Get ready to be inspired by Kimberly Longabaugh, affectionately known as Coach Kim! She believes that mastering technique, progression, and safety is absolutely essential in any sport or activity, especially if you're to shine as a cheerleader, with a whole lot of spirit to boot!

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Kim began her studies in gymnastics, jazz, ballet, and tap at the age of four. At six, she continued in Houston, Texas where she was a member of the Houston Gymnastic Team for five years and a member of the Houston Jazz-Ballet Company (owned and operated by Patsy Swayze, mother of the late Patrick Swayze) for seven years. Later, she cheered for her hometown, Angleton, during her junior high and high school years and became a member of the Brazoria Civic Ballet Company. She, then, went on to become a gymnastic instructor at the age of fourteen. By sixteen, she also taught aerobics, jazz, ballet, and tap. She continued to do so throughout high school, but took time in college to dance with the NLU Dance Company where she was extended an invitation to Broadway by New York choreographer, Ed Brazo, after performing a piece from “Cats”.

 

Kim has worked as Head Recreational Director for tumbling and cheer classes, and became certified by USAG to coach competitive gymnastics. Her other accomplishments have been to serve as a fitness trainer for boys’ and girls’ basketball and football teams that went on to win State Championships. She has served as a Fitness Director in the health club industry, and has become a certified Crossfit Level 1 Trainer. 

 

In addition to running her own gym, Kim has been the Spirit Coordinator and Head Coach for multiple cheer programs (pep squads, middle schools, varsity) and mascots at independent and public school system. Her certifications and memberships through NFHS and other resources are as follows:

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• AACCA Spirit Safety

• Accredited Interscholastic Coach

• Bullying, Hazing & Inappropriate Behaviors

• Concussion in Sports

• Engaging Effectively With Parents

• First Aid, Health & Safety

• Fundamentals of Coaching

• Heat Illness Prevention

• MAC Member

• Social Media

• Sportsmanship

• Sudden Cardiac Arrest

• Understanding Copyright & Compliance

• USA Cheer Member

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Kim continues to teach many successful students for cheer or dance tryouts, whether it was for Junior High, High School, College or UCA. She has choreographed and taught numerous winning routines for cheer and dance for both public and private schools, solos, duets, etc., Grand Championship routines for Clinton Elite's competitive cheer and dance teams, and individuals needing a routine for talent in pageants.

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Kim has owned and operated Clinton Elite since April 2010. She is emphatic when expressing how much she loves "her kids"! "I've been teaching for 44 years, now," Longabaugh said, "and I've learned that I'm a coach first and a business owner, second. I want to use whatever little bit of talent God has given me and utilize it in such a way that's pleasing to Him, even if it's simply to be a positive role model to my students and help them realize their potential in some small way."