I'm Lauren Snipes, a James Island mom, former collegiate cheerleader, occupational therapist, and the founder of Island Twist Athletics.

My lifelong passion for cheerleading, tumbling, and acro dance inspired me to create Island Twist Athletics. More than anything, I wanted to bring these opportunities to the place I call home and create a place that feels like family—where athletes and families feel supported, encouraged, connected, and part of something special.
 

My vision is for Island Twist Athletics to be a place where young athletes build confidence, form lifelong friendships, create lasting memories, and develop a love for cheerleading, tumbling, and acro dance.
 

My athletic journey began with dance and gymnastics at a young age, but it was tumbling that truly captured my attention. I loved the challenge of learning new skills and the confidence that came with mastering them. As I grew, my training expanded into acro dance and cheerleading, where I found the perfect balance of athleticism, teamwork, competitive spirit, and performance.
 

Throughout my childhood and athletic career, I often traveled between multiple facilities to pursue the sports I loved. That experience, combined with seeing local families travel off-island for cheer and tumbling opportunities, helped inspire the creation of Island Twist Athletics—a place where athletes can pursue cheer, tumbling, and acro dance in one supportive environment close to home.

My cheerleading journey led me to train with Top Gun All Stars before continuing my career at the University of North Carolina, where I spent four years on the UNC Cheerleading Team and had the honor of serving as team captain during my senior year. Cheerleading helped shape not only my athletic abilities, but also my leadership skills, teaching me the value of hard work, accountability, teamwork, and leading by example—lessons that continue to guide me today. Along the way, I also taught toddler tumbling classes and helped lead summer cheerleading camps, experiences that showed me the lasting impact coaches, teammates, and positive role models can have on a child's confidence and growth.

In addition to my athletic background, I spent 10 years working as an occupational therapist in the Charleston area, helping people return to the activities that mattered most to them. That experience provided me with extensive knowledge of motor development, body mechanics, injury prevention, and safe skill progression. These principles are the foundation of our training philosophy at Island Twist Athletics and help ensure athletes build skills safely while gaining
confidence and strength.

My husband, Zack, and I have proudly called James Island home for the past nine years, where we are raising our two children, Boone and Hallie. As both a parent and community member, I am passionate about creating opportunities for local athletes and families to build friendships, meaningful connections, and lasting memories right here on James Island. Island Twist Athletics is the culmination of everything that has shaped my life—my experiences as an athlete, occupational therapist, parent, and member of the James Island community. My goal is to create a positive, family-centered environment where every athlete feels supported, challenged, and celebrated, whether they are taking their very first class or pursuing competitive goals.
 

I can't wait to welcome your family to ours and be part of your athlete's journey.