2015. Eagle Elite is a family-oriented gym that offers safety, quality progression, and a positive atmosphere, as well as experienced, credentialed instruction and a standard for confidence building through coaching they are proud of. Kelly has a passion for cheer and tumbling and works to provide a safe and positive environment for our youth. With all the negativity in today's society she takes pride in setting an intentional culture in our gym of positivity, team work, and perseverance; where hard work is always rewarded and goals are achieved together as a family.

She strives to encourage and lift kids up, building confidence and helping our athletes to learn real life lessons through competitive cheerleading, dance and tumbling in a safe space.

Kelly is excited to be able to utilize sports such as cheerleading and dance to teach and instill values in our children. Teamwork, dedication, respect, patience and hard work are just a few of the things cheer, dance, and gymnastics have taught her. She is thrilled to be able to pass on these life lessons, as well as her passion for these sports to future generations!

Credentials and Certifications:

USASF Safety Certified and credentialed through Level 6 - Cycle 2 (tumbling and building)

Yearly Criminal Background Checked - Green Light

Safe Sport Certified-USASF

AACCA Certified - (American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators)

Positive Coaching Alliance Certified (PCA)

Certified NFHS Interscholastic Coach

NAIA Certified Collegiate Judge

CPR and First Aid Certified

Special Needs Certified- USASF/Special Olympics

Best of Columbia- Best Youth Sports Coach 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

Best of Columbia -Best Entrepreneur 2015 & 2016

Award Winning Choreographer - (High School State, All-Star National, NCA and NAIA Collegiate Champion routines)

17+ years of coaching experience in Columbia (High School, College and All-Star)

University of Missouri-Columbia Bachelor of Arts-Interdisciplinary Studies (Marketing and Communications) Minor in English

ASEP Certified –Cardiac Wise, Concussion Wise and Heat Wise

25+ years’ experience competing cheer (high school and all-star), dance (UDA All American) and gymnastics

Opened Eagle Elite in 2014

Available for Private Lessons

eagleelitecheerleading@gmail.com

Jeseca Downes- Coach & Gym Director

Coach Jeseca is a local from Columbia Missouri. She graduated from Rock Bridge Highschool in 2013, and then the University of Missouri in 2017 with a bachelors degree in Heath Science and Minors in both Wellness and Psychology. She began dancing when she was 3 years old taking classes at Columbia Performing Arts Center, but then fell in love with the world of competitive cheerleading when she was 10. While in high school Jeseca was captain of the Varsity cheer team, and won the team’s first and only State Championship. She began coaching tumbling, gymnastics and dance classes in 2010 at The Little Gym of Columbia, where she quickly became a head instructor and assistant manager, she then joined the coaching staff at Eagle Elite Cheerleading when they opened in 2014. Along with coaching cheerleading Jeseca is also a certified hot yoga instructor with her 200hr certification and has been teaching hot yoga at Sumits Hot Yoga for 5+ years. Jeseca is also Eagle Elite's Gym Director, and when she is not on the floor coaching you can usually find her up at the front desk. With 12+ years of coaching experience Coach Jeseca loves being able to work with so many amazing athletes and help them to grow to be better cheerleaders, athletes, and people.

Credentials & Certifications:

USASF Safety certified and credentialed through level 4 (tumbling and building) – Cycle 1

Yearly Criminal Background Checked - Green Light

Safe Sport Certified-USASF

Positive Coaches Alliance (PCA) Certified Coach
AACCA Certified (American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators)

NAIA Certified Collegiate Judge

CPR and First Aid Certified
Yoga Alliance Certified Hot Yoga Instructor

Best of Columbia- Best Yoga Instructor

University of Missouri-Columbia

-Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science

-Minors in Wellness and Psychology

ASEP Certified –Cardiac Wise, Concussion Wise and Heat Wise

Completed 8+ years coaching All-Star Cheerleading

12+ years’ experience coaching tumbling

Eagle Staff since 2014

Available for Private Lessons:

Jesecamd@gmail.com

Dr. Brandie Morgan Jack- Coach & Tumbling Specialist

Training under Johnny Moyal at Elite Gymnastics (Baton Rouge, La.), Brandie Morgan-Jack began her competitive gymnastics career at age 4 and continued until she graduated high school. Her highest gymnastics level competed was level 8. Concurrently, she was also a member of the competitive dance team at the Melissa Zeno’s Acclaimed School of Dance (Baton Rouge, La.) for 7 years. Brandie was also involved in the elementary, middle school and high school cheer and dance squads at Southern University Laboratory School (Baton Rouge, La.). During her senior year in high school she was Co-captain of the varsity cheer squad.

Following high school, Brandie attended Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU) (Natchitoches, La.) where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Biology. During that time, she was a member of the NSU Co-ed Cheer Squad for 4 years and served as Captain her final year. While at cheer camp her senior year she was invited to try out for employment with the National Cheerleading Association, and was soon after hired. Brandie worked as NCA Staff as a Cheer Instructor for 4 years, and was promoted to Head Instructor her final year.

In 2008 Brandie moved to Columbia to attend the University of Missouri where she obtained her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences. During that time, she competed one season as a member of the Spirit of Missouri level 6 open all-star cheer squad (Columbia, Mo.). Upon graduation in 2013, she assisted Kelly Eagle coaching the All-Star level 1-3 teams at Authority Gymnastics and Cheer (Columbia, Mo.). She began coaching at Eagle Elite Cheerleading in 2014 when they opened and has been a member of the coaching staff for all 9 seasons, coaching levels 1-4.

Brandie is married to Coach OJ, and together they have two boys. Coach Brandie loves being in the cheer gym and working with all of the athletes. Her years of experience and knowledge make her an excellent coach and a great part of our Eagle family.

Credentials & Certifications:

USASF Safety Certified and credentialed through Level 6 tumbling, Level 5 building-Cycle 1

Yearly Criminal Background Checked - Green Light

Safe Sport Certified-USASF

Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) Certified

CPR and First Aid Certified

Northwestern State University of Louisiana -Bachelor of science (Biology)

University of Missouri- Columbia -PhD in Biological Sciences

ASEP Certified –Cardiac Wise, Concussion Wise and Heat Wise

NCA Staff-3 years

NCA Staff- Head Instructor-1 year

Completed 9+ years coaching All-Star Cheerleading

25+ years’ experience competing cheer (high school, all-star and collegiate as well as gymnastics (level 8))

Eagle Staff since 2014

Available for Private Lessons:

morganb003@yahoo.com

Otonye Jack- Stunt Coach

Otonye Jack (Coach OJ) was born and raised in Kansas City Missouri.

He attended high school at Center Sr. High School. While in Highschool he was apart of the debate team, student council, marching band, football team, wrestling team, and cheerleading and all Star cheerleading teams.

OJ attended College at Central Methodist University in Fayette Missouri where he played football and was on the cheer team for the 1st 2 year of college, he then switched to only cheer his last 2 years at CMU. During his 2 final years OJ was also the captain of the cheer team. While at CMU OJ received his Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Minored in Business.

OJ's cheer experience includes a year of high school cheer in Kansas City, a year of All-Star cheer at the Elite All Star Panthers, and 4 years at Central Methodist University. OJ began coaching competitive cheerleading in 2009 at the University of Missouri Kansas City before moving to Columbia, and has coached with Kelly Eagle for over 9 years.

OJ is married to the amazing coach Brandie and father to two beautiful boys, J.J. and Tyson. He is an IT professional for Veterans United Home Loans and his hobbies include smoking meats, watching football, telling dad jokes and enjoying life.

"I'm in the business of creating awesome human beings. I simply use cheerleading as my tool to do so. I love every one of our athletes and want to see them successful; not only I'm cheerleading but also in life."

Credentials and Certifications:

USASF Safety Certified and credentialed through Level 5 - Cycle 1 (tumbling and building)

Yearly Criminal Background Checked - Green Light

Safe Sport Certified-USASF

Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) Certified

CPR and First Aid Certified

Central Methodist University -Bachelor’s of Science (Computer Science with a Minor in Business)

ASEP Certified –Cardiac Wise, Concussion Wise and Heat Wise

CMU Co-ed Cheer 2006 - 2010

CMU Co-ed Cheer Captain 2008-2010 UMKC Asst. Cheer Coach 2012-2013

9+ years coaching All-Star Cheerleading 15+ years’ experience competing cheer

Eagle Staff since 2014

Private Lessons upon special request:

eaglegymrelations@gmail.com

Jenna Downes- Coach

Coach Jenna is a local from Columbia Missouri. She graduated from Rock Bridge High school in 2020. Before finding her love of competitive cheerleading Jenna was on the competitive dance team at Columbia Performing Arts Center (CPAC) for several years. She began cheering at Eagle Elite in 2015 and has won multiple national championship titles with her teams and has been a part of Eagle Elite ever since. Coach Jenna competed with Eagle Elite for her final year of eligibility on "Soar" in her super senior year, and competed on Eagle Elite's first competitive dance team last season winning 3 first place titles. Coach Jenna is currently competing on Eagle Elite's Open/College Cheer team, "Golden Eagles" and also on the Open Dance team, "Fly Girls" this season. She completed her training as a junior coach in 2018 and now coaches multiple classes and teams at Eagle. She has a true gift for working with kids and her love and passion for coaching cheerleading makes her a great part of our coaching staff.

Credentials & Certifications:

Registered Coach with United States All Star Federation

USASF Safety Certified & Credentialed through Level 2 Tumbling and Building- Cycle 1

Yearly Criminal Background Checked- Green Light

Safe Sport Certified- USASF

Baseline Coach Course Certified-USASF

Positive Coaches Alliance (PCA) Certified

CPR and First Aid Certified

Eagle Elite Athlete of the Year Award Recipient - 2021

Completed 2 years of required hands on Jr. Coach Training with Eagle Core Staff

3+ Years Coaching All Star Cheerleading

12 years' experience competing cheer and dance

Eagle Staff since 2019

Available for Private Lessons:

Jennamizzou@gmail.com

Kali Baker- Coach

Kali Baker is from Columbia Missouri and graduated from Rock Bridge High school in 2019. She began cheering at Eagle Elite in 2015 during season 2 and has been with Eagle ever since. She has won multiple national championship titles, has 7 years of all star cheer experience, 2 years of school cheer experience, and 2 years of all star dance experience. Kali has competed on many different teams at Eagle Elite and is currently on the Open Cheer team "Golden Eagles" as well as the Open Dance team "Fly Girls" here at Eagle Elite. Kali is also a member of the national championship collegiate dance team "Envy" at Central Methodist University where she is currently studying marine biology. Kali completed her junior coach training in 2020 and now currently coaches several of our cheer and dance teams along with classes. She has a love for cheer and dance and for coaching and we love having her as a part of our coaching team!

Credentials & Certifications:

Registered Coach with United States All Star Federation

USASF Safety Certified & Credentialed through level 2 tumbling & building- Cycle 1

Yearly Criminal Background Checked- Green Light

Safe Sport Certified- USASF

Eagle Elite Athlete of the Year Award Recipient - 2021

Completed 1 year of required hands on Jr. Coach Training with Eagle Core Staff

Completed 2 Year Coaching All Star Cheerleading

7 years' experience competing all star cheer

Eagle Staff since 2021

Available for Private Lessons:

Kalibaker2@gmail.com

Alexis Tulak- Coach

Coach Alexis got her start in the all-star competitive cheer world at Eagle Elite in 2015. She graduated from Sturgeon High school in 2020 where she also cheered all 4 years for football, basketball and their competitive team. During her years competing with Eagle Elite she has won multiple national championships titles, received multiple bids and competed with her team Soar, at the D2 Summit in 2022. Coach Alexis is currently still cheering at Eagle on the Open/ College team "Golden Eagles" as well as cheering at Columbia College. She is currently studying at Columbia College and pursuing a degree in business administration. Alexis completed her junior coach training in 2020 and now coaches teams and classes. Coach Alexis loves being able to share the love of cheerleading with all the kids at Eagle Elite, and is a great member of our coaching team.

Credentials & Certifications:

Registered Coach with United States All Star Federation

USASF Safety Certified & Credentialing through level 2 tumbling & building- Cycle 1

Yearly Criminal Background Checked- Green Light

Safe Sport Certified- USASF

Eagle Elite Athlete of the Year Award Recipient - 2021

Completed 1 year of required hands on Jr. Coach Training with Eagle Core Staff

Completed 2 Year Coaching All Star Cheerleading

8 years' experience competing cheer

Eagle Staff since 2021

Available for Private Lessons:

alexistulak1@gmail.com

Matt Fohn- Dance Coach

Coach Matt is originally from Lebanon, MO. Matt’'s love for dance began at the age of 10 and has continued to grow throughout his career. He has trained with some of the top commercial choreographers in the industry, including Brian Friedman, Tyce Diorio, Tessandra Chavez, Dave Scott, Gil Duldulao, and Mia Michaels. These experiences have allowed him to develop a unique style that blends various techniques and genres.

As a coach and choreographer, Matt brings a passion and energy to his work that is contagious. He believes in creating a positive and supportive environment that fosters growth and development for his dancers. His commitment to excellence, combined with his unique vision and artistic sensibility, has made him one of the most sought-after coaches and choreographers in Mid Missouri.

Under Matt’s guidance, teams he has either coached or choreographed for have consistently placed within the top 4 at NDA College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida. His dedication to his craft and commitment to excellence have also earned him awards for his choreography, most recently in 2022.

Matt currently resides in Columbia and works as an Account Manager for Rebel Athletic. He is the Head Dance Team Coach at Central Methodist University. He is excited for his second season with Eagle!

Credentials & Certifications:

coming soon

Baylee McCoy- Coach

Coach Baylee graduated from Centralia High School in 2019. She began dancing at the age of 2 and began all-star cheerleading at the age of 3. She was a part of the Dance Company at Janet’s Dance Studio for 8 years. She also taught dance, acro, gymnastics, and rec cheer for 8 years at Janet’s Dance Studio. Baylee was on her high school’s Varsity Cheerleading team her freshman through her senior year, where she was made Captain. Coach Baylee also has experience in choreography, and has choreographed dance routines for tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical and hip hop studio dance, as well as recreational & competitive cheer routines. Baylee also works at Veterans United home loans in Columbia Missouri. Coaching children has always been a big passion of Baylee’s and she strives to give kids the tools to be great athletes, as well as great humans.

You can also add that I’ve worked with Veterans United home loans since 2021

Credentials & Certifications:

Registered Coach with United States All Star Federation

Yearly Criminal Background Checked- Green Light

CPR Certified

18 years' experience in Cheer and Dance

Eagle Staff since 2022

Available for Private Lessons

bayleemccoy@gmail.com

Paige Fitton- Coach

Coach Paige is from St. Louis, Missouri. Cheerleading has been a big part of her life for over 14 years. She began taking tumbling classes and cheering for a recreational football team at 4 years old. She began competitive cheerleading when she was 7 years old at Spirit Elite and continued her all star cheer career all the way up until she was 18 years old at Cheer St. Louis where she won several national championship titles and got to compete at The Summit, placing 5th in the nation. In addition, she cheered for her high school, Fort Zumwalt West, for 4 years with 3 of those being on the varsity team and being captain. Paige graduated in 2021 from Fort Zumwalt West Hight School with Summa Cum Laude honors. Outside of cheerleading, she is currently a sophomore at Mizzou where she is majoring in Elementary Education. She has been a preschool teacher for 2 years and has a passion for working with children. Once coming to college, she realized that she was really missing the sport and wanted to get into coaching. At Eagle Elite, she coaches several classes along with working with the Hatchlings and Wings teams. She absolutely love working at Eagle Elite and being able to watch the kids grow as people and as athletes and we are so happy to have her as part of our coaching staff.