Kristi Shaw,owner

Hi!  My name is Kristi Shaw. I am the Owner/Coach at Advanced Cheer All Starz. I started the program in 2000 with two things in mind. First, to grow the awareness of the sport and second, to have the opportunity to coach my own two daughters.  My ACC journey has allowed me to become such an intricate part of so many athlete’s lives and for this I am forever grateful.

My degree is in Motivational Psychology with an emphasis in health and wellness. My coaching philosophy is as follows:  Task (teaching fundamental sound skill sets) + Interpersonal communication (meeting my athletes from the heart) = Optimum Results (SUCCESS).  ACC athletes that have a desire to learn and grow are my favorite types of students to coach!

On a daily basis you can find me at Cowley College where I am the Vice President of Student Affairs. I have worked at Cowley for 27 years and have had amazing athletes continue their passion in the sport by cheering at Cowley College & or D1, D2 colleges. I am an advocate for helping student athletes find their strengths, purpose and passion. I do believe it takes a village to raise our children & I am very proud to be an intricate part of the village.

On a personal note, I couldn’t have built my success without my late husband of 25 years, Brian Shaw. Brian blessed me with my oldest daughter, Halston Sawyer, who is married to our amazing son- in- law Dr. Sam Sawyer, along with our youngest daughter Hadlea Renee Shaw. They truly have been my support system through the good the bad and the ugly and I love them with all my heart and soul!  I must also share that I love my fur baby Frenchy  “Cubby”  and my gorgeous grand dogs-Thor, Wrigley Thomas and Steele!

Thank you for supporting ACC and we hope to see you soon!
Cheers-
Coach Kristi

Jennie Willard,office manager

Hi ACC families! My name is Jennie Willard, and I’m the office manager here at ACC. I also work full-time as a Special Education teacher at South Haven Elementary, where I teach students from Pre-K through 5th grade. Supporting and encouraging young people is truly where my heart is—both in the classroom and here at the gym. I have two grown children, Alex (29) and Tia (27). I am the proud GiGi of a new baby boy, Aidrian James (AJ), born in November 2025.  Tia started cheering with ACC when she was just 6 years old, and a few years later, I began helping Kristi around the gym. Tia cheered all the way through high school and went on to cheer at Kansas State University for four years. She graduated in 2021 with a degree in Athletic Training. My son, Alex, also graduated in 2021 from Pittsburg State University and now works as a manufacturing engineer. Even after my kids moved on, I stayed involved at ACC because of the amazing impact this program has on its athletes. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how Kristi and our coaching staff help young athletes build skills that go far beyond cheerleading. The confidence, dedication, and leadership these kids develop stay with them for life. It’s such a joy to watch our cheerleaders grow each season—not just in their abilities on the mat, but as strong, successful individuals. I’m so grateful to be part of this incredible community and to continue supporting the athletes and families who make ACC so special.

"Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists they become the best they can possibly be." – Rita Pierson