Our Team

Shane Burnham’s extensive coaching background brings a wealth of experience and proven success to his role at Ascension Football. Shane’s vast network of contacts, built through years of coaching at top programs, offers athletes access to mentorship, recruitment pipelines, and career advancement in football.

With a career spent developing elite talent, Shane has led defensive lines at top programs including Florida State and UCF. At Florida State he contributed to an ACC Championship. During his time at UCF his units consistently ranked among the best in the nation, including leading the country in tackles for loss in 2019, and his coaching helped UCF achieve conference championships and multiple bowl appearances.

With coaching experience at Rutgers, Iowa State, and Elon, Burnham is well-connected throughout the NCAA. A former standout linebacker at South Carolina, he brings a player’s perspective and years of coaching expertise to every client he works with.

Shane and his wife, Meagan, live in Florida with their four girls.

Matthew Boles is a founding partner of Gribble, Boles, Stewart & Witosky Law in Des Moines, Iowa, with more than 30 years of legal experience. A graduate of Iowa State University and Drake University Law School, he brings extensive experience in litigation, arbitration, mediation and complex legal matters.

Jake Burnette is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with Laveer Wealth Management and a former professional baseball player in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. His experience as both a professional athlete and financial advisor gives him a unique perspective in helping athletes plan, invest and prepare financially for life during and after sports.

Dr. John Paul Muczko is a nationally recognized sports psychologist with decades of experience working with professional, collegiate and youth athletes. He has worked with NFL players and coaches and specializes in mental performance, confidence, preparation and helping athletes perform at their best under pressure.

Lexi Vlassis serves as Director of Operations for Ascension Football, helping manage day-to-day athlete operations, communications, and coordination with college coaching staffs. With previous experience working in college football operations, along with hands-on experience in recruiting logistics, athletic administration, and player support, Lexi brings an organized, relationship-driven approach to serving Ascension athletes and their families.

Her role will include helping manage athlete communication, maintaining relationships with college staffs, and ensuring our athletes receive consistent support throughout the recruiting and transfer process.