Christopher Ethridge | Owner

A distinguished leader in the cheerleading world, Chris has dedicated over a decade to the sport - developing strong, smart athletes. Chris emphasizes the importance of both physical strength and mental acuity.

Under Chris' guidance, teams have not only secured numerous championships but have also cultivated a culture of resilience and teamwork. Their strategic approach combines a deep understanding of the game with innovative training techniques, enabling athletes to excel both on and off the mat.

Committed to fostering personal growth, Chris focuses on each athlete's unique potential, motivating them to push boundaries and set ambitious goals. Their strong communication skills and empathetic nature ensure that every athlete feels valued and understood.

Lyla Ethridge | Owner

Lyla brings a remarkable wealth of knowledge and a warm, nurturing spirit to Desert Force Academy, where her influence is greatly felt by everyone involved. She has achieved notable success in her coaching abilities, proudly holding three All Star World Champion Titles from the years 2023 to 2024.

Lyla is deeply dedicated to cultivating lasting relationships and imparting valuable life lessons through the art of cheerleading, with a strong emphasis on the importance of kindness, respect, and resilience. Her passion for cheerleading extends far beyond the mat, and she is wholeheartedly committed to nurturing a love for the sport in every athlete and family member she encounters along the way.

Brianna Lopez | Brand Ambassador

Brianna is from Las Cruces, New Mexico, and has been cheering for 12 years. She won 2 state championships with Las Cruces High School, cheered 3 years at New Mexico State University, and 5 years with Steele Athletics. Brianna is a 2x All Star World Champion with Steele Athletics Rust and cheered on the first-ever Level 7 team in New Mexico, Steele Athletics Slate. Brianna is passionate about inspiring others to fall in love with cheerleading, just as she did 12 years ago. She is also committed to teaching kids not only how to succeed in cheerleading but also how to be kind, hardworking, and respectful individuals both on and off the mat.

Diego Hernandez | Team Coach

Diego originally from Hobbs, New Mexico, where his passion for cheerleading ignited during his sophomore year of high school. A true force in the cheerleading world, Diego is a 2-time All-Star World Champion athlete and a 1-time All-Star World Champion coach. His success on the mat is matched only by his warm, welcoming personality and extensive cheerleading expertise. Diego's ability to inspire and elevate those around him has made him a standout in both coaching and competition!

Josiah Hernandez | Team Coach

Josiah is originally from Hobbs, NM, and he has been actively involved in the cheer world for an impressive 10 years. Throughout this time, he has had the incredible opportunity to win All-Star Worlds twice as an athlete and has dedicated five seasons to coaching aspiring cheerleaders. He absolutely loves helping athletes improve their tumbling and stunting skills, as well as enhancing their overall performance. “Seeing their progress and confidence grow is truly the best part of what I do,” he believes. Josiah is genuinely excited to be a part of Desert Force Academy and can’t wait to work with all of you in achieving your goals!

Roman Sandoval | Team Coach

Roman is originally from the sunny state of California, but he has chosen to make New Mexico his cherished home. His deep-rooted passion for cheerleading has driven him to become an enthusiastic coach, dedicated to creating a positive and motivating environment for every member of his team. Roman’s coaching style places a strong emphasis on fostering teamwork, instilling discipline, and building confidence among his cheerleaders, ensuring they feel empowered to reach their full potential.