Tinsley grew up in Cypress, Texas, where she trained as a gymnast for 10 years. She later transitioned into cheerleading, cheering for six years throughout high school and at Baylor University on the coed cheer team, before continuing her athletic career on Baylor’s Acrobatics and Tumbling team. In addition to her athletic background, Tinsley has coached both gymnastics and cheer throughout high school and college.