Tucson Tumbleweeds Gymnastics

FOUNDER OF TUMBLEWEEDS GYMNASTICS 

                                                                         

A native Tucsonan, Kim Bird graduated from CDO High school and attended the University of Arizona where he majored in Exercise Sport Sciences.  Kim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and is a former NCAA All American in both gymnastics and Cheer.

In addition to coaching gymnastics for more than 25 years, Mr. Bird is an accomplished Beam and Floor Choreographer, Arizona State and Regional Clinician, National Elite rated Judge and long-standing board member on the Arizona State Gymnastics Board.  In addition, you could often see him judging NCAA events including U of A and ASU home meets and Pac-10 Gymnastics Championships.

As an honoree of many accomplishments over the years, Kim was recently named the 2007 Optional Coach of the Year as well as nominee for Choreographer of the Year and Coach of the Year.  He has successfully coached USAG Level 4 thru Level 10 gymnasts throughout his career and has helped several gymnasts reach the ranks of NCAA Collegiate Gymnastics at schools including UCLA, Oregon State, Cal State Fullerton, US Santa Barbara, Brown University and our own University of Arizona.

Tumbleweeds Gymnastics was founded by Kim in November 1990.  This program has steadily grown under his leadership.  Today, Tumbleweeds maintains a very successful girls team program recognized with State, Regional and National Champions.  From the beginning, Kim's goal has always been to establish and maintain a high level competitive program that provides a positive and healthy environment for everyone.  He believed that part of the success of his program is in the longevity gymnasts continue in the sport at his club.  Kim held the opinion that, "high self esteem is important for children at all levels and abilities".  And while hard work and dedication is a real component of being a champion, he strived to keep his program flexible in an attempt to fulfill the individual needs and goals of his gymnasts and their families.

As owner and head coach of the largest gymnastics training center in Tucson, Kim was involved with gymnastics every day.  He enjoyed working with gymnasts of all levels, setting time aside weekly to work with everyone in the gym.  Whether developing a coach, meeting with parents, observing recreational and pre-team practices, spotting high-level skills, working choreography or just plain old coaching, Kim stayed busy in the gym often 7 days a week.  In his spare time, he enjoyed working out and spending time at his home in Rocky Point, Mexico.  Kim Bird passed away on November 19, 2007 after battling complications of Valley Fever.

Accomplishments:

Owner of Tumbleweeds Gymnastics for nearly 18 years. Active National Elite & NCAA Judge State, Regional and National Coach and Clinician for more than 25 years Active USAG/AZ Board Member Arizona Judges Board Member 2007 USAG/AZ Optional Coach of the Year

2007 USAG/AZ Outstanding Coach of the Year Nominee 2007 USAG/AZ Choreographer of the Year Nominee 2006 USAG/AZ Choreographer of the Year Nominee 2005 USAG/AZ Choreographer of the Year 2003 Arizona Judge of the Year