YOUR USA STATE DIRECTORS & SALES TEAM

``Hi, my name is Brian Ahn and I’m the Varsity Spirit Central California and Hawaii State Director!``

ABOUT BRIAN:
In an effort to better serve you, we are transitioning coverage in your area so you have one point of contact for all of your UCA, NCA and USA Camp and Competition needs! If I haven’t had the opportunity to work with you before or we haven’t been able to connect in awhile, I wanted to share a little bit about me. I started working as a UCA Staff Instructor for Varsity Spirit in 2002 while attending college at the University of Washington. I have held multiple coaching and judging positions throughout my time in the cheerleading world. I have had the opportunity to coach two great programs, Loyola Marymount University and California State University Northridge. I've judged at local regional events as well as the UCA NHSCC and IASC, along with the USA Spirit Nationals. I have been in the State Director role since 2012 and I love helping coaches find the perfect camp or competition for their squad!

FUN FACT:
I am a loving husband and father of the best 2 boys in the world. I am an absolute foodie, I love finding new food spots wherever I go. I enjoy finding new places to golf. I am from the Pacific Northwest and a huge fan of all PNW Sports. Go Hawks, Go Dawgs, Go Mariners, and Save Our Sonics! Since moving to Southern California I have become a massive Laker and Kobe Bryant Fan. RIP Kobe. I am a lover of Jordan/Nike Collectable Sneakers. I am a massive #sneakerHead

DESCRIBE MYSELF IN 6 WORDS:
If I had to choose SIX words to describe me, they would be: Loyal, Compassionate, Determined, Optimist, Honest & Competitive

BAhn@varsity.com

``Hi, I am Tsutae Johnson, your Varsity Spirit State Director in Southern California!``

ABOUT TSUTAE:
In an effort to better serve you, we are transitioning coverage in your area so you have one point of contact for all of your UCA, NCA and USA Camp and Competition needs! If I haven’t met you before or we haven’t been able to connect in a while, I wanted to share a little bit about me. I started working for Varsity Spirit as a USA Staff Instructor in 2007. I graduated from the University of Oregon. I have been involved in the cheerleading world as an athlete, coach, judge and choreographer for my entire life and have had the honor of winning multiple national championship titles. I’ve also had the opportunity to coordinate multiple halftime shows including the TaxSlayer/Gator Bowl and the London New Year’s Day Parade performances! I’ve also been a coach for the past 15+ years and currently still coach a high school team, just like you!

FUN FACT:
I'm very adventurous and love to travel. I try to visit at least one new country a year to experience the amazing food and culture. I love that my family comes from different cultures; I am Black, Japanese and White. My multicultural upbringing has allowed me to embrace the beauty in every lifestyle.

DESCRIBE MYSELF IN 6 WORDS:
If I had to choose SIX words to describe me, they would be: Approachable, Organized, Knowledgeable, Entertaining, Caring & Loyal

Tsutae.Johnson@Varsity.com

``Hi, my name is James Blunk and I’m the Varsity Spirit Northern California State Director!``

ABOUT JAMES:
In an effort to better serve you, we are transitioning coverage in your area so you have one point of contact for all of your UCA, NCA and USA Camp and Competition needs! If I haven’t had the opportunity to work with you before or we haven’t been able to connect in a while, I wanted to share a little bit about me. I started working for Varsity Spirit as a UCA Staff Instructor in 2006. I went to Sacramento State University and went on to coach cheerleading there for 6 years! I currently also coach Oak Ridge High School. I was a member of the US National Coed Team and represented Varsity Spirit at the 2012 Olympics in London! Because of my coaching experience, I have a passion for helping other coaches and can't wait to work together in this industry we love!

FUN FACT:
I love the sport of power lifting & bodybuilding!

DESCRIBE MYSELF IN 6 WORDS:
If I had to choose SIX words to describe me, they would be: Competitive, Direct, Honest, Bold, Confident & Results Driven

JBlunk@Varsity.com

``Hi, my name is Megan Bamford and I’m the Varsity Spirit Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico State Director!``

ABOUT MEGAN:
In an effort to better serve you, we are transitioning coverage in your area so you have one point of contact for all of your UCA, NCA and USA Camp and Competition needs! If I haven’t had the opportunity to work with you before or we haven’t been able to connect in awhile, I wanted to share a little bit about me. I started working for Varsity Spirit as a UCA Staff Instructor and VCA Camp Manager in 2009. I went to the University of Tennessee (2 years) and the University of Oregon (2 years). As a cheerleader, I’ve had the honor of receiving multiple championship titles at NCA Nationals and USA Spirit Nationals. I’ve coached multiple high school teams I’m currently the Orange Lutheran High School-Head Cheer Coach! I've also judged on the regional and national level for both school and all star. In my current State Director role, I love helping coaches find the perfect camp or competition to fit their needs!

FUN FACT:
I currently live with my best friend from high school (we cheered together at Mater Dei HS) who also works for Varsity Spirit as a Fashion Rep and V!ROC Choreographer. We also coach together! We literally eat, sleep, and breathe Varsity Spirit and cheerleading!

DESCRIBE MYSELF IN 6 WORDS:
If I had to choose SIX words to describe me, they would be: Loyal, Organized, Approachable, Hard Working, Knowledgeable & Professional

MBamford@Varsity.com

``Hi, my name is Ryan Yakubek and I’m the Varsity Spirit Northwest State Director! I cover the great states of Washington, Oregon and Alaska! ``

ABOUT RYAN:
If I haven’t had the opportunity to work with you before or we haven’t been able to connect in a while, I wanted to share a little bit about me. I started working for Varsity Spirit as a UCA Staff Instructor in 2014. I graduated from Morehead State University where I was fortunate enough to win two collegiate National Championships and was a member of the 2019 USA Coed team. I have 20+ years of experience in the cheerleading industry from competing and coaching to judging and choreographing. I coached at Mississippi State from 2019 to 2021 and am in my 2nd year of coaching at the University of Washington. Even though I spent my college career in other regions outside of the PNW, I am a native to the area and was raised in Duvall, WA for most of my life!

FUN FACT:
Two of my three siblings were also members of the USA National Teams! One for Hip Hop and one for All Girl!

DESCRIBE MYSELF IN 6 WORDS:
Six words to describe myself: Outgoing, Ambitious, Competitive, Genuine, Insightful, Determined

Ryakubek@Varsity.com

``Hi, my name is Kevin Clanton and I’m the Varsity Spirit Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming State Director.``

ABOUT KEVIN:
In an effort to better serve you, we are transitioning coverage in your area so you have one point of contact for all of your UCA, NCA and USA Camp and Competition needs! If I haven’t had the opportunity to work with you before or we haven’t been able to connect in a while, I wanted to share a little bit about me. I started working for Varsity Spirit as a UCA Staff Instructor in 1990 while attending the University of Montana, where I also had the privilege of coaching for 3 years. In addition to being a State Director, I am also a Varsity Fashions rep.

FACT FACT:
I'm happily married with two children, one is currently attending Missouri State University and the other is currently in her second year at the University of Tampa.

DESCRIBE MYSELF IN 6 WORDS:
If I had to choose SIX words to describe me, they would be: Loyal, Experienced, Knowledgeable, Funny, Dependable & Focused.

KClanton@Varsity.com

``Hi, my name is Cameron Larsen and I’m the Varsity Spirit Utah and Idaho State Director!``

ABOUT CAMERON:
If I haven’t had the opportunity to work with you before or we haven’t been able to connect in a while, I wanted to share a little bit about me. I started working for Varsity Spirit as a UCA Staff Instructor in 2007. I attended college at Weber State University and Brigham Young University (BYU). As an athlete I was a power tumbler for over 10 years earning 4 national titles and placing 10th at the World Championships. In college, I won a NCA College National Championship title in 2009 at Weber State. I am also a V!ROC Choreographer! In my current State Director role, I love helping coaches find their perfect camp or competition to fit their needs!

FUN FACT:
I love to cook, love dogs and love to travel! I've been to 46 states and 9 countries!

DESCRIBE MYSELF IN 6 WORDS:
If I had to choose SIX words to describe me, they would be: Passionate, Dependable, Loyal, Compassionate, Genuine & Trustworthy

CLarsen@Varsity.com

``Hi, I’m Nicole Cestone, your Varsity Spirit Dance State Director for Dance, Song/Pom & Pep Flag in the West Region``

ABOUT NICOLE:
If I haven’t had the opportunity to work with you before or we haven’t been able to connect in a while, I wanted to share a little bit about me. I have over 25 years of dance and competitive dance team experience. I graduated from of UCLA and was a former member of the UCLA Bruin dance team. In addition to being a former instructor for USA for over 10 years, I was also the Song/Pom/Dance Program Director. I continue to serve as a Head Judge for various Varsity Spirit national championships and competition events. I have coached several nationally ranked college, high school and all-star dance teams and have won numerous national championship titles and awards including UDA NDTC National Champions, NDA National Champions, USA National Champions, Innovative Choreography, Superior Showmanship, Grand Champion, and Technical Excellence! I have also choreographed for numerous NFL, NBA, WNBA, CFL, and Arena Football Pro-dance teams and have been featured in many LA dance projects and national commercials. This is my fifth year as a Varsity Dance State Director for USA, UDA and NDA in the West Region.

FUN FACT:
I love donuts and the beach, and I live in Southern California

DESCRIBE MYSELF IN 6 WORDS:
Passionate, creative, leader, outgoing, motivated, driven

NCestone@Varsity.com

ABOUT ACEY:
Acey was born and raised in the Monterey Bay where he was heavily involved in leadership and band throughout his education. He competed avidly within the Northern California Band Association circuit as a military style Drum Major and was undefeated his entire career. In addition, Acey maintained the top Drum Major scores in the circuit for several consecutive years until he graduated. He attended the University of California, Davis where he received his B.A. in International Relations and graduated top of his class. Acey joined the United Spirit Association in 2013 as an instructor and quickly worked his way to become a Head Instructor several years later. Shortly after that, Acey become the Program Director in 2017 where he now works hands-on in creating a robust program and curriculum for Drum Major’s and Band Leadership Students throughout the west coast. Acey is also an Adjudicator with Peacocks American Competitions in California; one of the architects behind the California Drum Major State Championship which brings together Drum Majors from across the state to compete; and a strategic partner for both the NCBA and SCSBOA circuits where he works to enhance the student experience.

FUN FACT:
I have a profound love for traveling and everything Disney. When I can, I love to just pack a bag and hit the road or hop on a plane for a quick trip. I’ve traveled to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and the People’s Republic of China. I am also a frequent visitor to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, and was fortunate enough to experience Disneyland Paris when I vacationed in France.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 6 WORDS:
Ambitious, Loyal, Intelligent, Confident, Selfless, Charismatic

ABlanco@Varsity.com