Our Team

Francisco Hernandez (CEO)

With over 15 years of experience coaching youth football, I am dedicated to helping athletes grow both on and off the field. While football is my passion, my mission focuses on developing life skills, teamwork, and values like sportsmanship, discipline, and resilience.

I have held various coaching roles, including Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Pass Game Coordinator, and Wide Receiver Coach. Currently, I lead the Tustin Cobras 13U team and have coached at top programs in California, including Orange Lutheran High School, Foothill High School, and Orange High School. My approach emphasizes building strong relationships and creating game plans tailored to each team’s strengths, ensuring every athlete grows, regardless of their role.

Founder & CEO – Nighthawk Sports
In 2020, I founded Nighthawk Sports, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underprivileged student-athletes through football. We eliminate financial barriers by providing free camps, national tournaments, and educational travel. Our athletes visit college campuses, military academies, and epilepsy centers, giving back to the community while expanding their horizons. Our purple branding promotes epilepsy awareness, a cause close to my heart.

Since its founding, Nighthawk Sports has served 500+ youth, taken 100+ athletes on university tours, and helped 20+ athletes pursue college football opportunities. Our mission is to build great athletes and well-rounded individuals ready for success in life.

ANTONIO CLIFTON (P.F.O)

With over 9 years of coaching experience, Antonio Clifton is the President of Football Operations for the Nighthawks and currently serves as the Running Backs Coach and recruiting coordinator at Fullerton College. Originally from Memphis, TN, Antonio’s expertise spans various levels, focusing on running backs and wide receivers. His experience includes:

  • Offensive Coordinator (Nighthawks, 3rd season)

  • Running Backs Coach and Recruiting (Fullerton College)

  • Recruiting Coordinator (Nighthawks and Fullerton College)

  • 2 years in the Trinity League (one of the top high school football leagues in the U.S.)

  • 8 years in Pop Warner

Antonio’s coaching philosophy, “Growth and Development,” drives his work on and off the field. As Offensive Coordinator for the Nighthawks, he develops strategic game plans and ensures every player reaches their potential, fostering well-rounded athletes ready for success in football and life.

ALICIA ALEXANDER (E.D)

With over 15 years of experience in operations management, Alicia Alexander serves as the Executive Director of Nighthawk Sports and SCUF Gaming. She has a proven track record of cultivating strong teams and improving consumer experiences. Her experience includes:

  • Executive Director (Nighthawk Sports & SCUF Gaming)

  • Former Operations Manager (Best Buy)

  • Driving engagement and operational excellence

  • Leading impactful community-focused initiatives

Alicia is a dedicated leader with a passion for community outreach, consistently implementing initiatives that benefit those she serves. Her focus on building strong teams and fostering collaboration ensures that her organizations achieve both operational success and meaningful community impact.

ZAIDA HERNANDEZ (D.G.F)

With a dedication to community service, Zaida Hernandez serves as the Director of Grants and Funding at Nighthawk Sports. Her impactful work with veterans at the VA has strengthened her commitment to creating positive change within underserved communities. Her experience includes:

  • Director of Grants and Funding (Nighthawk Sports)

  • Extensive experience supporting veterans through her work with the VA

  • Proven success in securing funding to drive meaningful initiatives

  • Committed to fostering partnerships that support community growth and outreach

Zaida is a passionate advocate for service, consistently working to implement programs that benefit those in need. Her focus on securing impactful funding and building strong connections ensures that Nighthawk Sports can continue making a lasting difference.