About CLC's Gymnastics Academy
Dedicated to empowering Kaua'i's youth through movement, mentorship, and community.
Our Story
It all began with just one gymnast and one coach.
Christabella Lilliana Cargill and Coach Kevin Tiess first met through Kauaʻi's small gymnastics community. As Christabella's passion for the sport deepened, her family began seeking a more personalized and supportive training experience, one that could nurture her potential in a safe, focused and progress-oriented environment.
With no other suitable options nearby, her parents reached out to Coach Kevin to ask whether he would consider offering private lessons at their home. Honored by their trust and inspired by Christabella's dedication, Kevin enthusiastically agreed.
What started as a simple plan to help one young gymnast maintain and build her skills soon evolved into something much greater. The connection between coach and gymnast that was rooted in trust, commitment and shared joy planted the seed for a broader vision: a place where Kauaʻi's keiki could grow strong in both body and spirit.
As word spread about these sessions, more and more families reached out, eager to have their children experience the same thoughtful, high-quality expert coaching.
And so, CLC's Gymnastics Academy was born and named in honor of Christabella Lilliana Cargill, and representing Creating Lifelong Champions, a reflection of our mission to offer high-quality gymnastics training guiding every child toward physical strength, emotional confidence, and a lifelong love for movement.
What began with one gymnast and one coach has grown into a vibrant and supportive community fueled by passion, purpose, and aloha.
Mahalo for being part of our story. We're only just beginning, and we can't wait to flip into the future with you!
Our Mission
At CLC's Gymnastics Academy, our mission provides every child in our community with access to a safe, inclusive and affordable gymnastics program that builds strength, coordination, flexibility, confidence and a lifelong love of movement. We strive to create a supportive environment where athletes of all backgrounds can experience the power, beauty, and benefits of gymnastics developing not only physical skills, but also character, resilience and self-esteem.
Currently operating as a mobile program, we've brought gymnastics to children throughout the island. We are working toward building a permanent, state-of-the-art home gym to expand access and opportunity for Kaua'i's youth while enriching the health and balance of our community.
Our Impact
Kaua'i faces a shortage of structured, after-school programs that keep children active, supported and safe. Gymnastics fills that need by giving kids a place to move, learn, and connect to a place where they can channel their energy into something positive and grow surrounded by mentors who believe in them. Gymnastics has the power to shape not just strong athletes, but strong individuals and the need for that impact on Kaua'i has never been greater. Our keiki deserve programs that inspire confidence, discipline, and joy through movement, while giving them a positive and healthy path to follow.
In response, CLC's Gymnastics Academy has shown just how much our community values this sport. As a mobile program, we've reached a multitude of children across the island but the demand continues to outgrow our capacity. A permanent home gym would allow us to provide consistent training, expand access and build a lasting space where every child can belong while teaching them to set goals, face fears and celebrate progress. All necessary tools to learn perseverance, confidence and focus that carry into school, relationships and life.
Our Leadership
CLC's Gymnastics Academy is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based on the island of Kaua'i.
The Academy is guided by a dedicated and diverse Board of Directors representing a range of professional and economic backgrounds, each committed to advancing youth development through movement and mentorship.
Our day-to-day programs are led by a team of skilled coaches who are devoted to providing every athlete with a positive, inclusive, and high-quality gymnastics experience rooted in kindness, understanding, and encouragement.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do at CLC's Gymnastics Academy
Inclusivity
Every child, regardless of background or ability, deserves access to quality programs.
Safety
We prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of every athlete in our care.
Growth
We celebrate progress over perfection and support each child's individual journey.
Community
We build lasting connections and support networks that extend beyond the gym.