Fehrenbacher Named Head Volleyball Coach at Southeastern Illinois College

A veteran coach in Southern Illinois volleyball is taking the reins of the Southeastern Illinois College volleyball program, as Missy Fehrenbacher has been named the Falcons’ next head coach.

Fehrenbacher brings a wealth of coaching experience to Southeastern Illinois College, having coached at both the high school and club levels. During her career, she has served as a coach at Harrisburg High School and Effingham High School, where she has helped develop student-athletes while fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and excellence.

“We are excited to welcome Coach Fehrenbacher to the SIC family,” Athletic Director Jeremy Irlbeck said. “Her experience at both the high school and club levels will be a tremendous asset to our volleyball program.”

A native of Dunlap, Illinois, Fehrenbacher attended Illinois Central College before earning both her bachelor’s degree in 1998 and master’s degree in 2001 from Eastern Illinois University. She currently serves as a literature teacher at Harrisburg Middle School.

Fehrenbacher said Southeastern Illinois College’s commitment to student success made the opportunity especially appealing.

“SIC is a very student-oriented school that offers athletes the chance to continue their athletic careers,” Fehrenbacher said. “Not only do athletes get the chance to continue to play, but they also receive a great education at the same time.”

As she begins leading the Falcon volleyball program, Fehrenbacher plans to establish a culture built on dedication, hard work, and accountability.

“My coaching philosophy is focused on building a positive team culture founded on dedication and hard work,” Fehrenbacher said. “I believe every athlete has an important role in the success of the team. By fostering a positive attitude, accountability, and a commitment to excellence, I believe a team can achieve any goal.”

Fehrenbacher believes sustained success is built through a strong culture and a commitment to developing the whole student-athlete.

“Our goal is to transform our program into one that consistently competes at a high level, develops leaders with character, and builds a tradition of excellence that extends beyond each season,” she said.

When recruiting student-athletes, Fehrenbacher said she places a premium on commitment, work ethic, and character.

“When recruiting student-athletes, one of the most important qualities I look for is dedication to the game,” Fehrenbacher said. “Athletes who are willing to invest time and effort into improving their skills consistently separate themselves from others. While talent is important, character and commitment ultimately build successful teams. Players who embrace these values on the court and in the classroom will help build a better program.”

Fehrenbacher and her husband, Andy, Assistant Principal and Head Boys Basketball Coach at Harrisburg High School, have two children. Their son, Charlie, is a graduate of Southeastern Illinois College and currently attends Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Their daughter, Olivia, will be a sophomore at Southeastern Illinois College this fall and will compete for the Falcons during the 2026 season.

The Falcons compete in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference and NJCAA Region 24. Fehrenbacher will make her collegiate coaching debut when Southeastern Illinois opens the 2026 season on Friday, Aug. 21, hosting the annual two-day SIC Tournament. The tournament will feature junior college volleyball programs from Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri and marks the beginning of the Falcons’ 2026 campaign under new leadership.

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