Kristi Shaw, Owner
My name is Kristi Shaw, and I am the proud Owner and Head Coach of Advanced Cheer Crew Allstarz. Since founding ACC in 2000, I have dedicated my life to building a program where athletes can grow in confidence, develop strong fundamentals, and achieve their dreams—both on and off the competition floor.
Outside of the gym, I am the proud mother of my two amazing daughters, Halston and Hadlea, and the new KiKi to my precious granddaughter Suede. My family has always been my inspiration, and they are the reason ACC was founded.I am also the proud dog Mom to my two Frenchies-Cubby and Maddux. They keep me smiling, remind me to enjoy the little things, and are a big part of my life outside of coaching and mentoring.
Whether your child is stepping onto the mat for the very first time or pursuing an elite competitive career, my goal is to provide a safe, encouraging environment where every athlete feels valued, challenged, and inspired. I can't wait to welcome your family to the ACC family!
Jay Grayson
My name is Jay Grayson, and my life has been defined by service, faith, family, and a commitment to helping others reach their full potential. Throughout my journey, I have worn many hats—law enforcement officer, mentor, coach, director, father, partner, and friend. Every role has helped shape the person I am today and has reinforced the values of leadership, sacrifice, resilience, accountability, and love.
For more than 35 years, I have dedicated my life to coaching and mentoring athletes at both the All-Star and collegiate levels. During that time, I have had the privilege of coaching countless athletes, mentoring gym owners and coaches across the United States and internationally, and helping build successful programs both on and off the competition floor. My passion for coaching has never been about trophies alone—it has always been about people.
What athletes and families can expect from me is simple: I care first. Every athlete who walks into my program will be treated like one of my own children. I believe in pushing athletes to become the best versions of themselves, both physically and mentally. There are times when growth requires tough conversations and high expectations, but if I challenge an athlete, I will also be there to build them back up, encourage them, and help them succeed.
I hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Communications, which has enhanced my ability to lead, mentor, and connect with athletes, families, and fellow coaches. Those who know me best understand that my heart has always been centered on helping young people discover their potential and preparing them for success far beyond the cheerleading world.
Over the course of my career, I have been blessed to experience success at the highest levels of the sport, including NCA All-Star National Championships, NCA Collegiate National Championships, UCA National Championships, World Championship titles, and numerous other prestigious titles and awards. While I am incredibly proud of those accomplishments, they are not what I consider my greatest victories.
My greatest reward comes from watching former athletes become successful adults. I have had the honor of coaching individuals who have gone on to become gym owners (even in Wichita and surrounding areas), doctors, attorneys, NASA professionals, business leaders, educators, first responders, and professional NFL and NBA cheerleaders. Seeing athletes develop confidence, character, and leadership skills that serve them throughout their lives is what truly makes this journey worthwhile.
Coaching has never been just a profession for me, it is a calling. It is an opportunity to impact lives, build relationships, and create a legacy that extends far beyond the competition floor.
I am excited to be back with ACC and look forward to helping build something special once again. Together, we will work hard, hold each other accountable, pursue excellence, and create a culture where athletes can thrive. The goal is not simply to win championships, although we certainly intend to compete at the highest level. The goal is to develop champions in life. The best is yet to come. United As One.
Caleb Stearns
My name is Caleb Stearns and I have been involved in tumbling since the age of five. I bring years of athletic experience and coaching expertise to my role as Tumbling Director. During high school, I participated in four years of cheerleading, earning numerous honors including 2005 All-American and Spirit Award recipient, All-Region Champion, State Champion, All-Region Cheerleader, and All-State Cheerleader.
I continued my cheerleading career at the collegiate level for two years, helping earn a 2015 National Championship. I am also the previous owner and director of Oklahoma Elite Athletics and served as the former head cheerleading coach at Northern Oklahoma College. Since 2015, I have worked as a private tumbling and cheerleading coach, helping students obtain collegiate scholarships and contributing to the success of a state champion cheer squad at Newkirk High School. I am passionate about developing athletes both on and off the mat through skill-building, discipline, confidence, and teamwork.
Aislynn Brantley
My name is Aislynn Brantley, and I have been involved in cheerleading for most of my life. I started competitive cheer at age 8 with ACC and cheered under Coach Kristi until I was 18. During that time, I also helped coach multiple of the tiny teams and was fortunate to win three NCA National Championships, a Summit Championship, All Star Worlds championship, and earn numerous other national titles.
In addition to all-star cheer, I was a high school cheerleader and I am currently a member of the Wichita State University Cheer Team. Over the past three years, my team won NCA in 2025 and placed 3rd in 2026. Outside of cheering, I enjoy running cheer camps, judging tryouts and competitions, and spending time with my family and friends.
I am currently studying Communication Sciences and Disorders at Wichita State University with the goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist. I am passionate about helping others communicate more effectively and hope to make a positive impact through my future career.
Alissa Sheppard
Hi everyone! My name is Alissa Sheppard, and I am excited to introduce myself. I have been a part of this cheer gym family for 13 years, and it has truly become a second home to me. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to watch athletes grow in skill, confidence, and character, which is one of the most rewarding parts of being involved in cheer.
Professionally, I hold a Doctorate in Education and am passionate about helping others learn, develop, and reach their full potential. One of my favorite things about coaching is working with beginner cheerleaders. I love helping new athletes build a strong foundation, gain confidence, and discover a love for the sport. There is nothing better than seeing a cheerleader master a new skill and realize what they are capable of achieving.
I am grateful to be part of such an amazing cheer community and look forward to encouraging our athletes and helping them grow
Rachael Noll
My journey with Advanced Cheer Crew has come full circle. My love for All-Star cheer began in the original days of ACC when my younger brother joined the program. Not wanting to be left out, I traded my dance shoes for cheer shoes and quickly discovered a passion for cheer that would stay with me for years to come.
After growing up in the ACC family, I met her husband, started a family, and spent 12 years in Colorado. There, I taught tap, ballet, and jazz to students of all ages while my daughter competed in dance. My favorite role was working with young children, helping them build confidence, learn new skills, and develop a love for performing.
When my family returned to Kansas, my daughter decided to give cheer a try, bringing us right back to ACC and Coach Kristi. I joined the coaching staff last season and was thrilled to reconnect with the sport and program that helped shape my own childhood.
With a background in both cheer and dance, years of teaching experience, and a passion for working with young athletes, I love helping Cheer Academy athletes build strong fundamentals, confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love for cheer.
Jennie Willard
Hi! My name is Jennie Willard, and I am the Office Manager here at Advanced Cheer Crew.
I am the proud mom of two amazing children, Alex (29) and Tia (26), and I recently earned my favorite title yet—Gigi to my precious grandson, Adrian James.
My ACC journey began in 2006 when my daughter started cheering with Coach Kristi. Like so many families, we quickly fell in love with the sport of all-star cheerleading and the incredible family atmosphere at ACC. Before long, I began helping Kristi with various tasks around the gym, and over the years that role has grown into becoming the Office Manager.
One of my favorite parts of being at ACC is watching our athletes grow—not only in their cheerleading skills but also in their confidence, character, and teamwork. It has been an incredible privilege to watch Coach Kristi and our coaching staff inspire, challenge, and encourage athletes to become the very best versions of themselves.
I am thankful to be part of the ACC family and look forward to welcoming both new and returning families each season. I can't wait to meet you and help make your experience at Advanced Cheer Crew a positive and memorable one!
