YOUR USA PROGRAM, CURRICULUM & STAFFING DIRECTORS

Name / Contact E-mail:
- Acey S. Blanco / Ablanco@varsity.com

Position/Title:
- Drum Major & Band Leadership Program & Curriculum Director
- Program & Curriculum Director, Varsity Athletic Band

History with the USA/Professional Experience:
- Acey began his journey with the United Spirit Association in 2009 when he attended his first Drum Major camp at UC Santa Cruz. After attending camp for several years, Acey later joined the USA Drum Major & Band Leadership Instructional staff in 2013 as an Instructor where he taught training camps throughout the Western United States. In 2016, Acey was appointed as a Head Instructor where he oversaw curriculum development for USA's Parade & Spinning programs, and in 2017, Acey was then appointed as Program & Curriculum Director where he now manages the entire USA Drum Major & Band Leadership Program with a world-class team of instructors from across the United States. Outside of the USA, Acey is an active adjudicator with Peacocks American Competitions where he judges Drum Majors in both parade and field show competitions throughout the state of California. In addition, Acey plays an active role in collaborating and partnering with both the Northern California Band Association and the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Assocation where he works to further support and enhance the student experience throughout the activity. In 2018, Acey, in partnership with both NCBA, SCSBOA, and Peacocks American Competitions, founded the California Drum Major Championship that brings together Drum Majors from both Northern and Southern California in the spirit of competition.

Personal Info:
- Having been born and raised in the Monterey Bay, Acey is a California native who enjoys traveling and meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds. Acey has traveled to the People's Republic of China, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain where he immersed himself in the culture by connecting and working alongside locals as well as indulging in new foods and traditions. Outside of traveling, Acey also enjoys spending time with family and friends, particularly at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, as he is a Disney fanatic! Now living in Northern California's Bay Area, Acey spends time road-tripping through San Francisco and the Napa Valley, but only after a thorough workout.

Titles/Accolades/Accomplishments:
- 3x USA All-American Drum Major
- Military Masters Champion (undefeated), Northern California Band Association
- 2x Hardest Working Award, United Spirit Association
- Leadership Award, United Spirit Association

Name / Contact E-mail:
- Autumn Hooks ahooks@varsity.com

Position/Title:
- Dance Program Director - Staffing/Competitions

History with the USA/Professional Experience:
- Autumn’s first exposure to United Spirit Association (USA) was during middle school where she attended events to cheer on her older sister and her dance team. In high school, she danced and competed at USA camps and national competitions. In 2011, she was a USA national solo champion finalist. In 2013, while in college, she began working as a dance instructor and adjudicator for USA. In 2018 she became a head instructor and in 2022 was granted the Dance Leadership Award for Instructional staff. Autumn’s current role is as a Dance Program Director for Staffing and Competitions for the USA. She also teaches for various dance studios across Southern California and is a master class teacher and an award-winning choreographer.

Personal Info:
- Autumn is surrounded by all things dance. Aside from being a dance teacher, coach and choreographer, she has a BS in Apparel Design and Production from California State University at Northridge. She spends her free time creating and constructing costumes for Studio and High School soloists and teams. San Diego is home for Autumn, where she enjoys spending time at the beach or hiking wither friends and family.

Titles/Accolades/Accomplishments:
- 9X Choreography Award Recipient, High School and Studio competitions
- Leadership Award, United Spirit Association
- USA Solo National Champion 2nd Runner Up
- 3X USA Regional Solo Finalist Winner
- USA Dance All-American

Name / Contact E-mail:
- Melissa Moreno, MMoreno@varsity.com

Position/Title:
- Cheerleading Program Director – Curriculum

Name / Contact E-mail:
- Olivia (Liv) Quick / OQuick@varsity.com

Position/Title:
- Staffing Director – Cheerleading & Mascot Program

History with the USA/Professional Experience:
- Liv joined the United Spirit Association instructional staff in 2011. Over more than a decade with USA, she has served as an instructor, head instructor, and mentor, contributing to staff training, program development, and event leadership across the West. In her current role as Staffing Director for the Cheerleading & Mascot Program, Liv oversees staff recruitment, hiring, and training, ensuring an exceptional experience for both staff and participants.
In addition to her work with USA, Liv served as the Head Cheerleading Coach at California Baptist University. During her 11 years with the CBU coaching staff, she guided multiple National Championship-winning teams, developed more than 150 All-American athletes, and helped elevate the spirit experience. As a collegiate coach, she helped lead teams to 27 combined collegiate championship, national, and grand national titles. Her leadership extended beyond the mat by fostering fan engagement, alumni relations, and philanthropic support that helped bring national recognition to the CBU spirit program. She has also choreographed multiple national championship-winning high school routines.
Liv is a graduate of California Baptist University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media with a minor in Journalism and New Media. She currently resides in Riverside, California. When she is not at camp, Liv enjoys community outreach, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.