Darryl Lyons

Originally from North Little Rock Arkansas, Coach Lyons is a graduate and former 2-year cheerleader for The University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  During his collegiate career, he spent his summers as a head instructor for The National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) for 5 years. 

After graduation, Coach Lyons moved to Springfield Missouri where he was the coach and choreographer for the nationally ranked Southwest Missouri State cheerleaders.  He led the team to a 7^th place finish at the 1994 Universal Cheerleaders Association College Nationals.  He also was the head coach of the Ozark High School Cheerleaders from 1995 -2001, who went on to receive first place at state in 1997 and 2000.   He was also the head coach of the Drury University Cheerleaders.  DU was named ASC national champions in 1999, with top ten rankings at NCA in 2000, and UCA in 2001.  Coach Lyons also created, directed, choreographed, and coached the nationally ranked COMPETICHEER! All- Star program from 1995 to 2001.  The co-ed program produced many national titles, as well as sent several athletes on to receive college cheer scholarships at The University of Arkansas, The University of Nebraska, Oklahoma State University, and The University of Kentucky.

In 2001, after being named to the “Who’s who of American Coaches” by the American Cheerleader Magazine, Coach Lyons was named assistant coach for the Arkansas Razorback Cheerleaders.  At this time, he also was a head instructor for the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA).  From 2003 to 2005, Coach Lyons was named head coach of the nationally ranked Mississippi State University  spirit program. 

Coach Lyons was a head instructor for the Universal Cheerleaders Association, where he instructed the largest cheer camp in history at the University of Alabama on May 31, 2003.  Darryl choreographed the opening demo that was broadcasted live on “Good Morning America”.

Coach Lyons has also been a judge for numerous national championships including UCA, NCA, WSA, COA, All Star Challenge, Jamfest, and the Cheersport National championships here in Atlanta.

Coach Lyons joined the Gym South Staff in May of 2005.  The Atlanta Cheer Force teams began competing in November of 2005.  They have successfully competed in many local competitions as well as recently attending a UCA summer camp at Panama City where they received several trophies.

Coach Darryl is in his second season coaching the Fayette County varsity football cheerleaders, competition cheer team, and basketball cheerleaders.  Darryl is also in his first season as head coach of the Clayton State University co-ed cheerleaders.