Coaches
Adam Toennies
15 Royal Head Coach/ 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.
Coach Adam Toennies
Ashleigh Blevins
14 Royal Head Coach
Ashleigh is a passionate and energetic addition to the team. A 2022 graduate of Holt High School, she was deeply involved in the volleyball program throughout her high school years—playing the sport she loves and serving as the varsity team manager for three years. Her commitment and enthusiasm for volleyball have remained strong ever since.
Currently, Ashleigh is pursuing a degree in Health and Human Performance in college. Through her academic journey, she has gained extensive knowledge in areas such as sports injury prevention, athletic performance, and recovery. She is a strong advocate for active warm-ups, stretching, and proper recovery techniques, understanding how essential they are to keeping athletes healthy and performing at their best.
In addition to her academic focus, Ashleigh has completed two coaching courses, including one specifically centered on volleyball. These classes, combined with her practical experience, have helped her develop a well-rounded understanding of coaching, team dynamics, and athlete development.
Known for her upbeat personality and love for staying active, Ashleigh thrives in team environments and enjoys building strong relationships with both athletes and their families. She is excited to be part of this team and looks forward to a season filled with growth, teamwork, and success.
Ashleigh is always happy to connect and answer any questions—don’t hesitate to reach out!
McKenzie Hunter
13U Royal Assistant Coach
McKenzie has been passionate about volleyball from a very young age. She started playing when she was just 5 years old, and by age 11, she was competing in club volleyball. Her high school volleyball career began at St. Dominic High School before she transferred to Troy Buchanan High School.
McKenzie recently graduated from Troy Buchanan and credits volleyball for teaching her valuable life lessons in teamwork, discipline, leadership, and perseverance.
In addition to her athletic background, McKenzie has a strong commitment to helping others. She earned her CNA certification through Pike-Lincoln Technical School and is currently pursuing a nursing degree at St. Charles Community College.
Andrea Thomas
14U Royal Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach Andrea Thomas grew up in Southern Illinois playing volleyball for some of the State’s top coaches. She is a passionate and dedicated volleyball coach with over 3 years of coaching experience developing athletes and building successful teams. Known for a strategic mindset and a motivational leadership style, Coach Andrea has led teams that consistently foster a culture of discipline, teamwork, and growth.
With a background as a former player and coaching at different levels for numerous sports, Coach Andrea brings firsthand knowledge of the game to every practice and match. She specializes in skill development, game strategy, and fostering mental toughness, making her a respected mentor both on and off the court.
Currently coaching at the Midwest Rebels Softball Program, Coach Andrea continues to inspire athletes to reach their full potential while promoting sportsmanship and a lifelong love for the game.