Volleyball is the vehicle. Developing people is the mission.

Long before Rivercity Beach was created, Coach Mike and Eric Fowler built a friendship rooted in the same values: health, fitness, competition, mentorship, and helping others reach their full potential.

Family, fitness and faith are the commonalities that brought the coaches together. Collectively the Rivercity family consists of Michael Ackel a professional strength and conditioning coach, his wife Dr Tori Ackel is a licensed Physical Therapist and their family of four. On the other side, Eric Fowler is a former NFL player and his wife Dr. Jamie Lynch who is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine and athletic injuries. They two have 4 daughters. Together they are raising eight children, which gives them a firsthand understanding of the constant demands placed on parents. Our coach and mentors all share one common goal, creating kind humans who built the tools to be successful on and off the court.

As parents themselves, Mike and Eric understand that families are looking for more than a place to practice volleyball. They are looking for coaches who will challenge their athlete, encourage them, protect them, and help prepare them for life. That is why Rivercity Beach was created.

Today’s athletes face a recruiting landscape shaped by NIL and the transfer portal, competing not only with their graduating class but with experienced collegiate athletes. Preparing them takes more than technical skill. It takes confidence, discipline, leadership, emotional resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure.