We have a small team of coaching staff who have been carefully selected and work closely together. They receive ongoing professional development opportunities both in cheerleading coaching, but also in psychological theory (such as motivating athletes, helping athletes to overcome setbacks and "mind blocks", and developing positive self-image in girls and women). Our coaches bring to their craft unrivalled experience, along with a whole lot of passion and a whole lot of love. Many of the staff at Skybound have been lifelong friends, who first met through their involvement with the Allstar cheerleading and dance community! Our coaches are all fully certified under the IASF, hold current Working With Children Checks, and first aid qualifications.
Tonéya Ashby
(Gym Owner/Head Coach)
Tonéya (she/her) began her cheerleading journey in approximately 2012, after a near-lifetime of involvement in dance. She has many years of coaching experience, as well as in pioneering a competitive cheerleading program. Tonéya has spent 4 years living on the East coast of Australia (first in Sydney, then in Brisbane), where she has learned from some of the largest and most successful cheerleading gyms in the country. She brings back with her to Adelaide an unrivalled repertoire of experience and knowledge which she eagerly shares with members of the South Australian cheerleading community through Skybound Elite. Tonéya has a particular interest in choreography and has proudly shared her skills with gyms across SA and NSW. Outside of Skybound, Tonéya works as a registered child and adolescent psychologist. As a result, Tonéya’s coaching style is heavily grounded in the development of resilient young athletes who can carry with them the life skills they acquire through their involvement in cheerleading to all aspects of their lives. Tonéya most enjoys seeing her athletes become courageous and resilient girls and women through their participation in their sport.
Aleesha Honeychurch
(Cheer & Tumble Coach)
Aleesha (she/her) started gymnastics at a young age, but was always intrigued by the world of cheerleading and dance. At age 13, she decided to follow this curiousity and became involved in Allstar cheerleading, where she quickly found a new passion. Aleesha has been actively involved in the Allstar community ever since; both as a competitor and a coach. Aleesha has competed in cheerleading teams in levels 1 through to 4.2, at both a State and National level. She has also competed in dance teams in a variety of genres at a State and National level. Aleesha has been coaching since 2015 and thus brings many years of experience to her craft, including working with children from Mini through to Open age groups. With her, she brings a passion for the sport that so quickly captivated her own heart at a young age; but also a passion for working with children of all ages. For Aleesha, the best part of coaching is watching the excitement of her athletes when they land a new skill or hit an amazing routine!
Bonica Little
(Tumble Coach)
Bonica (she/her) has been involved in gymnastics for the last 20+ years, being a National level gymnast herself for 15. She began cheerleading in 2011, when she quickly developed a love for the sport. Bonica brings with her a passion for mental wellbeing and an all-inclusive coaching style, demonstrating skills that can be used not only in training, but for the athletes to apply to their everyday life. Her passion for coaching began in 2017, when she started coaching her first competition gymnastics team and quickly developed an interest in coaching tumble. From training under the guidance of professional coaches, to coaching alongside them, Bonica has had the opportunity to gain extensive knowledge on the kinetics of tumble. Since completing her bachelor’s degree in psychology, Bonica also understands the dynamics of a positive mentor and what it means to be an effective role model. She brings with her a determined, yet gentle coaching style to facilitate athlete growth and ensure the best outcome.
Caitlin Feige
(Cheer & Tumble Coach)
Caitlin (she/her) has been a competitive acrobat and gymnast from a young age and has enjoyed being involved in these sports as both a coach and athlete. She is one of only six athletes to have ever represented South Australia at a National level for acrobatics. In 2013, she found a new passion in cheerleading when she, by chance, became involved with the team Tonéya was coaching and training in at the time. Caitlin has been passionately involved in the Allstar community as both a coach and athlete ever since. Caitlin is a highly sought-after coach, and her skills have found her running skill workshops and clinics both locally and in NSW. Outside of Skybound, Caitlin has completed her Bachelor of Business (Sport and Recreation Management). Her tertiary education has afforded her a wealth of industry-relevant knowledge in motivating individuals, overcoming barriers to participation, and establishing and maintaining professionalism in sport. Caitlin’s greatest joy in coaching is seeing her athletes surprise themselves with the skills they achieve after dedicated practice.
Tehani Duhne
(Cheer & Tumble Coach)
Tehani (she/her) is one of Skybound’s Founding Members, having joined the gym’s tumbling program in its first season in 2020. She joined Skybound’s Competitive cheerleading program as an athlete in 2021, and quickly developed a passion for the sport. She formalised her IASF qualifications as a cheerleading and tumble coach in early 2022, and has been an eager member of Skybound‘s coaching staff ever since. Tehani has been in the field of performing arts her whole life: including dance, gymnastics, and circus arts. Her prior experience in these areas, alongside her rapidly growing experiences as both an athlete and coach in cheerleading, have allowed her to become an asset to the Skybound gym. Outside of cheer, Tehani has completed her Certificate II in Community Services, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education, and has enjoyed many years of hosting children’s birthday parties. Tehani always brings her bubbly, happy, supportive self to team trainings, and is excited to see her athletes grow within the gym. Tehani‘s favourite aspect of coaching is seeing athletes evolve and break out of their shells, experiencing newfound confidence, happiness, and pride in their accomplishments!
Alexsi Burke
(Cheer & Tumble Coach)
Alexsi (she/her) joined Skybound‘s Competitive program as an athlete in 2022 and fell in love with the sport immediately. Her natural ability and attention to detail was quickly recognised, and she was successful in gaining a coaching role at Skybound for the 2023 season. Alexsi formalised her IASF qualifications in 2023 and debuted as a secondary coach on both Semi- and Competitive teams in the gym, as well as taking tumble classes and private lessons. She has become a widely adored and respected athlete and coach at Skybound in a short space of time, and is a natural leader among her peers. Although Alexsi has only been in cheer for a few years, she has always been involved in performing arts; including dance, gymnastics, and circus. Outside of cheer, Alexsi has completed her Certificate II in Dance in 2020, which has helped provide her with the skills to teach and perform dance. She has also completed her Certificate III in Individual Support, which allows her to support children and adults living with disabilities. This experience has proven Alexsi is able to motivate, engage and support children and adults from all walks of life to achieve their desired goals. Alexsi‘s favourite part about coaching is watching her athletes sass it up on the cheer floor!
Talia Scarfo
(Cheer & Tumble Coach)
Talia (she/her) is one of Skybound‘s founding members, having joined the gym‘s tumbling program in 2020 (and having been a keen tumbler since a young age!). She went on to join Skybound‘s Competitive cheerleading program in 2021 and quickly found her passion for cheer. She has competed on a number of teams since at both a state and national level, in levels 3, 3NT and 4NT. Talia was a successful applicant into Skybound‘s Junior Coach program in 2023, and was proud to formalise her IASF qualifications and commence learning the role through shadowing senior coaching staff. Talia looks forward to expanding her IASF credentials in 2024 and taking on some of her own classes independently. Outside of cheer, Talia is in the process of completing her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. As a coach, she is most excited to make a positive impact upon her athletes‘ lives, and to watch them develop their skills.
Adelle Almstetter
(Junior Coach)
Adelle (she/her) has been a Competitive athlete at Skybound since its opening in 2020 and has competed on numerous teams over the years in levels 1 through to 3. She has represented Skybound at local events, including performing in the Adelaide Fringe in 2023, and has competed with Skybound both nationally and internationally. Adelle‘s natural leadership and extensive experience of the sport saw her become a successful applicant into the gym‘s Junior Coach program in 2023, and she has enjoyed shadowing senior coaching staff in tumble classes and Semi-Competitive teams. Adelle will look to formalise her Junior Coach qualifications in 2024 and looks forward to inspiring more and more athletes as her coaching experience grows!
Keryn Carter
(Reception/Administrative support)
Keryn (she/her) has been an avid cheerleading enthusiast since 2018 when her daughters commenced their involvement in cheerleading. She and her daughters have been Skybound members since the gym opened in 2020, and she has spent thousands of hours in the gym ever since (as both a parent and athlete!). Keryn‘s passion for all things Skybound, knowledge of the gym and the sport, and genuine eagerness to help others led her to become an unofficial fountain of knowledge and advice at Skybound over the years. Keryn will formalise this role in 2024 as a friendly face behind our reception desk, and providing invaluable administrative support to the running of the gym behind the scenes.
Miesha Ashby
(Gym-Dog)
Miesha is a beautiful adult Samoyed and our resident gym-dog. She has become a sort of unofficial mascot within our gym, and is semi-regularly in attendance at trainings. There is something wonderfully therapeutic and disarming about a dog's presence, and Miesha models for all of our athletes how to bring a consistent, present-minded, and non-judgemental approach to life. Miesha's role includes providing copious amounts of enthusiasm, warm fluffy cuddles, and being arguably Skybound's biggest fan. Miesha's hobbies include napping, cuddling, napping, brief "zoomies", and napping.