Coach Jessica Millanes Shearer continues her leadership at Desert Vista High School as Co-Head Coach for the 2025 Track and Field season. A proud Thunder alum, Coach Shearer graduated from Desert Vista in 2000, leaving a lasting legacy on the Cross Country and Track teams. During her high school career, she captained the Cross Country team for three years and contributed to multiple state championships in both Cross Country and Track. She was also a part of Desert Vista’s first state championship title, a moment that continues to inspire her coaching today. Returning to the program that shaped her, she feels honored to give back to the next generation of Thunder athletes.

After high school, Coach Shearer continued her athletic and coaching journey at Saint Mary’s College (IN), competing in Cross Country while also coaching at a local high school. Following her college years, she answered a higher calling, serving in the United States Marine Corps, where she completed two tours in Iraq. Her experiences in the military instilled in her a deep sense of discipline, resilience, and leadership—values she carries into her coaching philosophy. She believes in developing athletes holistically, preparing them for success both on and off the track, no matter what their future holds.

Coach Shearer’s passion for coaching goes beyond competition. She is dedicated to mentoring student-athletes, helping them grow in confidence, character, and commitment. Under her leadership, the Desert Vista Track and Field program has continued to thrive, with both the boys and girls teams earning runner-up honors at the 2024 Division I State Championship.

Off the track, Coach Shearer finds joy in her family. She and her husband, Rob (USMC Retired), are proud parents of two daughters, Evelyn and Cecilia (“CC”), who enjoy running but are currently more focused on competitive cheerleading. Their family's commitment to athletics, in all its forms, reinforces their shared values of dedication, perseverance, and teamwork.

With her deep roots in Ahwatukee and unwavering passion for the sport, Coach Shearer remains committed to the success of Desert Vista’s student-athletes. Her dedication to developing well-rounded individuals makes her an invaluable leader in the Thunder Track and Field community.

email: jshearer@tempeunion.org

Meet Coach Chris Hanson, the dedicated leader at the helm of Desert Vista Cross Country and Track since its inaugural season in 1996. With an illustrious coaching career spanning nearly three decades, Coach Hanson has garnered the prestigious Coach of the Year award an impressive eight times. His coaching expertise has produced three Individual Cross Country State Champions and an exceptional track record of success, including ten State Championships and five State Runner-Up titles, all achieved in the highest echelons of Arizona High School classifications.

Originally hailing from Iowa, Coach Hanson's journey to the desert began when he attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he met his beloved Stefanie. Shortly after graduation, they moved to Arizona to pursue their careers. Since their marriage in 1995, they have shared a remarkable life together, including raising a family that embodies their passion for athletics and excellence.

Their three children carry forward the legacy of athletic achievement and dedication. Solomon Hanson, a former Desert Vista Cross Country Boys Runner (Class of 2017), went on to become an Air Force Academy alumnus and currently serves in the Space Force. Sevanna Hanson (Class of 2018), has achieved All-American status as a pole vaulter at Arizona State University and is currently pursuing her masters degree at Texas A&M, while finishing her collegiate pole vaulting career, exemplifying the family's commitment to excellence in sports. The youngest member of the Hanson family, Seth (Class of 2025), shines on the field as a Quarterback and punter for the Thunder while also excelling on the Basketball and Track teams.

Coach Hanson's enduring commitment to Desert Vista Cross Country and Track and Field teams is a testament to his unwavering passion for the sport and dedication to nurturing young talent. Under his guidance, the team has consistently reached new heights, and Coach Hanson's influence continues to inspire both athletes and the community alike. As we look ahead to another exciting season, we anticipate further success and growth under the exceptional leadership of Coach Chris Hanson.

Megan Leeman embodies a lifelong dedication to running, having been an avid runner for over three decades. Her enduring passion for the sport is only matched by her commitment to nurturing the potential of young athletes. As an Assistant Coach for the Desert Vista High School Girls Cross Country team, Megan finds profound joy in guiding and witnessing her athletes exceed their own expectations.

Megan's love affair with running began in middle school and has been an enduring part of her life ever since. Her competitive spirit led her to pursue running through her college years, where she proudly represented Indiana University in both cross country and track. Today, she continues to thrive as an avid marathoner, relentlessly pursuing her own goals on the roads.

Megan first became involved with the Desert Vista Cross Country program as a booster member, supporting the team behind the scenes. When the program needed additional leadership, she stepped up to become an Assistant Coach, eager to share her wealth of experience with the athletes.

Megan is a proud mother of three children, each with their own unique interests and pursuits. Her oldest, Lydia, is a junior at Desert Vista and a dedicated member of the DVCC girls' cross country team. She was voted team captain by her peers, a testament to her leadership and dedication. Her son, Ben, is now a freshman at Desert Vista and has joined the DV cross country team as well, continuing the family’s running legacy. Her youngest, Owen, is in sixth grade and enjoys running 5Ks.

Her husband, Rollie, is a former runner who continues to run when he can. As a family, the Leemans love traveling together and enjoying outdoor adventures, whether it's running, biking, or exploring new places.

Coach Megan Leeman is a dedicated coach and mentor who brings a lifetime of running experience and a contagious passion for the sport. Her commitment to helping young athletes discover their full potential is matched only by her own ongoing pursuit of excellence in the world of running.

Introducing Coach Kyle Hancock, who has embarked on his inaugural season as an assistant coach for the DV Cross Country and Track programs, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep connection to Desert Vista High School Cross Country.

A proud alumnus of Desert Vista, Coach Kyle is a true embodiment of the Desert Vista spirit. As a DVCC/Track Boys Runner, he graduated with the Class of 2003 and boasts an impressive personal record of 16:03 in the 5K. Notably, he was an integral part of the pioneering DVCC Boys State Championship team in 2002, marking a historic moment in our program's history. Kyle's legacy also extends to being one of the inaugural members of the esteemed Sons of Thunder, a testament to his dedication and leadership.

Beyond his role in coaching, Kyle applies his expertise as an aircraft engine control systems engineer, reflecting his commitment to precision, innovation, and problem-solving. His professional background enriches his coaching approach, infusing it with analytical thinking and attention to detail.

Kyle's journey at Brigham Young University led to a remarkable chapter in his life as he crossed paths with his future wife, Lorna. Together, they are the proud parents of seven children, each with their unique gifts and talents. Among them, two stand out as current DV Boys Runners: Jesse Hancock, who is part of the Class of 2027, and Feliha'a Hancock, also a member of the Class of 2027. This familial connection to Desert Vista athletics exemplifies the Hancock family's deep-rooted commitment to our program and its future.

Coach Kyle Hancock's return to Desert Vista, this time as a dedicated coach, marks a full-circle journey of passion, achievement, and giving back to the sport and community that have played a significant role in his life. His guidance and mentorship promise to inspire and shape the next generation of Desert Vista athletes, ensuring that the legacy of excellence continues to thrive.

With a rich background in education and a deep passion for athletics, Coach Sonja Tinsley has been a dedicated K-6th grade teacher for the past two decades. Her unwavering commitment to fostering young minds in the classroom seamlessly extends to the world of sports, where she shines as an indispensable figure in the Desert Vista Cross Country and Track teams.

Since 2016, Sonja has been an invaluable presence as a Cross Country coach for middle school athletes, nurturing their talents and instilling in them the values of discipline and perseverance. Her extensive experience as an educator beautifully complements her coaching role, allowing her to connect with young athletes on a profound level.

Sonja Tinsley has demonstrated her dedication to Desert Vista Track and Field by serving as the Vice President of the Track and Field Booster organization for five years. Her tireless efforts behind the scenes have greatly contributed to the success and growth of the program.

Sonja's dedication to sports is a family affair. As a mother of two boys who have journeyed through Desert Vista Cross Country and Track programs, she has witnessed the transformative power of these sports firsthand. Connor, a Class of 2021 graduate, embraced Pole Vaulting with enthusiasm, while Logan, from the Class of 2023, discovered his passion for racing the 800 meters during track season. Both of her sons are pursuing their education at Arizona State University. 

In addition to her coaching and family commitments, Sonja Tinsley is an avid marathon runner, constantly challenging herself to reach new milestones. Her personal journey as a marathoner underscores her commitment to setting and achieving ambitious goals, a quality she wholeheartedly imparts to her athletes.

Coach Sonja Tinsley's coaching philosophy revolves around sharing her wealth of knowledge and experiences with her athletes. With her nurturing guidance, she instills not only athletic excellence but also the life skills and values that will serve her students long after they leave the track.

Coach Dan Beeks has been an integral part of the Desert Vista Cross Country (DVCC) program since 2014, serving as an Assistant Coach for the DV Cross Country and Track teams. His journey with the team reflects a deep commitment to the sport and a genuine passion for mentoring young athletes, as he always reminds them, “Let’s go have some fun!”, before every run. 

Prior to his coaching role, Coach Beeks demonstrated his dedication to the Desert Vista athletics program by taking on leadership positions within the Desert Vista Boys Cross Country Boosters Association. He initially served as Vice President and later ascended to the role of President, where he played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the program.

The Beeks family has a strong legacy within the Desert Vista Cross Country program. Coach Beeks is the proud father of two former DVCC runners—Matt Beeks, a graduate from the Class of 2015, and Izzie Beeks, who graduated from the Class of 2017. Their involvement in the sport showcases the family's deep-rooted connection to Desert Vista athletics and their shared love for running.

Coach Beeks is driven by his genuine love for working with student-athletes and collaborating with the coaching staff to create an enriching and enjoyable experience for all. His dedication to ensuring that everyone involved has fun underscores his commitment to the holistic development of young athletes.

In Coach Dan Beeks, the Desert Vista Cross Country and Track teams have a dedicated mentor who brings both leadership experience and a deep understanding of the program's history. His continued support and enthusiasm for the sport play an essential role in shaping the team's success and fostering a positive environment for all involved.