The US National Youth Cheer Teams are comprised of the most talented cheerleaders in America.
USA Youth All Girl, known also as “YAG”, is comprised of 32 female cheerleaders aged between 12-14, representing the United States in international competition within the Youth All Girl Advanced division.
USA Youth Coed, known also as “YUCO” is comprised of 32 male and female cheerleaders between 12-14, representing the United States in international competition within the Youth Coed Advanced division.
2026 US National Youth Coed Team (YUCO) Location: Chicago, Illinois
Individual Athlete Applications are OPEN/currently being accepted for YUCO. Youth Coed is hosting tryouts to compete at the 2026 ICU Junior World Championship as well as the opportunity to represent the United States with YUCO at international events in 2026.
Learn more about the selection process and how to apply here.
2026 US National Youth All Girl Team (YAG) Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Individual Athlete Applications are OPEN/currently being accepted for YAG. Youth All Girl is hosting tryouts to compete at the 2026 ICU Junior World Championship as well as the opportunity to represent the United States with YAG at international events in 2026.
Learn more about the selection process and how to apply here.
2026 US NATIONAL YOUTH COED TEAM LOCATIONS
2025 ICU JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
YOUTH CHEER COACHING STAFF
US NATIONAL TEAM YOUTH DIRECTOR • TUCKER HUNTER
Tucker Hunter is a former US National Coed Premier athlete and 4x ICU World Champion (2013-2017). Tucker has served as the US National Youth Teams Director since 2021– leading both Youth All Girl (YAG) & Youth Coed (YUCO) to multiple ICU Junior World Championship medals and international titles. Tucker graduated from Oklahoma State University, winning 3 NCA College National Championship titles and competed within Cheer Athletics, winning 3 USASF Worlds championships before pursuing a career with NCA. He currently holds positions of College Staff Director at NCA as well as working as a coach at Cheer Athletics Plano.
YOUTH ALL GIRL HEAD COACH • JAY KIRK
Jay Kirk is a highly accomplished coach and former Morehead State University alumnus, having been a key contributor to three national championship-winning teams during his collegiate career. With 27 years of coaching experience, he has built a legacy of excellence in youth and high school sports.
Currently, along with Beth Bormann, Jay leads the Eastside Middle School team, a 12-time national champion powerhouse, as well as Bullitt East High School, a five-time national champion program. His leadership and expertise have consistently developed elite athletes and winning teams.
Previously, he coached the US National Junior All Girl Team, guiding them to two gold medals and one bronze in international competition. Known for his strategic mindset, passion for the sport, and dedication to athlete development, Jay continues to inspire and shape champions on and off the mat.
YOUTH ALL GIRL ASSISTANT COACH • BETH BORMANN
With a proven track record of excellence at both the middle and high school levels, Beth brings a wealth of experience and passion to the USA Cheer coaching team. Currently serving as Head Coach at Eastside Middle School and Assistant Coach at Bullitt East High School, she has led various teams across Kentucky to state and national championship titles.
A proud WKU Cheer alum and seasoned V!ROC choreographer, Beth combines technical expertise with creative vision to inspire athletes and elevate performances. Known for a coaching style that balances discipline with positivity, she is committed to developing not just strong athletes, but confident leaders both on and off the mat.
YOUTH COED HEAD COACH • KYLE WILLIAMS
Kyle Williams, originally from New Jersey, serves as the Varsity Spirit State Director for Illinois and is a choreographer for the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA). Since 2022, Kyle has been coaching US National Youth teams, leading them to victories at the 2023 ICU World Cup Championships, the 2024 Pan American Championships, and securing four ICU World Championships. Kyle loves the bond and culture created in the USA youth programs. Kyle is the Owner of ICE ALLSTARS in Barrington IL. As the head coach of the Youth Coed team, he is excited to continue elevating the level of youth cheerleading by implementing innovative techniques and fostering a supportive and empowering environment for young athletes.
YOUTH COED ASSISTANT COACH • CLAUDIA DESANTIS
Claudia DeSantis is approaching her third season with the U.S National Youth Coed Team. Currently, Claudia coaches recreational cheerleading at Platinum Cheer Association, is the Head Coach at Old Quarry Middle School, and is the JV Head Coach at Lemont High School. Claudia has been a part of numerous ICA, IESA and IHSA State Championships. Claudia is so excited to get back to work with YUCO! “It’s the greatest honor to represent your country through a sport you love! I look forward to sharing my passion with amazing athletes from around the nation. Let’s go, USA!”
YOUTH COED ASSISTANT COACH • ALEX MERCADO
Alexander Mercado is approaching his fifth season with the U.S National team. Currently Alex is the Training Director at Gymtyme Illinois, and the assistant coach at Lockport Township High School. He has cheered for and coached many teams to multiple championships. Besides coaching Alex spends his time directly training athletes to pursue all levels, and styles of cheer. “It’s a privilege to coach these amazing young athletes, with some of the best coaches in the industry. There’s no bigger honor than representing your country on the biggest stage.
YOUTH COED ASSISTANT COACH • BREE GRADY-SIMPSON
Bree Grady-Simpson began her US National Team coaching career with the Junior Coed team in 2019, later switching to the Youth All Girl team in 2024, and is now entering her eighth season and ready to take on the Youth Coed division. She also serves as the Head Coach at Lemont High School, where her teams have earned multiple IHSA State Championships! With a passion for guiding athletes both on and off the mat, Bree values being part of each athlete’s journey and the lifelong lessons cheerleading provides. She describes wearing “USA” on her chest as an unforgettable honor and experience, one that fuels her dedication to the sport and its athletes.
