Fit for Royalty

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Marisa Johnson was a competitive all-star cheerleader during her time at Boulder Creek High School.

Little did she know the two would come together.

Seven years ago, on New Year’s Eve, she opened AZ Royals to turn cheerleaders and tumblers into a well-conditioned and mentally fi t athletes. Th e competitive cheer program stresses respect, while the power tumbling program is under the USA Gymnastics umbrella.

“Our staff takes pride in our ability to focus on each individual,” Johnson says. “It is important for our staff to teach students to excel in all areas of cheerleading and tumbling.

“Our staff strongly believes that our success originates from the dedication and commitment of our athletes and parents. Not only do we strive for success through the cheer program, but we also encourage positive attitudes and respectful behaviors among our students.”

AZ Royals was forced to close in March, due to COVID-19, but reopened at the end of May because the company is branded a youth and recreational program.

Johnson used the COVID-19-forced closure to rebrand to Arizona Royals with new colors: silver, red, black and white.

“We’re trying to rebrand and give it a facelift ,” she says. “We’re still following strict guidelines. We have 10 tumbling kids at a time. It’s nice because all of our panel mats are 6 feet apart.

“Unfortunately, we can’t stunt with any of the kids. Th ey can’t touch each other. We have diff erent workouts for them in order to help them maintain that stretch. We’re working on tumbling, jumps, strength and conditioning, and fl exibility.”

Johnson wasn’t planning on opening a cheer gym. It just fell in her lap.

“I started coaching and then I acquired the gym aft er that,” she says. “I just love cheer. We incorporate fi tness into our program with personal trainers and instructors who are catered toward adults, too.

“We also do recreational tumbling classes as well for those who aren’t ready to compete. Th ey can come in and work on tumbling skills at any level or age group.”

Its focus is competitive cheering throughout the Valley at local competitions. Th e organization does travel out of state a couple times a year.

“Th e program is based on kids who are

Marisa Johnson helms Arizona Royals in Anthem, where she provides disciplined training in all-star cheerleading and tumbling. (Photos courtesy Marisa Johnson)

Arizona Royals offers tumbling, recreational cheer and Arizona Royals All-Star, the latter of which is an elite cheer program.

really elite athletes,” Johnson says. “We also have programs for kids not wanting to compete in states to keep it affordable.”

Cheer has played a big part in Johnson’s life. She competed in the worlds twice and, in her last year, she earned a silver medal with the West Valley Thunder in 2008.

“One aspect with competitive cheer that’s important is you have to be a well-rounded athlete,” she says. “You have to be able to tumble, stunt, jump and dance. It’s a really athletic sport. When I started working with Arizona Royals, I felt strongly about incorporating the fitness aspect.

“It’s so competitive. That’s what I love about it. I love the athletes who push their limits. I love showing them they’re better than they think they are and showing them that hard work and determination will pay off. Plus, these kids are able to go out on stage and have the confidence that will help them down the road in life.”

4235 W. Opportunity Way, Suite 104, Anthem 623-551-2780, azroyaltwist.com

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