Coaches
Adam Toennies
15U & 14U Royal Head Coach/ Director
I have been passionate about volleyball for decades, both as a player and a coach. My love for the game first sparked in my 20s while playing in a sand league, and it quickly grew into a desire to coach and help develop young athletes.
I began my coaching career in 2009 under the mentorship of Chad Rakers, where I helped lead the C-4 Crush 14U team to qualify for the National Championship tournament.
The following year, I had the privilege of serving as an assistant coach under Fred Rakers, the second-winningest coach in IHSA volleyball history, with C-4 Crush.
In 2011, I stepped into my first head coaching role, leading C-4 Crush 13U to the National Championship tournament. Following the retirement of Fred Rakers, I accepted a position in 2012 as an assistant coach at Mater Dei High School in Breese, IL. I proudly coached there for five seasons, helping continue the tradition of excellence within the program.
I returned to club coaching during the shortened 2020 COVID season with CC Elite and most recently coached the LSL Slammers 13U team during the 2023 season.
Throughout my years in the sport, I’ve seen firsthand a decline in the experience and quality of coaching at the club level. Too often, players are placed on teams simply to fill rosters – without a true commitment to skill development, competitive growth, or the overall athlete experience. I’ve also witnessed the frustrations that come from unorganized club operations.
At ECMo, we are building something different. Our club is rooted in strong, experienced coaching, with every team designed to be competitive — not just formed for the sake of having one. Here, it’s NOT JUST A JERSEY — it’s a commitment to real development, competitive excellence, and providing players with the tools they need to succeed. Our goal is to offer an organized, professional and positive experience for players and their families, while helping each athlete reach their highest potential.
We are excited to lead a club that truly puts athletes first — with a focus on development, competition, and a lifelong love for the game.
Coach Adam Toennies
Ashleigh Blevins
13U Royal Head Coach
Ashleigh is a passionate and energetic addition to the team. A 2022 graduate of Holt High School, she was deeply involved in the volleyball program throughout her high school years—playing the sport she loves and serving as the varsity team manager for three years. Her commitment and enthusiasm for volleyball have remained strong ever since.
Currently, Ashleigh is pursuing a degree in Health and Human Performance in college. Through her academic journey, she has gained extensive knowledge in areas such as sports injury prevention, athletic performance, and recovery. She is a strong advocate for active warm-ups, stretching, and proper recovery techniques, understanding how essential they are to keeping athletes healthy and performing at their best.
In addition to her academic focus, Ashleigh has completed two coaching courses, including one specifically centered on volleyball. These classes, combined with her practical experience, have helped her develop a well-rounded understanding of coaching, team dynamics, and athlete development.
Known for her upbeat personality and love for staying active, Ashleigh thrives in team environments and enjoys building strong relationships with both athletes and their families. She is excited to be part of this team and looks forward to a season filled with growth, teamwork, and success.
Ashleigh is always happy to connect and answer any questions—don’t hesitate to reach out!
Jake Pederson
Private Training Specialist
With 25 years of experience on the court and sideline, Coach Jake brings an infection energy to every practice, game, and training session. His passion for volleyball is evident in his dynamic coaching style, always pushing athletes to reach their full potential. Driven by a love for volleyball, Coach Jake fosters a positive and encouraging environment where players develop their skills and build a strong sense of teamwork.
Background:
4 years head coaching experience – Motion Volleyball Club, 14’s, 15’s, 16’s, 17’s
4 years – 1 on 1 and small group training
Collegiate volleyball scholarship – Missouri Valley College
Bachelor of Science: Exercise Science
Captain 4 years
Leland High School, San Jose, CA
Varsity 4 years, Captain 3 years
Total volleyball experience: 25 years
Lexi Pearson
15U Royal Assistant Coach
Lexi is a St. Charles native with a deep-rooted love for volleyball. She started playing club at age 12 with the St. Charles Stars before moving to High Performance, one of the most competitive and well-respected clubs in the Gateway Region. Lexi also played all four years at Francis Howell Central High School, where she developed her skills and passion for the game.
She competed at a very high level of competition throughout her volleyball career, gaining valuable experience and a deep understanding of the game. Now that her own playing journey has come to an end, Lexi is ready to give back to the sport she loves. She’s passionate about helping younger athletes improve their game and make a difference in their lives—both on and off the court.
She recently married her high school sweetheart, and together they’re raising their sweet daughter, Ivy. Now on the coaching side of the sport, Lexi is excited to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with young athletes. Her goal is to help players grow in both skill and confidence while fostering a strong sense of teamwork and love for the game.
Andrea Thomas
14U Royal Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach Andrea Thomas grew up in Southern Illinois playing volleyball for some of the State’s top coaches. She is a passionate and dedicated volleyball coach with over 3 years of coaching experience developing athletes and building successful teams. Known for a strategic mindset and a motivational leadership style, Coach Andrea has led teams that consistently foster a culture of discipline, teamwork, and growth.
With a background as a former player and coaching at different levels for numerous sports, Coach Andrea brings firsthand knowledge of the game to every practice and match. She specializes in skill development, game strategy, and fostering mental toughness, making her a respected mentor both on and off the court.
Currently coaching at the Midwest Rebels Softball Program, Coach Andrea continues to inspire athletes to reach their full potential while promoting sportsmanship and a lifelong love for the game.
McKenzie Hunter
13U Royal Assistant Coach
McKenzie has been passionate about volleyball from a very young age. She started playing when she was just 5 years old, and by age 11, she was competing in club volleyball. Her high school volleyball career began at St. Dominic High School before she transferred to Troy Buchanan High School.
McKenzie recently graduated from Troy Buchanan and credits volleyball for teaching her valuable life lessons in teamwork, discipline, leadership, and perseverance.
In addition to her athletic background, McKenzie has a strong commitment to helping others. She earned her CNA certification through Pike-Lincoln Technical School and is currently pursuing a nursing degree at St. Charles Community College.
Karrie Haskins
14U Orange Royal Head Coach
Karrie brings over 14 years of playing experience in the St. Louis volleyball community, along with 5 years of coaching. Her background both on the court and on the sidelines has fueled a passion for helping athletes grow, not just in their skills, but also in their confidence and teamwork.
Outside of volleyball, Karrie works in the medical field, with 4 years in Chiropractic care and currently as a Medical Assistant in Obstetrics. She is also a proud mom of two, a biological son and a bonus daughter, who keep her busy and inspired.
Karrie chose to coach with ECMO because she sees the sport as an incredible opportunity for kids to develop both athletic ability and long-term friendships. She believes success comes not only from hard work on the court, but from the fun, supportive relationships built along the way. Her coaching style emphasizes positivity, growth, and the joy of being part of a team.
Alyssa Pendleton
14U Orange Royal Assistant Coach
Alyssa grew up playing competitive volleyball from 14U through 18U, where she excelled as both a middle and right-side hitter. She competed with the Saint Charles Stars Volleyball Club and PAO, gaining years of experience on the court that shaped her love for the game.
Outside of volleyball, Alyssa worked for five years in Memory Care before becoming a full-time mom to her two young children, ages 2 years and 6 months. Her professional background instilled patience, empathy, and leadership, qualities she now brings into her coaching.
Alyssa is excited to join ECMO Volleyball Academy as a coach this year. Her goal is to help athletes fall in love with the sport just as she did, while passing on the knowledge and skills she gained as a player. She believes a positive attitude is the foundation of any successful team and strives to create an encouraging, fun, and growth-focused environment for her players.