You've seen her at cheer practices and competitions this year more than ever before. Let's meet this VIP, one half of the husband and wife team who owns Capital Gymnastics National Training Center- Tish Simmons!

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I hear you were a cheerleader once upon a time. Where did you cheer? What kind of cheer was it? How long did you cheer for? Were you a flyer, base, or back spot?

I cheered at George Mason University after finishing my gymnastics career. We were a competitive all-girl team that competed at UCA Nationals in Orlando, and one year at NCA in Daytona. I was also the team captain my senior year, which was a really meaningful experience for me.

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I was equally a tumbler and a base, which I loved because it pushed me in different ways. I had to be strong and consistent for my team, but also bring performance and power through tumbling. It gave me a completely different perspective on teamwork and what it means to truly rely on each other.

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What is your favorite cheer memory?

My favorite memory was that moment right before we took the floor at UCA Nationals my senior year with George Mason. Everything gets quiet. Everyone is locked in. And you can feel the energy of the team all at once. There’s a level of focus, trust, and excitement in that moment that’s hard to describe, but it’s something you never forget.

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For how many years have you coached? How long have you coached at Capital?

I have coached for many years, working with athletes from beginners all the way through the elite level. I take a lot of pride in developing athletes from the ground up and guiding them through every stage of their journey. That range of experience has shaped how I approach coaching, with a strong focus on long-term development, consistency, and building athletes the right way.

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Capital has always been home for me, first as an athlete and coach, now as the owner, which makes it really meaningful. I have been at Capital for over 20 years. 

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You are an owner of Capital Gymnastics National Training Center. What made you want to buy Capital?

Capital has always meant something to me. It’s where I grew up and where I learned so many of the life lessons that shaped me. When the opportunity came to take ownership, there was no question! I wanted to continue building a place where athletes can grow, be challenged, and develop both in their sport and as people.

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You have recently been to more Capital Cheer practices and competitions. Is there anything that you have learned from this extra time on the cheer side? Anything come as a surprise? Is there anything you think really stands out as positive? Anything you think is an opportunity for change?

It’s been incredible to step into the cheer world. I have really loved the energy that cheer brings; it’s different in the best way. The team dynamic, the excitement, and the way the athletes show up for each other is something that really stands out.

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This season has been incredible. We are making a statement in the cheer world, and it’s been noticed. I’ve had so many coaches come up to me and point out how great our athletes look and how strong our program is becoming.

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More than anything, I want to continue to grow our program the right way. I want a high-quality program where athletes are developed from the ground up, where details matter, and where teams truly grow together. We will keep building on what we’ve started and continue raising the standard.

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What are 3 tips you would give cheer athletes?

1. Your attitude matters. Being coachable, positive, and willing to work is what will separate you.

2. Details matter. Motions, timing, technique… those are the things that take a routine from good to great.

3. Be a great teammate. Cheer is built on trust, and how you support each other matters just as much as the skills.

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What do you see for the future of Capital Cheer?

I see continued growth and a program that keeps getting stronger every year. We want to build something that people recognize, not just for results, but for quality, discipline, and the way our athletes perform and carry themselves. We want teams that grow together, support each other, and take pride in what they represent.

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And a couple just for fun, if you were to choose a theme song for Capital Cheer, what would it be? And would you be open to having a Capital Cheer mascot or hand signal?

The theme song would be something high energy and powerful, something that makes you feel confident and ready to compete the second it comes on.

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And yes, I love the idea of a mascot or hand signal. Anything that builds identity and brings the program together is something I’m all for.