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The volleyball history in Ozark is rich with success.
The Tigers produce top tier teams each and every year.
They also produce talented players, many of which move on to play in college.
But they’ve never had a class quite like this.
“This senior class is extremely talented,” said Ozark Head Coach Adeana Brewer.
All six Ozark volleyball seniors will play at the next level.
“It’s a great feeling because we get to represent Ozark and the school that’s given us so much, we get to give back and give it a good name,” said senior Brynn Bonewell.
Five of those six will even play in Division I, following in the footsteps of Brewers, a former MSU Bear.
“When it’s coming from a player that’s had that experience I think they buy into it more, and think okay I need to commit to this, now as a high school player and as I continue my career,” said Brewer.
That college-style approach is just one part of what’s made these Tigers so good. The six seniors have played together for years, giving them an advantage every time they step on the court.
“When things get rough on the court, we know what each other are capable of, what gets us going, what motivates us, how some people respond to criticism or encouragement and what we need from each other. I think that gives us the upper hand,” said senior Katie Vorhies.
That’s allowed them to be part of three straight final four teams, extending a streak that the program began eight years ago.
“When I think about that, I think ‘we better not lose the streak’,” said Vorhies.
But reaching the final four is just a stepping stone to the ultimate goal.
After a runner-up finish at state last year, this group of Tigers hopes to become the first in Ozark since 2009 to win a state title.
“Even getting to that second mark after getting third so many years in a row, it’s just cool to know this is our last chance. We’ll have to work super hard but getting second, we can get first. We got that step ahead of third so first is right there too,” Haiden Baade.
Baade will play at William Jewel College next year, while Vorhies will play for Harvard and Bonewell will play beach volleyball for Missouri State.
