A local 11-year-old athlete has earned a spot on the Kentucky All-Stars power tumbling and trampoline team. Sadie Barnett, now in her third year of competition with iTumble and Bounce, secured the honor following a standout performance at the state meet.
The victory also qualified her for the 2026 USTA National Championships, scheduled for June 15-20 in Madison, Wisconsin.
“I’m so proud of myself and thankful for my coaches,” Barnett said. “Getting to be a Kentucky All-Star has been my goal since seeing them perform at my first state competition.”
She said she is excited to keep improving and learning new skills
Coach Renee Orton said she noticed Barnett’s potential early on when the athlete was enrolled in a recreational class.
“She had never taken gymnastics before, but she showed a sense for form and grace that we don’t see very often in a new gymnast,” Orton said.
The transition to competitive sports was not without its hurdles. Orton noted that when Barnett arrived for her first team practice, she nearly backed out because she doubted her own abilities.
“She has proven to herself and her coaches that she definitely has what it takes,” Orton said.
The Kentucky All-Star team comprises the two highest-scoring athletes in their respective levels and events for the season. Barnett achieved all-star status for her tumbling routines.
She came in 1st in three of the four regular-season meets and second at the state meet.
Orton said Barnett’s selection as an All-Star was the result of consistent effort rather than luck.
“She knows what it takes to qualify, and she works hard for it every year,” Orton said. “She has built strong confidence with quiet humility and maintains a level of sportsmanship that is admirable.”
