Lumberton Police Officer Doubles as Cheer Coach, Inspiring Young Athletes

Wade Hendrix balances law enforcement duties with coaching tumbling and cheerleading at Cheertown USA

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Lumberton Police Officer Wade Hendrix spends his days responding to calls for help, but when his shift ends, he trades in his badge for cheer shoes and heads to Cheertown USA, where he coaches young athletes. Hendrix, who grew up in Lumberton, began his cheer journey as a high school mascot and now balances law enforcement with coaching, finding the gym to be his "happy place" after long days on patrol.

Why it matters

Hendrix's dual roles as a police officer and cheer coach highlight how community members can have a positive impact on youth through mentorship and extracurricular activities, especially in a small town like Lumberton. His story showcases the importance of work-life balance and finding fulfillment outside of one's primary profession.

The details

After long days on patrol, Hendrix says the gym offers something he can't find anywhere else. At Cheertown USA, he guides athletes through challenging skills, offering encouragement between corrections. Owner Robin Buchholz has watched Hendrix's journey from student to trusted mentor, describing him as "great at tumbling, cheer, all the things."

  • Hendrix began his cheer journey as a high school mascot.
  • Hendrix now balances law enforcement duties with coaching at Cheertown USA.

The players

Wade Hendrix

A Lumberton police officer who also coaches tumbling and cheerleading at Cheertown USA after his shifts.

Robin Buchholz

The owner of Cheertown USA, where Hendrix coaches young athletes.

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What they’re saying

“Being a police officer, you don't get calls because people are doing good things. You get calls because something wrong is going on.”

— Wade Hendrix, Police Officer (12newsnow.com)

“You kind of get stressed out being a police officer… then you go there, and it's like your happy place.”

— Wade Hendrix, Police Officer (12newsnow.com)

“It's really hard to find a guy like that. He's great at tumbling, cheer, all the things, and we just take him when we can get him.”

— Robin Buchholz, Cheertown USA Owner (12newsnow.com)

What’s next

Hendrix plans to continue balancing his duties as a police officer with his passion for coaching cheer and tumbling at Cheertown USA, inspiring young athletes in the Lumberton community.

The takeaway

Hendrix's story demonstrates how community members can have a positive impact on youth through mentorship and extracurricular activities, even while maintaining a demanding primary profession. His ability to find fulfillment in both law enforcement and coaching highlights the importance of work-life balance and the power of giving back to one's local community.