Building Champions with Character & Class

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Hi! I'm Christa Lang, co-owner and coach at STORM. I have been coaching and choreographing cheer and dance for over 30 years. I am USASF credentialed through level 6 in tumbling and stunting. I have an extensive background in dance as a former studio dancer and instructor, as well as dance team experience as a member and coach. I have training in hip hop, tap, jazz. lyrical, modern and acro. I was inducted into the Wisconsin Association of Cheer and Pom Coaches Hall of Fame in 2017. I have been married to my husband Ben for 28 years and we have 2 cats Phoebe and Lucy. I have stayed with this sport for so long because for me, it's ALL ABOUT THE KIDS! 

Hi, my name is Linnea and I am the co-owner of Storm Elite All Stars.  I have been involved in the cheer industry for about 21 years as a cheer parent of my three children and as the owner of Sweet Kiss Bow Company for 13 years.  I love everything about this sport.  When blessed with the opportunity to buy into the gym with Christa, I said yes! It has been a whirlwind the last three years and I have enjoyed every minute! My role in the gym is as a support to Christa, our coaches, parents, and athletes.  you will find me in the gym everyday between the office, the pro shop pressing items, assisting the coaches, and my favorite part- seeing how the athletes day is going.  I always have a hug and kind words of encouragement for them.  I feel very passionately that not only is it our job to grow the kids as strong athletes, but also to assist their parents in them becoming strong, kind, confident humans as well! Cheers to another successful cheer season!

Hey everyone, Coach Tyler here! I’m excited to be coaching cheer this season and continuing to share my passion for the sport with a new generation of athletes. My journey with cheer began during my senior year of high school, when our program was brought back after a long absence. That year was incredible—we came back strong, thanks to a group of talented and dedicated athletes, and it sparked my love for the sport.

After high school, I continued cheering for a season with STORM’s prep team and spent time cheering at UW-Eau Claire. I’ve now been coaching for three years, with two seasons at Wausau East High School and a half season back at STORM.

Cheerleading has taught me the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance, and I’m passionate about passing those lessons on to my athletes. My goal as a coach is to create a positive, encouraging environment where athletes can grow, challenge themselves, and experience the joy that competitive all-star cheer brings.

My name is Sarah Gerdes and this season will be my 13th season coaching at Storm Elite. I have been involved in cheerleading since 2005. I have been USASF credentialed through level 6 in tumbling and stunting. My husband Codi and I have two kids, Camdyn and Brynlee. One of the best things about being a coach is getting to see these kids grow in their skills and love for the sport. Their passion keeps me coming back!

Hey! My name is Sarah Schilke, and this is my 8th season coaching. I have a combined 20+ years of cheer and dance experience, both as an athlete and a coach, with numerous teams, studios, and levels across Wisconsin. Cheerleading is my greatest passion! 

My favorite aspect of coaching is witnessing athletes grow their skills, conquer their fears, and experience the satisfaction of achieving their best selves, both as athletes and individuals. I believe in celebrating the small victories, building a team culture rooted in kindness and effort, and always striving to be better than we were yesterday.

I’ve competed on teams from Senior Level 1 to Open Level 4 and had the chance to exhibition higher-level skills along the way. I’ve flown, based, and backspotted—you name it—and recently wrapped up my final competitive season as an athlete with an unforgettable trip to Allstar Worlds with Storm's International Open Coed team, Kaos. Outside of cheer, I work as a software engineer and live in Eau Claire with my husband Alex and our three very spoiled cats—Henry, Ellie, and Charlie.

Hi! My name is Alex Schilke, and this is my 4th season coaching. I have a combined 8+ years of cheer experience, both as an athlete and a coach, with numerous teams, gyms, and levels across Wisconsin. After some convincing from my then girlfriend, I joined the cheer world a little later than most, beginning my first open team as an athlete at 22 years old. Almost 5 years later, I’ve been lucky enough to compete and coach alongside my now wife, Sarah Schilke, and I have grown extremely passionate and dedicated to the sport of cheer.

I’ve cheered on a few Open Coed teams both competing at Level 4 and exhibitioning skills at a variety of levels. On the mat I’ve had the opportunity to base all positions in full stunt groups and partner stunts, tumble, and even fly (one brief stunt). This past season I completed my final competitive season as an athlete with an unforgettable trip to Allstar Worlds with Storm's International Open Coed team, Kaos.

As a coach, I’m honored every day to have the privilege of being a part of each athlete's growth on and off the mat. There is nothing more joyful and rewarding than seeing an athlete’s expression when they finally hit that skill they worked for so hard. I strive to uplift all athletes I have the opportunity to coach, helping them become the best version of themselves on and off the mat. 

Outside of cheer, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a Bachelors in Computer Science and currently work as a software engineer for the University of Wisconsin Steven Point. I live in Eau Claire with my wife Sarah and our three very spoiled cats—Henry, Ellie, and Charlie.

Hi! My name is Brooke Zietlow, and I recently graduated from UWSP with degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education. I cheered all throughout my college career and I started cheering on a team here at storm when I was 10! I have been cheering for a total of 12 years, and have coached while cheering for the past 4. I love inspiring others to be the best they can be and pushing them to reach their goals! I look forward to working with your athlete this season!

Meet Lilly, Our Hip Hop Visionary!

Lilly has been a cornerstone of Storm Elite’s program for years. With 2 years of coaching experience and a lifetime as an athlete in cheer, dance, and hip hop, she brings passion, creativity, and rhythm to every routine.

Lilly has been a part of our Storm family since practices were held at Adventure 212, before our official first gym location. She currently leads our exciting hip hop teams spanning from Tiny all the way to Senior age divisions. She is constantly sharing her expertise and infectious energy with dancers of all ages.

This past year has brought a new adventure for Lilly as she welcomed her sweet baby boy, Mateo, into the world!

Hi families!

I am Coach Ashley! I am married and a mother of 3 with a dog! I work as a Surgical Assistant.

I've been a cheerleader since elementary school through high school. I was a cheerleader as well. I have done football cheer, competitive high school and competitive all-star. As for cheer positions, I was a base and a flyer.

I currently coach the football cheer team "Mashers". I occasionally fill in for coaches throughout the season for different teams.