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The numbers speak for themselves; an overall record of 543-210, 13 conference titles, six regional titles, two consecutive sectional championships, a 73% winning percentage, and never experienced a losing season. Chet Snyder is the winningest coach in Fairfield Community High School history – not just in volleyball, but across all sports. In his debut season coaching FCHS Lady Mules Volleyball in 2004, Snyder led them to a 19-14 record. In his second year, the team finished 15-14. From there, he went on to achieve eighteen 20+ win seasons and five 30+ win seasons. Many coaches and programs would envy such accomplishments.
Now, he begins a new chapter in his life as the Frontier Community College Bobcats Head Volleyball Coach and Student Life Coordinator at FCC. Snyder officially assumed his duties on December 2.
“I’m super excited. I’ve loved every minute of my time at FCHS. It was a fantastic 22 years. Sometimes, you just need something new and fresh. I’m excited about the opportunity to stay in our hometown and take on something totally different with Frontier Bobcats Volleyball and student life. I’m excited about both roles.”
Snyder’s coaching journey began in Martinsville, Illinois, in Clark County, at the junior high level. He later moved south, coaching at the former Merriam Grade School east of Fairfield. His next stop following Merriam was FCHS, where he started as an assistant coach under Tim Pearison during Pearison’s second year. Snyder eventually took over as head coach, becoming the third in FCHS volleyball history, following Pearison and Marilyn Book. Under his leadership, Lady Mules volleyball flourished.
“I never imagined it would grow into what it did. Sometimes, small schools experience down years and losing seasons – but we didn’t. We just kept winning and winning. The support from the community kept growing, and it was such a wonderful time. We even had the high school band play at our home games, which doesn’t happen often.”
After taking over as coach, Snyder aimed to raise awareness of girls’ sports in southern Illinois. When he began at FCHS, Norris City-Omaha-Enfield (NCOE) and Edwards County were among the region’s strongest volleyball programs. Over the years, high school volleyball in southern Illinois has grown significantly. Snyder credited Cathy Black, Tony Phelps, Jaclyn Melton, and the late Linda Oxby Brown as key inspirations who contributed to the development of volleyball in the area.
Now, as head coach of the Frontier Community College Bobcats Volleyball team, Snyder is eager to implement his coaching philosophy and begin recruiting both locally and abroad.
“We must serve tough and pass well. At the college level, there are many players who can score, swing hard, and block. Recruiting efforts may include local, statewide, national, and even international players. I’ve already been in contact with a couple of international clubs.
Last season, Bobcats Volleyball finished 2-31, but I feel like we’re hungrier now. We can improve, strengthen the roster with more athleticism, and increase our scoring ability. To build team chemistry, we’re going to foster an awesome family culture and grow together from there.
Winning always makes the experience more enjoyable. I’m not used to losing – I’ve never had a losing season. I believe there is always a way to defeat the other team. We’re going to do things the right way, bring in great kids with strong character, build a winning culture, and strive to make a significant turnaround in my first year.”
Former Bobcats Volleyball Coach, Nixie Hnetkovsky, is assisting Snyder as he transitions from high school coaching to NJCAA Division I – a new and unfamiliar territory for him. Snyder said her assistance and insight have been invaluable. In addition to his volleyball responsibilities, Snyder will also serve as the Student Life Coordinator, a role he is excited to embrace as he works to enrich student and campus life.
“I’m excited about this opportunity. I feel like I’ve done similar work through The Journey Church in Fairfield and within the community. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with the staff at FCC, getting input from students, and creating more events on campus. These two years are such a pivotal time in students’ lives. We want their experience at Frontier to be the best it can possibly be.”
News of Snyder’s hiring went viral across southern Illinois with many coaches, current and former players, and fans telling him congratulations and wishing him the best of luck. Snyder expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to coach Bobcats Volleyball and serve as Student Life Coordinator.
“I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity. I’m grateful to Jeremy Ellis, our Athletic Director, Dr. Jay Edgren, Nixie, and the IECC Board of Trustees. I’m committed to doing my best to create the best environment for our student-athletes and an exceptional experience for every student involved in campus life.”
FCC Athletic Director, Jeremy Ellis says, “I’m excited about the hiring of Chet Snyder. Chet has been a part of the community for a long time and has been a very successful coach at the high school level. I’m looking forward to the opportunity he has to come to Frontier and help build our tradition here.”
Ellis added, “We’re looking forward to growing and expanding, and this is an opportunity for students to engage in more activities on campus. We plan to organize events in the future, providing more opportunities and a better experience for our students and student-athletes. I believe both aspects of his role present an exciting time for Frontier and our athletic department.”
