Marquell has been coaching cheer and dance for over 14 years. He’s coached in the youth, High School, and All-Star arenas. He is known for his tough-love style coaching, his big smile, and creating a positive atmosphere for all. He has traveled the world as a judge, choreographer, and performer but decided it was time to put down roots and build a place where he could influence the youth to go after their dreams. 

Fun Fact:
Marquell hopes to continue his legacy as a High School principal!

Tracy grew up as an avid competitive dancer and transitioned to cheerleading in Middle School through High School.  She has been mentoring and coaching young cheer and dance athletes for over 15 years, including her own three children, where she met and partnered with Marquell.  Tracy is the nurturer of the bunch and has a fierce and tough coaching style, all while instilling valuable life lessons into the youth she serves.  She believes that ability doesn’t define a child and makes sure that every child involved in COA feels loved, included, and valued.

Fun Fact:
Tracy’s favorite dance style is Polynesian (Hula and Tahitian), where she successfully competed for many years!

After graduating High School, Kennedy began working for UCA as a summer camp instructor, where he coached for 5 years while at the same time he was cheerleading at CSU Sacramento for 4 years. Kennedy has coached tumbling for over 8 years at various programs, which has helped him intensify his coaching ability.

Fun Fact:
Kennedy currently works full time as an EMT!

James is originally from Dallas, TX.  He started dancing at the age of 18.  James trained at Kansas State University under the direction of former professor Joyce Yagerline.  After moving back to Dallas to join Dallas Black Dance Theatre, he moved to Oakland, CA, to join AXIS Dance Company. Now a freelance dancer and teaching dance at various dance institutions, James has a passion for the performing arts and loves sharing it with various students and audiences. He also loves creating art that focuses on marginalized populations across the United States.

Cesar has been actively involved in the cheerleading world since 2001. From cheering in Pop-Warner to taking on leadership positions in High School, competitive cheer, showcase, and exhibition teams, his background is diverse and full of a wide variety of cheer styles. Cesar started his career as a coach in 2008, which allowed him to lead his first Mini Level 1 team, where his love for developing athletes grew. Now, he has been coaching for over ten years and has enjoyed the challenge and honor of starting his own adult charitable cheerleading program. These adults perform to fundraise for local charities and are a part of the only Sacramento non-profit adult cheerleading team. Cesar is super excited to start his journey with COA Elite and hopes to help your children develop not only new cheerleading skills, but also leadership qualities, the value of teamwork, and discipline.

Rodney has been a cheerleader since 2014. He started cheering his junior year of High School and has been obsessed with it ever since. Rodney currently cheers on Capital Cheer Elite and has been coaching for two years. He likes to play video games and watch anime in his free time. He currently works as a barista at Starbucks and attends Sierra College as a psychology major.

Fun Fact:
Rodney is really a nerd at heart!

Ta’Nya joined COA in 2019 as a member of the Onyx Senior Majorette team.  Ta’Nya came as an experienced dancer with extensive Hip Hop training.  Her passion for the art of dance is infectious, and we are excited that she has joined us as an instructor to share her passion with others.

Julius is an inaugural member of COA Elite, joining when we first opened in June 2018.  Julius was a first-time cheerleader whose thirst to excel propelled him on.  Julius was also a passionate dancer who joined a dance team in our 2nd season.  If there was a poster child for natural talent, Julius could be a spokesperson.  While he had never had formal training, he quickly stood out as an elite athlete.  We are pleased to welcome him to the coaching staff.

Ajza began her cheer career at the age of 4 years old.  While she was a shy child, she displayed an alter ego when she hit the stage to perform.  Ajza graduated to elite level competition at the age of 7, where she competed across the US, including The Summit in Orlando, Florida.  A born perfectionist Ajza, has a good eye for correct technique in cheer performance, tumbling, and stunting.  She has a unique knack for helping athletes overcome mental blocks and encouraging them to progress.  While we hated to lose her as an athlete, she is a valuable asset to our coaching staff.

Aliesha comes to the COA Staff with 6 years of experience as an office manager and a proven track record of strong performance in high-volume and high-pressure environments. Aliesha skillfully manages administrative duties and customer relations at COA Elite and the John Finney Educational Complex.

As an Office Administrator, she ensures the smooth operation of the office with her robust knowledge of office management and efficient handling of athlete and parent inquires, vendors, and timely access to administration as required. Aliesha also provides support to all staff in fulfilling their ongoing professional development, training workshops, and presentations.