Our head coaches
Our coaches are the heart of Defender athletics. They’re mentors and leaders who invest their time, energy, and passion into helping our athletes grow — not just in their sport, but as young people. Every coach brings their own background and style, and together they shape the culture that makes our programs thrive.
At ALA, our coaches model the RAISE values of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. These principles guide how they teach, lead, and support our athletes, building confidence and character that lasts far beyond the season.
This page gives you a closer look at the people guiding our teams and inspiring every Defender to rise.
athletic directors
chandler evans
Bio coming soon. We’re gathering details to help you get to know the leaders behind our athletes.
Athletic Director
Darrell perkins
Bio coming soon. We’re gathering details to help you get to know the leaders behind our athletes.
Assistant Athletic DirectorFootball, cheer,
girls volleyball, cross country
darrell perkins
Coach bio coming soon. We’re gathering details to help you get to know the leaders behind our athletes.
Football
jon canyon
Jon Canyon is the Head Coach of Girls Volleyball at ALA Vistancia High School and a dedicated coach with a proven track record of success. With four years of coaching experience, he has built competitive teams while fostering a positive, team-first culture. Coach Jon has led his club teams to multiple championships and bracket wins, and he is passionate about developing student-athletes both on and off the court. He is committed to empowering players to reach their full potential and strengthening community support for the ALA Defenders volleyball program.
Girls Volleyball
Cheerkacey HOYER
Born and raised in Arizona, she got her start in gymnastics, where she built the discipline, strength, and attention to detail that still influence her coaching today. She later found her passion for cheerleading, cheering through high school and continuing in all-star cheer for several years. With over 15 years of coaching experience, she has guided teams to great success, including earning seven state titles and multiple top five finishes at the national level.
What matters most to her, though, is the impact she has on her athletes beyond the sport. She’s passionate about helping them build confidence, resilience, and respect, while teaching the value of teamwork, accountability, and perseverance. She believes in creating a positive, supportive environment where athletes feel challenged but encouraged every step of the way.
She takes pride in helping athletes grow not only as cheerleaders, but as confident, well-rounded individuals, while also building strong, lasting relationships with parents, the school, and the broader community.
Outside of coaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their three dogs. She also has a background working with animals and is currently involved in the field of canine rehabilitation.
Cross CountryCoach bio coming soon. We’re gathering details to help you get to know the leaders behind our athletes.
boys & girls basketball, boys & girls soccer, wrestling, and pom
Dirk walker
I am Dirk Walker and I am honored to serve as the new Head Coach of the ALA Vistancia Boys
Basketball Program. I would first like to thank the administration for this incredible opportunity and for
trusting me to lead and grow this program.
My passion for the game began at a young age and continued throughout my playing career at the
collegiate level. As a 4-year starter at Simpson College in Iowa, I finished as the schools all-time leader in
both assists and steals. My coaching philosophy is centered on teaching life skills through the game of
basketball. Our program will be built on accountability, integrity, discipline, and relentless effort, striving to
be the hardest-working team every time we compete.
This upcoming season marks my 18th season as a head coach. In my coaching career, I have been
fortunate to achieve more than 200 career wins, while leading teams to 3 consecutive Elite 8
appearances and a 4A-6A open division post season appearance. Along my journey I have developed
numerous student-athletes who have gone on to play basketball at the collegiate level. I believe my
greatest measure of success is the positive impact we have on the lives of our players.
I am incredibly excited to build a championship culture and a strong basketball community at ALA
Vistancia—one founded on hard work, character, and competing. Together, we will create traditions,
lasting relationships, and a legacy that our players, families, and community will be proud of for the future.
Go Defenders!
Boys Basketball
gregory peters
Coach Gregory Peters leads the ALA–Vistancia girls varsity basketball program, bringing a strong track record of program growth, player development, and competitive success across Arizona.
In his first season with ALA–Vistancia, Peters guided a young JV roster to meaningful progress built on discipline, hard work, and coachability — even helping one athlete earn two college offers. His leadership has already set a strong foundation for the future of the program.
Peters previously elevated programs at Youngker High School with a school‑record 4–0 start and a playoff play‑in berth, Cactus High School with the program’s best season in five years and his 100th career win, and Southwest Leadership Academy with 80+ victories, a district title, and multiple playoff runs.
A passionate educator and leader, Peters also serves as Director of Special Education and Interim Principal. His coaching philosophy centers on an up‑tempo, team‑first style rooted in accountability, effort, and preparing student‑athletes for success on and off the court.
Girls BasketballWrestlingAndrew miller
Bio on the way. Check back soon to meet this Defender coach.
merveil “merv”akamba bilomba
Girls SoccerBio on the way. Check back soon to meet this Defender coach.
Boys Soccerjuan tellecha
Bio on the way. Check back soon to meet this Defender coach.
Audra matthews
POMBio on the way. Check back soon to meet this Defender coach.
track & Field, baseball, softball, boys volleyball & golf
eric hills
Hello,
I am Coach Hills the Head track and field coach for both junior high and high school. I will be going into my 2nd year at ALA Vistancia and 15th year of coaching and teaching. I have coached and played nearly every sport in my career and life. I am married and have 3 beautiful children. I absolutely love ALA and the R.A.I.S.E values as they are the foundation of everything that we do. Year one had lots of success and I cannot wait to see what year two brings.
Track and FieldMatt grott
This coach’s profile is being updated. Their full bio will be available shortly.
BaseballSoftballjeanette rincon
This coach’s profile is being updated. Their full bio will be available shortly.
landon marsh
SoftballThis coach’s profile is being updated. Their full bio will be available shortly.
Boys Volleyballtbd
This coach’s profile is being updated. Their full bio will be available shortly.