Hailey James

With over a decade of cheerleading experience and a heart rooted in community, Coach Hailey James is the proud owner of Louisiana Heat Training and a passionate leader in the New Orleans cheer scene. She began her coaching journey in 2016 and now partners with five schools across the New Orleans area, helping young athletes grow both on and off the mat.

In 2025, Coach Hailey earned the prestigious title of National Champion Coach at U.S. Finals in Florida, a testament to her drive, vision, and leadership. A former UCA All-American Cheerleader and collegiate athlete at BRCC, she brings both experience and empathy to every team she builds.

Coach Hailey is USASF certified in Levels 1–5 and committed to training well-rounded athletes. Her favorite part of cheerleading is the unity it builds — the accountability, sisterhood, and strength that comes from pushing through challenges together.

Her mission is simple yet powerful:
“To create a space where every girl finds her confidence, her team, and her power through cheer.”
At Louisiana Heat, it’s more than a gym — it’s a movement.

Amiyah Chapman

Jasmine Jackson

My name is Jasmine Jackson and I am a dedicated engineer at a NASA facility and a first-year All-Star cheer coach, bringing a unique perspective, shaped by both professional excellence and personal experience. As a parent whose daughter has been involved in All-Star cheer for the past eight years, I understand firsthand the dedication, discipline, and heart that the sport demands from athletes and families. My transition into coaching reflects a deep passion for the cheer community and a desire to give back by mentoring young athletes with the same values that define my engineering career: precision, resilience, and teamwork.

Balancing two high-performance arenas, I bring energy, structure, and compassion to my role, leading with the insight of a parent and the focus of a professional. My ability to connect, inspire, and lead both on the mat and in the lab speaks to my exceptional versatility and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

Tahj Robinson

I have 16 years of cheerleading experience, highlighted by being selected as an All-American at the NCA Cheer Camp in 2019.

Over the past four years, I have gained valuable coaching experience across multiple levels. I began by coaching a Mini Prep team for one season before transitioning into a tumbling coach role.

In addition to leading tumbling instruction, I have assisted with Youth, Junior, and Senior teams, supporting athlete development in skills, performance quality, and team growth.

I am passionate about building athletes’ confidence, technique, and teamwork while fostering a positive and motivating environment.

Lyric Nicholson

Meet Lyric Nicholson — born and raised in the DMV area, Lyric has been cheering for 16 years and competing at the highest levels of the sport. She has earned championship titles at The Cheerleading Worlds, The Summit, and CHEERSPORT, placed bronze at NCA All-Star National Championship, and won gold in 2022. She also cheered with FAME All Stars, where she developed strong technique, leadership, and competitive excellence.

Lyric currently cheers at Xavier University of Louisiana and plans to continue her undergraduate career at Loyola University New Orleans, pursuing Nursing with aspirations of becoming a pediatric palliative nurse. Known for her bubbly personality, discipline, and compassion, Lyric is committed to mentoring young athletes while striving to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

Caleb Merckson

COMING SOON

Ma Coi Hollins

Louisiana Heat Dance Program is led by powerhouse performer, teacher, and choreographer Ma Coi Hollins, a 3-year veteran of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans Dance Team. With professional sports, film, music, and stage credits, Ma Coi brings real industry experience directly into the program.

A 2022 graduate of Dillard University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and served as Assistant Choreographer for the Dillard Diamond’s Dance Team, Ma Coi blends discipline, creativity, and leadership in every space she enters. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Data Science at the University of San Diego, embodying both artistic excellence and academic achievement.

Her professional performance credits include dancing behind Grammy-nominated group Tank and the Bangas, appearing in Hulu’s Iron Mike, performing in music videos for Shirazee and SAINt JHN, and serving as Head Choreographer at Anthony Bean Community Theater. From concert stages to television screens, Ma Coi understands what it takes to perform at the highest level.

Having trained in ballet, tap, modern, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop since the age of three, and as a former member of the New Orleans Hornets Stingers junior dance team, she knows firsthand the journey from aspiring dancer to professional performer.

As Head Dance Instructor and Coach of Louisiana Heat Dance Program, Ma Coi is committed to developing confident, technically strong, and performance-ready dancers. Her mission is to train athletes and artists who move with precision, passion, and undeniable presence.