A Homegrown Coach Returns
Toby Henesey, a lifelong Alton resident and former assistant under Greg Nasello, has stepped into the head coaching role for the Alton boys soccer program. His appointment marks the continuation of a family legacy that intertwines with the community’s athletic history.
Henesey’s approach centers on balancing individual player development with collective teamwork. He emphasizes strategic play and an offensive mindset, aiming to translate summer training observations into a competitive season.
Family Ties and Community Expectations
The coach’s son, Patrick Henesey, returns as the team’s starting goalie and is regarded locally as one of the area’s top custodians. Other relatives, including brothers‑in‑law Kurt Atkinson and Jaime Dwiggins, contribute as coaching staff, while niece Jillian Dwiggins represents the next generation of talent on the girls soccer team.
Henesey expressed a desire to make the community proud, noting that the program offers youngsters a source of excitement and a platform to showcase their abilities. He highlighted the importance of pride in effort as a cornerstone of the team culture.
Looking Ahead
Replacing Nasello, who retired after a season of transition, Henesey inherits a roster of roughly 30 players, including returning standouts such as Deacon Alm, Luke Gallivan, Jude Cowan, Chris Rayfield, Keagan Korte, Mason McNelly, Brady Smith, and Sam Clark. He plans to assess each athlete’s talent and fitness during the ongoing summer sessions, with the goal of building depth and cohesion before the upcoming campaign.