Organizational History

In 2005 Andre Collins pioneered the concept of using football as an instrument of change. We have the desire to coach young men in the game of life. Team First is a comprehensive program designed to affirm young men, build character, and give them self-esteem, worth and confidence. Team First is structured to provide guidance in the lives of young men and help them with individual needs. We have the desire to expose young men to a variety of social, educational and athletic skills. It is our sincere desire to develop the “whole person”.

Meet Our Staff

Andre Collins

Director of Operations Email

Andre Collins has a Masters of Social Work from the Jane Addams School of Social Work. Andre is currently employed at Edwardsville High School in Edwardsville, Illinois as a guidance counselor and Assistant Head football coach. He has over 15 years of experience enhancing the educational development of school age children. He has extensive experience identifying factors that can make school a more successful experience for students. He fully comprehends the influences of school, home and community on children. He also has 16 years of experience coaching football, both at the collegiate and high school levels. Six of those years as a varsity head football coach. A number of Coach Collins’ former players are currently playing football at the Division I Level. He has conducted a number of athletic camps and clinics.

Andre developed and currently directs the Life Skills Program for the Edwardsville High School Football Program. He most recently worked for the National Football League sponsored High School Player Development Program held in Chicago.

Kelsey Pickering

Director of Marketing

Team First has hired Kelsey Pickering as the Director of Marketing. Kelsey comes to Team First with an extensive background in the college football recruiting process. He has experience in assisting football players obtain college scholarships. Kelsey has coached football at the middle school, high school and collegiate levels. He is currently employed as a teacher and football coach at Edwardsville High School in Edwardsville, Illinois.

Kelsey has a Bachelors of Arts in Physical Education from Mid America Nazarene University, and a Masters in Health and Physical Education from Northwest Missouri State University. Kelsey has conducted a number of youth football camps with emphasis on teaching football fundamentals and developing leadership skills.

Todd Hall

Director of Education Development

Team First has hired Todd Hall as the Director of Education Development. Todd comes to Team First with an extensive background in the field of education. Todd has conducted a number of seminars that educate the student-athlete about the NCAA academic requirements. He is currently employed at Morgan Park High School in Chicago, Illinois as an Assistant Principal/Athletic Director.

Todd has a Bachelors degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and a Masters Degree in Academic Counseling from Lewis University. Todd has coached football at the high school and youth levels. He currently holds the position of Director of Player and Coaches Development for the Homewood-Flossmoor Youth Football Organization.

 

Todd Whitaker

Director of Performance Enhancement

Team First has hired Todd Whitaker as their Director of Performance Enhancement. Todd comes to Team First with an extensive background working with football players of all ages and skill levels. He is currently employed as a principal at R.I.S.E. school in Worth, Illinois.

Todd has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Western Michigan University, a Masters in Educational Leadership from Governors State University in Illinois. He has coached high school football in the states of Michigan and Illinois. Todd played linebacker at Western Michigan University, he brings a level of knowledge, motivation, and professionalism that has benefited many football players. Coach Whitaker has expertise in utilitizing both on the field and off the field classroom training to enhance in the development of football players.