Coaches

Coach Dan (or Coach Whitley... whichever you want to call him) began coaching KHS Racquetball in 2022 (and Middle School in 2020).  "Racquetball has given me so much and is such a large part of my life. As coaches, all of us want to give back & share the sport with others and help grow the game!"  Dan graduated from Mizzou with an MBA in Marketing and Management.  He played on the team in undergrad and coached the team at Mizzou while in grad school.  He's been General Manager of Vetta Racquet Sports and League Director of the Missouri High School Racquetball Association for the last 20+ years and served as President of USA Racquetball 2016-2022.   Dan lives in Kirkwood enjoys spending time with his family (wife Meghan and kids Evan & Morgan), playing racquetball and watching/attending sports with friends.   His favorite racquetball memories include "Playing racquetball with my parents, playing at Mizzou, meeting my wife at Concord by the downstairs water fountain, Cor Jesu winning their first national title in 2007 (Dan was their coach 2002-2022), watching my kids enjoy playing, forming so many life long friendships in racquetball, and seeing so many kids in St. Louis enjoy racquetball" 

Coach Witt is a graduate of Kirkwood High School Class of 2014 and began coaching for KHS Racquetball in 2018.  "I enjoy coaching because of the community it provides for both the kids and myself. The competition is great, but I really just love seeing the student athletes live out their athletic careers."  Witt played racquetball in college at the University of Missouri - Columbia and graduated with a degree in Journalism.   He's currently the Journalism Teacher at Nipher Middle School as well as the Assistant Boys & Girls Tennis Coach at KHS.  His hobbies include working out, eating Mexican food, and of course playing racquetball.  Coach Witt currently resides in Kirkwood and is married to the Cor Jesu Academy Head Racquetball Coach Maria Witt.   "My favorite memories include going to Intercollegiate Nationals with the Mizzou team, and Kirkwood winning High School Nationals in 2022."

Coach Justin is a graduate of Kirkwood High School Class of 2011 and began coaching for KHS Racquetball in 2015.  "I had a lot of great coaches growing up playing soccer and racquetball that helped me become a better athlete as well as a better person. I enjoy the opportunity to give that back to the younger generation."  Justin is a a graduate of University of Kansas (ROCK CHALK) majoring in Architectural Engineering and he played racquetball for KU.   He is currently a Professional Engineer for Jacobs Solutions (an Architectural and Engineering firm).   Living in Kirkwood, "My wife (Zoe - also a KHS Alum) and I are season ticket holders for STL CITY SC, so we try to make all the games and events! When we're not watching soccer, we spend a lot of time in the backyard or at the park with our son Lucas."   The Heatons are expecting and have another little one joining their family in February!   When asked his favorite racquetball memory, Justin replied, "Too many to count! The racquetball is fun, but my favorite memories are all the off-court interactions, travels and friendships that have been made by being part of the racquetball community."

Coach Jenna is a graduate of Kirkwood High School Class of 2016 and began coaching for KHS Racquetball in 2019.  "I love being able to give back to a program that gave so much to me. Kirkwood Racquetball really helped develop my confidence and find my people. I love this community and enjoy being surrounded by positive people!"  Jenna attended the University of Missouri and has a degree in Elementary Education.  While at Mizzou, Jenna also played on the racquetball team.   Here's a little more about Jenna... "I’m a fourth grade teacher at Keysor elementary in Kirkwood! This is my fourth year teaching but first in the district. I’m so excited to be back home!  Other than play racquetball, I enjoy golf and tennis! I also enjoy reading and spending time with family. I work at Vetta West, so you’ll see me there this season!"   Jenna currently resides in St. Peters and here favorite memories of racquetball include... "Racquetball is has definitely been a family affair! Coaching with my brother has brought us a lot closer and playing together has pushed us to become better racquetballers!  My favorite racquetball memory is earning my first All American at high school nationals in Portland 2016! Traveling to Portland was always such a blast, but adding in that it was my senior year and the team did well was just icing on the cake!"

Coach Emily is a graduate of Kirkwood High School Class of 2014 and began coaching for KHS Racquetball in 2021.  "One of my favorite parts about coaching is seeing the growth that takes place both on and off the court throughout the season."  Emily attended Mizzou and has a degree in Business Management and Psychology.   She also played on the racquetball team while in college.  Emily has worked in HR for the last 5 years and have been with her current company, Barry-Wehmiller, for just over 4 years. She serves as their Wellbeing Engagement Leader, encouraging team members to care for their health and participate in the many wellbeing programs that are offered.  "In my free time you can find me working out at Orange Theory, working on projects around my house or spending time with friends at Beffa's bar and restaurant (shameless plug)."   She lives in Shrewsbury but "We all know Kirkwood is superior!"  What are her favorite racquetball memories?  "I have been dating my boyfriend Paul since March of 2023 - he is a fellow racquetballer so you never know who you'll meet or reconnect with 10+ years later through this crazy sport!  There are way too many to list but the one I'll pick is playing doubles all four years of high school with someone who became my best friend. I was recently the maid of honor in her wedding - I've said it before and I'll say it again - you meet the best people through this sport!"

Coach Madison is a graduate of Kirkwood High School Class of 2015 and began coaching for KHS Racquetball in 2022.  "I love the racquetball community, and Kirkwood Raquetball has a special place in my heart. Every kid works hard towards their personal goals all season long, and team goals during tournaments, state, and nationals. Saint Louis comes together as a whole during nationals to support each other, which is something you can't find in any other sport. I love how enthusiastic everyone is, there is never a dull moment with this group! I am also very proud to be with a team who is consistently praised for their great sportsmanship."  Madison graduated from Mizzou with a degree in Hospitality - Events & Conferences and played on the racquetball team in college.   Currently she is a Special Events Coordinator and the Saint Louis Zoo.  In her free time Madison enjoys travelling, playing rec sports, and going to the park with her dog.   Madison lives in Kirkwood, is recently engaged, and has a puppy that's almost a year old.   Her favorite racquetball memories include playing in the 2014 High School Nationals, 2016 College Nationals, and joining Kirkwood High School Racquetball Coaching Staff in 2022.