Make A Wave With Volleyball
Coach Reese Fergusson
Assistant Coach (Girls 18U)
Reese is a graduate of Civic Memorial High School and is currently attending SIUE to obtain a degree in Exercise Science, followed by Physical Therapy. She began her volleyball career in 4th grade as a Little Eagle! Reese played all through middle school and high school. Throughout her playing career she served many roles for her team, but ultimately fulfilling the position of a defensive specialist at the Varsity level. Reese has been involved with many youth camps and has experience coaching middle school level teams for the Eagles. She is also an IHSA Certified Volleyball Official. Reese has such a love for the sport that drives her desire to help create opportunities for younger athletes to develop a high level of skill and become great teammates.
Coach Stacey Ferguson
Head Coach (Girls 18U)
Stacey Ferguson is a Biomedical Science teacher at Alton High School. She is finishing her 20th year teaching. In addition to teaching, Stacey has 22 years of volleyball coaching experience. She began her career as JV Coach at Metro East Lutheran High School in 2001. In 2002, she began teaching at Alton High and obtained an assistant coaching position. Stacey coached Freshman for 7 years until becoming the Varsity Head Coach in 2009. She served as Head Coach in the SWC for 11 seasons.. Throughout her tenure with Alton, she also coached the middle school level and was assistant coach for the boys team from 2014-2017. In 2020, Stacey made the transition to Varsity Head Coach at East Alton Wood River. In addition she is also the 8th grade coach for Roxana Junior High. As a long time coach in the surrounding communities, it is her passion to help raise the playing level for all players and programs in the area by developing individual skills and providing opportunities for players to enhance their overall knowledge and competitiveness.
Coach Kenlea Herndon
Head Coach (Boys 18U)
Kenlea Herndon graduated from Lindenwood University-Belleville with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, where she also competed for the Lynx Women's Volleyball team. She began her collegiate career as a Freshman earning a starting Outside Hitter position and making an appearance at the 2014 USCAA Volleyball National Championships in Canton, NY. She also served as a student assistant to the Lynx Men's Volleyball team during her time at Lindenwood. Kenlea began coaching Boys volleyball in 2019 as the Junior Varsity Coach and Assistant Varsity Coach for Alton High School (2019 - 2021). In 2021, she began coaching for Twin Rivers Volleyball club for 17U boys. Outside of volleyball, Kenlea works in a management position for a local non-profit agency. She is dedicated to providing opportunities for young athletes in the area to not only learn the fundamentals of volleyball, but to also guide them in continuing their growth to perform at a competitive level.
Coach Jake Avello
Assistant Head Coach (Boys 18U)
Jake Avello graduated from Lindenwood University-Belleville with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management, where he also competed for the Lynx Men's Volleyball team as a Middle and Right side hitter. Post-graduation, he continues to compete and has earned multiple medals in tournaments for competitive volleyball organizations such as USAV and NAGVA. Jake began his coaching career in 2021 as the Assistant Coach to Twin Rivers Volleyball Club's 17U Boys Volleyball team. Outside of Volleyball, Jake has 9 years of management experience and currently works as a Director of Operations for an Event Management company. Jake's coaching philosophy focuses on 3 core principles - an intrinsic motivation to succeed, continuing growth by identifying limitations and pushing past them, and recognizing and capitalizing on opportunities. One of Jake's core values is helping players understand the definition of team unity, and fulfilling those different roles that are crucial to being successful.
Coach Jake Martin
Head Coach (Girls 16U Blue)
Jake Martin graduated from Missouri Baptist University with a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences, where he also competed for the Spartans Men's Volleyball team as a Libero and Defensive Specialist (2018-2021). Post-graduation, he is back in school at Missouri Baptist University looking to earn a second Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Jake has an accomplished background in coaching effectively and leading teams to victories. He began coaching girls volleyball in 2015 as the 8th Grade Assistant Coach for Lewis and Clark Junior High School (2015 - 2022). During his time with the Lady Patriots, they have won several Conference Titles and were the 2021 Regional and Sectional Champions. He is well versed in training and developing strategies to transform his players' athletic performance as well as helping his players realize their greatest athletic potential. Jake is dedicated to bringing forth the ability to skillfully help athletes improve their form, technique, and performance level, while also growing their love for the game of volleyball.