September 12, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

10 things you don’t know about me… Toni Barnes

We recently asked St. Joseph-Ogden Assistant Volleyball coach Toni Barnes to reflect on the season and tell us 10 things we don’t know about her! Here are her answers.

My favorite thing about coaching is seeing the girls not only grow as volleyball players but as people, too.

Besides volleyball, I enjoy watching other sporting events, shopping, and most importantly spending time with my family.

My favorite childhood memory are the many superstitions we had as a family when my dad was coaching at SJO.  

My happiest adult memory is the new addition to our family, Cohen. 

When I was in high school my favorite class was Geometry with my dad. 

I can binge watch “Friday Night Lights” over and over.

My favorite place that I have traveled to is Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

My husband, Ryan, and I got married in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.


“The Book With No Pictures” is my favorite book.  I am a teacher and not only is it fun to read but even more fun watching their facial expressions and reactions. 

My favorite memory from this season, besides our postseason run, is the Mt. Pulaski tournament. It was a big turning point in our season.  We started playing as one and pushing ourselves to work toward our end goal.

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