Meet the Varsity Spirit Leadership Team

Bill started as a UCA Instructor in 1989 before becoming full-time in 1991. He was a cheerleader at George Mason University, where he graduated with a degree in Sports Management. Bill was on the founding board for the USASF, helped to create USA Cheer, the US National Teams and STUNT the Sport. Currently, as President of Varsity Spirit, he leads the team in delivering world-class experiences for young people everywhere. Bill and his wife, Heather, have four children, Mickenzie, McKenna, Hopper and Dequan, and a granddaughter, Naomi Kate, along with three pups.

Why is he passionate about Varsity Spirit?
“I’m passionate about Varsity Spirit for two primary reasons. The first is that I believe deeply that school spirit can positively transform a school, gym and community. Helping young people create an environment that is positive and inclusive helps instill a sense of community and pride, and it equips those involved to be more successful in life. The second is that I have the privilege of serving alongside the most incredible people every day I come into work.”

Favorite Hobby: He likes to spend his free time at his son Hopper’s brewery, Grind City.
Favorite Food: New York Style pizza puts all other pizza to shame
Favorite Band/Musician: His daughter, McKenna Bray, of course, followed by the Eagles and Tom Petty

Rick has been a member of the Varsity Spirit team since 2017. As Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Rick leads the information technology function that covers all aspects of Varsity Spirit IT. He is happily married with three children, two dogs and a cat. He enjoys outdoor sports and activities.

Why is he passionate about Varsity Spirit?
“I love Varsity Spirit’s mission to elevate the student experience. It’s so important to invest in our nation’s youth to develop and guide their paths. They are our future leaders.”

Favorite Hobby: He loves working on construction projects in his spare time.
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Band/Musician: Maroon 5

Matt joined the Varsity Spirit family in 2022 as Chief Transformation Officer. In this role he leads the charge on transformation and innovation, helping reimagine the customer experience and bringing together operations and digital initiatives. An alumnus of the University of Oklahoma and outdoor enthusiast, Matt currently lives in Richardson, Texas with his wife, Paige, and their three children, Hallie, Jake and Sydney.

Why is he passionate about Varsity Spirit?
“The experiences we enable and help create at Varsity Spirit are transformative in the lives of young people. Youth sports and activities had an incredible impact on my personal development – they build character and confidence, foster lifelong friendships, and are incredible tools for learning about life. I’m proud to be on a team with such a strong mission!”

Favorite Hobby: He enjoys playing sports and games with his kids.
Favorite Food: Tex-Mex
Favorite Band/Musician: Shane & Shane

Brett joined the Varsity Spirit family in 2021 and is responsible for continuously improving the tools and processes available to our employees in order to best support our customers. As a Villanova University alum, he stays involved as an Advisory Council Member of the Moran Center for Global Leadership, and he’s also a founding Board Member of the nonprofit Share the Herd. Brett and his wife, Meghan, have one son, James.

Why is he passionate about Varsity Spirit?
“Youth team activities had a formative impact on my development, and Varsity Spirit plays an important role in this experience for many young cheer, dance and band participants.”

Favorite Hobby: He’s an outdoors enthusiast and loves hiking.
Favorite Food: Chicken parmesan
Favorite Band/Musician: Metallica

Nicole was a cheerleader at Florida State University and served as a UCA Instructor beginning in 1996. As Varsity Brands’ Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications, she is responsible for the strategy and implementation of communications across the company, as well as reinforcing the organization’s key messages and mission. Nicole also leads Digital, Media & Marketing for Varsity Spirit, and since 2010 has co-hosted the Varsity Spirit cheerleading championships on ESPN and CBS Sports Networks.

Why is she passionate about Varsity Spirit?
“At the end of the day, what we do is bring joy to people's lives. That's what drives me every day.”

Favorite Hobby: She loves trying out new fitness classes.
Favorite Food: Cheese

John started out as a Varsity Spirit Fashion Rep in 1999. Since then, he has taken on numerous roles, currently serving as the EVP/GM of Varsity All Star. In this role John oversees the all star division, including events and fashion. John and his wife, Mary, reside in Germantown, TN and have five daughters, five grandchildren and a sweet Aussiedoodle named Wavie.

Why is he passionate about Varsity Spirit?
“I’m passionate about Varsity Spirit because I love what we do to inspire young people to be more confident, become better team players and learn how to work hard. As a father of five daughters – all involved in cheer and dance – I’ve seen firsthand the benefits of being on a team, working hard and understanding what it takes to win. And I’ve seen that pay off in life after cheer and dance.”

Favorite Hobby: He’s been to every college football national championship game involving Clemson.
Favorite Food: Pizza (especially Memphis Pizza Café)
Favorite Band/Musician: Darius Rucker and Lauren Daigle

John joined the Varsity Spirit team in 2016 as Director of Strategy. Since then, he has taken on the role of Executive Vice President and General Manager of School Business, ensuring that Varsity Spirit provides incredible products and experiences to cheer, dance and band customers across apparel, camps and competitions. John enjoys spending his free time with his wife, Emily, and their three children, Andrew, Ellie and Caroline.

Why is he passionate about Varsity Spirit?
“Cheer, dance and band provide young people the same growth opportunities and life lessons that playing soccer and basketball gave me. I wake up every day thankful for the opportunity to elevate the student experience for millions of students across America.”

Favorite Hobby: He likes playing the drums.
Favorite Food: Cheeseburgers
Favorite Band/Musician: Dispatch & DMB

Coming all the way from England, UK, Nikki started with Varsity Brands in 2018 before transitioning to Varsity Spirit as Senior Vice President of Human Resources. Nikki now lives in Dallas, TX with her three daughters, Sofia, Chloe and Ella, and their Corgi pup, Chester. Though she wasn’t a cheerleader herself, Nikki can often be seen at all star events cheering for her daughter, Chloe.

Why is she passionate about Varsity Spirit?
“The work that Varsity Spirit and Varsity Brands does to help kids feel a sense of belonging and purpose is one we can all resonate with. We’ve experienced middle school and high school, and now some of us have kids in school . . . that can be a difficult age. Seeing my daughter gain strength and confidence since she has been in cheer has been incredible to watch. We are making a positive impact on future generations.”

Favorite Hobby: She loves to go horseback riding.
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Band/Musician: Armin Van Buuren