Our Mission
At East Central Missouri Volleyball Academy, we are dedicated to providing a volleyball experience that focuses on skill development, teamwork, and a lifelong love for the game. We strive to create an environment where athletes are challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow, both on and off the court.
Our experienced coaching staff offers structured, competitive training to help athletes reach their highest potential, while also fostering an environment of respect, accountability, and hard work. We believe in developing not only athletes but well-rounded individuals who are confident, disciplined, and ready to face challenges head-on.
At ECMo, our mission values both performance and personal growth—we’re dedicated to developing confident, well-rounded athletes who truly love the game and understand the importance of hard work, accountability, and teamwork. We want our players to build lasting friendships, feel supported throughout their journey, and take pride in the growth they achieve both on and off the court. More than anything, we hope they leave with unforgettable memories—the kind that stay with them long after the last whistle blows.
About The Directors
Savannah Anderson
Co-Director
I’m a dedicated volleyball mom and someone who’s experienced the highs and lows of the club volleyball world . Through the wins, the tough losses, the road trips, and the countless hours in gyms, I’ve come to understand how important it is for young athletes to be surrounded by the right kind of leadership and support. I’ve experienced firsthand how critical it is for a program to offer not just competitive play, but also consistency, structure, and high expectations for both players and coaches.
Professionally, I come from a strong background in business and marketing. Over the years, I’ve worked across several industries, building skills in operations, brand development, communication, and strategic planning. I take pride in being organized, detail-oriented, and focused on creating systems that run smoothly and effectively. I also understand how valuable it is to build trust and strong relationships—whether that’s with clients, coworkers, or in this case, athletes and their families.
Adam approached me with the vision for East Central Missouri Volleyball Academy because we already had a foundation of trust—he coached my daughter in a previous season, and not only did she love playing for him, but I saw real growth in her during that time. His ability to challenge athletes while keeping the game fun stood out to me. I saw firsthand that his coaching style works, and I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of bringing that approach to more families in our area.
Joining ECMo felt like the right fit. My role focuses on the administrative, business, and marketing side of the club—supporting the vision through smooth operations, clear communication, and a professional structure built for long-term success. I believe families deserve to know exactly what they’re signing up for: a dependable program with experienced coaches, a well-run system, and a culture that values athlete development, effort, and accountability.
At the end of the day, I’m here because I care about the athlete experience. I want to help create a club that not only teaches volleyball at a high level but also gives players the confidence, character, and memories that will stay with them long after their club careers end. That’s the kind of program I’m proud to help build at ECMo.
Adam Toennies
Head Coach/ Co-Director
I have been passionate about volleyball for decades, both as a player and a coach. My love for the game first sparked in my 20s while playing in a sand league, and it quickly grew into a desire to coach and help develop young athletes.
I began my coaching career in 2009 under the mentorship of Chad Rakers, where I helped lead the C-4 Crush 14U team to qualify for the National Championship tournament. The
following year, I had the privilege of serving as an assistant coach under Fred Rakers, the second-winningest coach in IHSA
volleyball history, with C-4 Crush.
In 2011, I stepped into my first head coaching role, leading
C-4 Crush 13U to the National Championship tournament.
Following the retirement of Fred Rakers, I accepted a position in 2012 as an assistant coach at Mater Dei High School in Breese, IL. I proudly coached there for five seasons, helping continue the tradition of excellence within the program.
I returned to club coaching during the shortened 2020
COVID season with CC Elite and most recently coached the
LSL Slammers 13U team during the 2023 season.
Throughout my years in the sport, I’ve seen firsthand a decline in the experience and quality of coaching at the club level. Too often, players are placed on teams simply to fill rosters – without a true commitment to skill development, competitive growth, or the overall athlete experience. I’ve also witnessed the frustrations that come from unorganized club operations.
At ECMo, we are building something different. Our club is rooted in strong, experienced coaching, with every team designed to be competitive — not just formed for the sake of having one. Here, it’s NOT JUST A JERSEY — it’s a commitment to real development, competitive excellence, and providing players with the tools they need to succeed. Our goal is to offer an organized, professional, and positive experience for players and their
families, while helping each athlete reach their highest potential.
We are excited to lead a club that truly puts athletes first — with a focus on development, competition, and a lifelong love for the game.