ALTON - Toby Henesey, who served as an assistant coach for the past three seasons for the Alton boys soccer team, was promoted to head coach for the 2026 season, in a press release issued Wednesday morning, Jan. 21, 2026, by the Alton High athletic department.
Henesey, who served under former head coach Greg Nasello, is a graduate of Alton High and holds a BS degree in elementary education from Greenville University. He has also coached since 2022 with St. Louis Scott Gallagher, one of the premier clubs not only in the area but also in the nation.
Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
"Toby has been a member of the coaching staff the past three years," said Alton High athletic director Chris Kusmerick in the press release, "and has had an extensive background of high school and club coaching in the area. We hope this will create an easy transition to his new role. We feel coach Henesey, with his contact locally with the Alton Irish soccer club, will provide the connections needed for the Redbirds soccer program moving forward in developing our local soccer talent in the Alton community."
Henesey will bring his love and passion for the game forward on the sidelines at both training sessions and on game days and nights.
"Toby's love for the game is evident," Kusmerick said, "with the energy and passion he shows during every interaction you have with him. We are very excited to have Coach Henesey work with our student-athletes this summer, and look forward to seeing Redbird soccer next fall under his direction."
The Redbirds this past season ended up 6-13-0 last season dropping their IHSA Class 3A semifinal game to Collinsville at Kahok Stadium 2-0.
