Our Coaches.
Danette Moea’i
Danette’s journey in volleyball began in 7th grade in the small town of Monticello, Utah. A three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball, and track, she went on to earn a volleyball scholarship at the University of Utah, where her passion for the game deepened. She has since coached at Prairie High School in Northern Idaho and American Fork High School in Utah County.
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, Danette will also take the helm of the Dixie High School volleyball program, bringing her experience and energy to one of Southern Utah’s most recognized schools.
A lifelong student of the game, Danette is Gold Medal Squared and CAP II certified, and regularly attends coaching clinics to stay sharp and inspired. Known for her technical coaching and mentorship, Danette’s influence stretches across generations of athletes.
Tulao Moea’i
Tulao played collegiate volleyball at BYU under Coach Tom Peterson, gaining invaluable experience at one of the sport’s highest levels. Together with Danette, he previously owned Summit Volleyball Club in Utah County and co-founded the original Utah Mojo boys club over 10 years ago.
Tulao is known for his energy on the court and his heart for developing not just strong players, but strong people. He brings a powerful mix of high expectations, fun, and mentorship to every training session.
Makenzie Moea’i
Makenzie’s volleyball journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From her early days competing in volleyball and basketball at American Fork High School to making her mark on collegiate and international stages, she’s done it all.
Her collegiate career began at UNLV and came full circle when she returned home to play for the University of Utah in the prestigious PAC-12 Conference. As a versatile Right Side and Outside Hitter, Makenzie helped her teams qualify for four NCAA tournaments. In her senior year, she battled deep into the postseason, narrowly falling to eventual national champion Nebraska.
After graduation, Makenzie took her game overseas, signing with Degerfors Volley Orion in Sweden, where she led the league in points per set, blocks, and attacks per set—all while coaching a local girls’ youth team. Her leadership made a lasting impact both on the stat sheet and in the lives of the players she mentored.
Now back in Utah, Makenzie has turned her focus to developing the next generation of volleyball athletes. In 2022, she led the Pleasant Grove High School boys’ team to a state championship, showcasing not just her deep knowledge of the game, but her ability to bring out the best in her players.
Makenzie is currently the Head Girls Volleyball Coach at Tooele High School and leads the UTAH Mojo girls for a second season of club play.
To Coach Mak, volleyball is about more than just skills and wins. It’s about helping athletes dig deep—not only to refine their technique, but to build game intelligence, confidence, and character. Most importantly, she reminds her players to enjoy the journey, build lasting friendships, and always have fun.
Jac Candland
Jac James Candland has been volunteer coaching along side Coach Tulao this past girls season. He has engaged as a coach and is ready to help Mojo in coaching this upcoming boys season ‘26. Jac has played for us for the past 3 years. He also played high school at Desert Hills High in St. George. He has learned the teaching techniques to be successful and with the mentoring of Coach Tulao he is ready to head up one of our elite and or competitive teams this upcoming season. Jac specializes in setting and has already helped many Mojo players improve their skills. Jac will be assisted in his coaching this year, by Danette & Tulao. Jac will also be an assistant Coach at Dixie High School this upcoming High school season. 2027
Christian Crabtree
Born and Raised in Stow, Ohio, Christian found a love of Volleyball in his Freshman year of high school. In the first 4 years of the school’s volleyball program, Christian lead his team to 3 State Finals appearances. As a Senior he lead the state in assists and was named First Team All-State and represented Ohio in the Tournament of All-Stars held at Penn State University.
After graduating high school he served a 2 year LDS mission to Hiroshima, Japan. At the completion of his mission, Christian attended and played Volleyball for UVU. During his Junior season Christian led his team to a 3rd place finish at Nationals in Louisville, KY. As a Graduate Student at Case Western University, Christian led his team to back to back Region Championships.
After graduate school he returned to Utah where he taught Volleyball at UVU as an adjunct professor. He also coached 12U boys at Club Utah in Lehi placing no lower than 2nd place at each tournament and finishing as region champions.
With degrees in Change Management and Psychology, Christian has a deep love for the mental development and management of technique in the game. He said, “Volleyball has played such a huge part in my life. I know the impact of teamwork, overcoming challenges, rebounding from loss and holding a consistent work ethic and I hope to be able to share that with this next generation.”
Jessie Theobald
My name is Jessie Theobald, and I have a deep passion for volleyball. Over the past 25 years, the sport has given me not only the opportunity to grow as a player but also to be part of an incredible community of supportive and inspiring individuals. I had the privilege of coaching for 2020, where I focused on fostering a positive, encouraging, and empowering environment for athletes. I truly enjoy working with youth and helping them recognize and develop their potential both on and off the court. I’m excited to continue sharing my love for the game and to help young players strengthen their skills, confidence, and appreciation for volleyball.
Valerie Faaootoa
Val has been coaching for several years. Val is definitely a coach that has passion and knowledge for volleyball. Val is a psychologist and brings her knowledge to strengthen the team mentally as well as physically. Utah Mojo is lucky to have her on our staff. She is one that leads by example and love.