Head Coach Warren Thomas

Coach Warren Thomas is entering his twelfth season as Head Volleyball Coach with an overall record of 179-200 in NJCAA Region 24 and Great Rivers Athletic Conference (2012-2022). While in one of the toughest NJCAA Region’s in the country, he continues to dedicate himself growing the volleyball program to high competitive heights. He led his team to success reaching 2022 Conference Champions, first in 16 years.  

Thomas previous coaching positions have been in the United States Air Force with men’s and women’s club volleyball teams at various locations worldwide, along with playing internationally for the European Armed Forces Team and participating on German National League teams.  Additionally, he was the varsity head coach for girls’ volleyball at Alamogordo High School (Division 5A), Alamogordo, New Mexico, where he coached for seven years.

 Thomas currently coaches under the Gateway USA Volleyball organization out of St. Louis, MO (11 years running). He is the Director of H2 Illinois (H2 Sports Worldwide Club Division) and is USAV CAP (Coaches Accreditation Program) I and II certified.  He is a graduate from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education.   Thomas is also retired Air Force, enlisted for 28 years. Volleyball has been a major part of his life, playing and/or coaching, for over 40 years.

Assistant Coach – Kelsey Cowan

Kelsey Cowan is entering her first season at SWIC as an Assistant Coach. She attended Steeleville High School, Steeleville, Illinois, where she played varsity volleyball, basketball and softball each of her four years there. She also played club volleyball under the Gateway USA Volleyball organization for six seasons.

 Cowan played three seasons at SWIC as an Outside Hitter and Defensive Specialist. She currently coaches under the Gateway USA Volleyball organization in St. Louis, Missouri with club affiliated H2 Sports Worldwide.  She has lead teams three years running as a Head and Assistant Coach, participating with multiple teams each season. She is a graduate of SWIC and earned both an Associate of Arts and Associate of Science Degree. She attends Southern Illinois University Edwardsville majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Sports Psychology.