THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE VOLLEYBALL MAGIC
PAO STL Coaches (St. Charles)
PAO STL St. Charles
12 RDA Black & 15 RDA White
Jenn Swatek
Jenn Swatek has been coaching volleyball since 2022, working with athletes ages 12-16 in both recreational and club programs. As a former player herself, she is passionate about developing confident, hardworking athletes while helping them build a lasting love for the game. Jenn is committed to creating a positive, safe environment for young players and continually works to grow as a coach through ongoing training and development.
PAO STL St. Charles
13 RDA Black & 17 RDA Green
Alli Slinker
Coach Alli started coaching in 2018 and has been coaching at PAO since 2019. She started playing volleyball middle school and instantly fell in love. After tearing her ACL her senior year, she started coaching and hasn’t looked back since. Her favorite part about coaching is watching athletes discover their true potential and gain confidence in themselves.
PAO STL St. Charles
13 RDA Black
Rhonda Favor
Rhonda Favor is a dedicated volleyball coach with a passion for helping athletes grow both on and off the court. She focuses on building strong fundamentals, confidence, and teamwork while teaching life skills that extend far beyond volleyball. Rhonda loves being part of each athlete’s journey as they develop their skills, character, and love for the game.
PAO STL St. Charles
13 RDA Green
Alyssa McKay
Alyssa has been coaching volleyball for six years and has developed a strong passion for helping athletes grow both on and off the court. Alyssa’s dedication to the game shows through her commitment to developing skills, building confidence, and creating a positive, hardworking team environment.
PAO STL St. Charles
13 RDA Green
Madison Crawford
Madison has been coaching volleyball for three years and brings a competitive mindset shaped by her experience as a collegiate athlete. Her coaching focuses on developing strong fundamental skills and importance of teamwork while helping athletes grow both on and off the court.
PAO STL St. Charles
13 RDA White
Katie Akers
Coach Katie begins her first season of coaching with many years of playing experience and a deep passion for the game of volleyball. She is committed to helping athletes develop strong fundamentals, confidence, and a greater understanding of the sport. She strives to create a positive and supportive environment where players are encouraged to work hard, support one another, and grow as both athletes and individuals. She is passionate about mentoring her athletes, fostering leadership and teamwork, and helping each player build a lasting love and respect for the game.
PAO STL St. Charles
13 RDA White
Jaydon Crumley
Coach Jaydon is currently attending the University of Missouri St. Louis. He played volleyball at a high level for 8 seasons, and has coached for 6 seasons at the high school and club level. His coaching philosophy is centered around instilling his love for the sport into others, while also fostering a competitive drive.
PAO STL St. Charles
14 RDA Black
Ray Twohy
Ray Twohy has coached volleyball from youth to high school ages for over 10 years. He loves helping athletes grow in skill, confidence, and character. Ray is committed to building the whole athlete and creating an environment where they can thrive. Ray coaches using Gold Medal Squared (GMS) principles to ensure efficient, modern, and athlete centered development.
PAO STL St. Charles
14 RDA Black
Jaeden Lee
After 10 years as a player and 4 years of coaching, Jaeden loves helping athletes develop their skills, confidence, and a passion for volleyball. Her goal is to create a fun, competitive environment where players are challenged, supported, and excited to gorw both on and off the court.
PAO STL St. Charles
14 RDA Green
Stephanie Ross
Stephanie is in her 4th year of coaching club volleyball. She is also a teacher and has been in the elementary setting for 18 years. Volleyball has been a big part of her life since she was young, playing club, high school, and continued for 2 years at a community college. Stephanie has been married for 15 years and is the proud mom of two girls – one of which who plays volleyball and another who is a competitive gymnast. Sports and teamwork have always been an important part of her life.
PAO STL St. Charles
14 RDA Green
Laura Lackey
Laura Lackey has been coaching at PAO for 2 years. She encourages a positive environment and really enjoys seeing athletes improve and build their confidence on and off the court.
PAO STL St. Charles
14 RDA White
Aly Schneider
Aly is a passionate volleyball coach dedicated to developing skilled athletes and strong teams. She is focused on fundamentals, discipline, and building confidence both on and off the court. Aly is committed to creating a competitive, positive environment where players grow, work hard, and love the game.
PAO STL St. Charles
14 RDA White
Samantha Ball
Sam Ball is a volleyball coach with six years of experience helping young athletes grow both on and off the court. She is deeply committed to supporting teenage development, teaching confidence, maturity, and life skills through the game. Known for her high energy and protective nature, Sam shows up for her players with heart and stands firmly in their corner.
PAO STL St. Charles
15 RDA Black
Meaghan Vasiljevic
With over 15 years of club volleyball experience, Meaghan has worked with female athletes ages 12-17 as well as a boys team. She played competitive volleyball from ages 12-18 at both the club and high school levels, giving her a strong foundation in the game. Outside of coaching, Meaghan is a business owner, wife, and mom to 2 children, Oliver and Cirila. Her coaching philosophy focuses on developing strong, confident young women who grow not only as athletes, but also as leaders off the court.
PAO STL St. Charles
15 RDA Black
Peggy Shelton
Peggy is a passionate volleyball coach with a lifelong love for the game. She played at the collegiate level and brings years of coaching experience across CYC, high school, and USAV club programs. Peggy is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals while helping athletes grow in confidence and skill. She values building strong relationships with palyers and fostering a positive, team first environment on and off the court.
PAO STL St. Charles
15 RDA Black
Ashley Geluck
Ashley Geluck is a Division 1 student-athlete at Lindenwood University with strong passion for developing athletes both on and off the court. With 2 years of coaching experience, Ashley brings a competitive mindset, leadership skills, and firsthand knowledge of the game at a high level. Her experience as a collegiate athlete allows her to connect with players, emphasizing skill development, work ethic, and confidence.
PAO STL St. Charles
15 RDA Green
Chrystina Pacchini
Chrystina is in her second season coaching at PAO and her 4th season coaching club volleyball. She focuses on developing confident athletes while emphasizing strong sportsmanship and team chemistry. Chrystina’s goal is to create an environment where players grow both on and off the court while building a love for the game.
PAO STL St. Charles
15 RDA Green
Kayli Brownell
Coach Kayli is in her second year of coaching at PAO, after playing here for 5 years. She is determined to build athletes confidence and strength, on and off the court. She focuses on strengthening athletes fundamentals, building confidence, and creating a positive and competitive environment. Her goal is to help athletes reach their full potential and develop their love for the game.
PAO STL St. Charles
15 RDA White
Emma Jefferson
Emma is a volleyball coach with 10 years of playing experience that has shaped her understanding of the game and what it takes to compete as a team. Emma’s time as a player helps her connect with athletes and focus on teaching strong fundamentals, communication, and confidence on the court. She is passionate about helping players improve their skills while building a positive and hardworking team culture!
PAO STL St. Charles
16 RDA Black & 18 RDA Black
Sasa Vasiljevic
Father! Husband! Coach! Sasa Vasiljevic, AKA Coach Sas, has been developing volleyball players and programs for over 20 years. A 2015 Missouri Hish School Coaches Association Coach of the Year (Class 2) and former Assistant Coach at Lindenwood University, Sas has directed club programs since 2012 – earning top finishes at AAU Nationals and Regional Championships. He has learned and trains as part of the Gold Medal Squared coaching staff across 10+ states. In 2022, he reacquired PAO STL as the owner, CEO, and Club Director. Over 20 years. One standard. Excellence.
PAO STL St. Charles
16 RDA Black & 16 RDA White
Jess Buckley
Jessica Buckley has spent the past nine years coaching girls volleyball. As a coach, she prioritizes buidling strong team unity and meaningful connections, developing athletes who train and compete with confidence at a high level, and helping each player grow a deeper love for the game every season. Above all, Jess strives to create lasting experiences and memories that will stay with her athletes for a lifetime.
PAO STL St. Charles
16 RDA Green
Addie Butler
Coach Addie is in her 3rd year of coaching. She started her coaching career at North Point High School coaching the freshman boys volleyball team and transitioned into the cllub world here at PAO. Before coaching, Addie played four years of college volleyball at Central methodist University and Catawba College. Addie coaches becuase she wants to help young athletes grow and truly learn to love the sport of volleyball.
PAO STL St. Charles
16 RDA Green
Faith Rekosh
PAO STL St. Charles
16 RDA Green
Hannah Mueller
Hannah is in her third season at PAO. She works as a PACU nurse during the day but loves spending her evenings at the gym watching some of her favorite girls grow in the game they love.
PAO STL St. Charles
16 RDA White
Theresa Gwydir
Theresa Gwyndir is coaching the game she loves while helping athletes grow on and off the court. She works to help her athletes in building skills, confidence, and a strong team culture.
PAO STL St. Charles
17 RDA Black
Tracie Shepherd
Tracie Shepherd is in her fifth year coaching volleyball at PAO, bringing both collegiate playing experience and a deep passion for athlete development to the program. With a strong understanding of the game and a love for competitive growth, Tracie thrives on helping young athletes discover their potential and push past their limits. She is dedicated to creating an environment where players build confidence, strengthen their skills, and learn to trust both themselves and their teammates. Above all, Tracie loves watching her athletes grow—on and off the court—and celebrates every step they take toward becoming their best.
PAO STL St. Charles
17 RDA Black
Nathan Abshire
PAO STL St. Charles
17 RDA Green
Mark Reimer
Mark has been coaching youth sports for over 10 years. This is his 5th season coaching girls volleyball at PAO STL. Mark is married and has two children. As a coach, Mark strives to push his athletes to paly to the best of their abilities. Often he tells his girls, “You get out what you put in,” which applies in all aspects of life and not just sports.
PAO STL St. Charles
18 RDA Black
Laura Andert
Laura Andert has coached for PAO for nearly a decade. She played volleyball most of her life and coaching has given her the chance to continue her love for the game.
PAO STL St. Charles U12 RDA Black
Jennifer Hamilton
Head Coach
Emma Jefferson
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U12 RDA Green
Aly Schneider
Head Coach
TBD
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U13 RDA Black
Alli Slinker
Head Coach
Rhonda Favor
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U13 RDA Green
Alyssa McKay
Head Coach
Madison Crawford
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U13 RDA White
Katie Akers
Head Coach
Jaydon Crumley
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U14 RDA Black
Ray Twohy
Head Coach
Jaeden Lee
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U14 RDA Green
Stephanie Ross
Head Coach
Laura Lackey
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U14 RDA White
Aly Schneider
Head Coach
Sam Ball
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U15 RDA Black
Meaghan Vailjevic
Head Coach
Ashley Geluck
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U15 RDA Green
Chrystina Pacchini
Head Coach
Kayli Brownell
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U15 RDA White
Jennifer Hamilton
Head Coach
Emma Jefferson
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U16 RDA Black
Sasa Vailjevic
Head Coach
Jessica Buckley
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U16 RDA Green
Addi Butler
Head Coach
Faith Rekosh
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U16 RDA White
Jessica Buckley
Head Coach
Teresa Gwydir
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U17 RDA Black
Kaitlyn Burkemper
Head Coach
Tracie Shephard
Assistant Coach
Lexi Burkemper
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U17 RDA Green
Alli Mayfield
Head Coach
Mark Reimer
Assistant Coach
PAO STL St. Charles U18 RDA Black
Sasa Vasiljevic
Head Coach
Laura Andert
Assistant Coach
Our programs are designed to support volleyball athletes at every stage of their journey—from learning fundamentals to competing at the highest level.
We offer a wide range of development opportunities, including club teams, seasonal skills blocks, and advanced position-specific training. Each program is intentionally structured to build a strong foundation in technical skill, tactical understanding, and game-day performance. Whether you’re just getting started or leveling up for high school or college competition, there’s a place for you here.
What sets PAO STL apart is our player-first approach. We’re not just focused on performance—we’re focused on growth. Our coaches work closely with athletes to strengthen not just their physical abilities, but their confidence, leadership, resilience, and mindset. Every training session, practice, and match is a chance to get better, push limits, and grow as both a player and a person.
From supportive team environments to individualized coaching, PAO STL is committed to helping you thrive on and off the court.
