By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Fair Grove Lady Eagles are in their championship era.
As the target and attention grows, staying on top is tough.
But if there’s a group who can rise to the challenge, it’s this one.
“This group has two major advantages: They love each other, and they love to wear the purple and white and compete for their school and community,” said Fair Grove head coach Tonya Peck. “As long as we can keep our heads clear, our focus on each other and what is going on in our gym, we have the opportunity for another postseason run.”
Fair Grove’s volleyball team hopes to continue an amazing, multi-year run in girls’ team sports.
Since the 2022-23 school year, the Fair Grove girls have won two state basketball titles, a volleyball state title and made the final four in softball.
“No game will be easy, and we will have to put the work and focus in,” Peck said. “This type of challenge is what helps fuel this team and a repeat is what they would like to work toward.”
Four decorated seniors lead the way for Fair Grove, the defending Class 2 state champions.
Brooke Daniels is an all-state setter and the tone-setter for the team.
“When coaches talk about having the heart of a champion, they are describing Brooke to a T,” Peck said. “She is the heart of our team and can dominate any place on the court at any time.”
Daniels led the team in assists (612) and digs (479) last season.
This season, after Fair Grove graduated its other all-state setter, the Lady Eagles plan to shift from a 6-2 system and let Daniels run the show in a 5-1 scheme.
“Though we could do a lot of things with Brooke, the plan is to run a 5-1 and let her have some fun,” Peck said. “We will once again look for her to run and control our offense, and court play in general.”
Shea Skouby took her game to another level in 2023, earning all-state honors.
The senior middle is a difference-maker at the net with her 6-foot frame and athleticism.
Skouby, who led the team in kills (303) and blocks (106), will have an even bigger role this season as she’s expected to play all six rotations.
“We look for her to be a steady, go-to player at all times as she is capable of running many different routes and tempos from multiple positions,” Peck said.
Ashton Bell, a standout basketball player, is another multi-sport athlete who excels on the volleyball court.
Bell, who was second-team all-conference in the Mid-Lakes, tallied 147 kills and 326 digs last season. She’s started on varsity since her freshman year.
“Ashton has great anticipation on defense and continues to work on her explosive front row presence,” Peck said. “We look for Ashton to take on an even bigger role for us offensively while being our leader defensively.”
Abbey Green, a senior middle, is poised for her best season yet and gives Fair Grove another top-notch athlete.
Green had the second-most blocks (99) on the team last season along with 121 kills. She was honorable mention all-conference.
“She still has such a high ceiling for a senior. She brings a joy to our court that is contagious,” Peck said. “Her blocking is phenomenal, and we will be looking for her to take on more of an offensive role this season.”
Fair Grove had a historic season last fall, going 35-1-2 overall and capturing the first state championship in program history. The Lady Eagles beat 15-time state champ Hermann in a thrilling, five-set final.
Three seniors graduated from Fair Grove’s state title squad: Hannah Maxwell, Allison Findley and Faith Klindworth. The all-state trio were instrumental in helping Fair Grove win its first state championship.
Maxwell (269) and Findley (267) were second and third, respectively, in kills. Maxwell also had a team-high 70 aces plus 341 digs. Klindworth had the second-most digs with 449.
All three are continuing their volleyball careers in college: Maxwell at Mission University (Springfield), while Findley and Klindworth are at College of the Ozarks.
“These three have left big holes to fill but they have put the remaining girls in such a good spot,” Peck said. “Their leadership is still going strong. Their legacy will be felt and remembered.”
With three starters gone, Fair Grove will pull from last season’s bench unit and a newcomer or two for a new lineup.
Senior Greta Arnett (RS/OH) made significant progress over the offseason.
“She brings a lot of good things to the team,” Peck said. “Greta will be a good surprise for us as she is capable of contributing to many areas.”
Fellow senior Emaley Stallings (DS) will aid Fair Grove’s defensive stable.
“Her vocal leadership in the DS position has stood out this summer and she will be a big help this year,” Peck said.
Sofee Garrett, a junior OH, will take a major jump as she moves into a starting position.
“She sees the court well, is able to hit various shots and is a steady player defensively,” Peck said. “Though she is a first-year varsity starter, she will be counted on as a go-to in the OH position.”
Hali Stokes (OH/MH) is a recent addition to the team who quickly made an impact during summer competition.
“She is an athletic addition to our front row and is capable of playing multiple positions,” Peck said.
Without a doubt, versatility is a team strength.
“Each girl can play multiple positions. They are expected to take all skills seriously in practice,” Peck said. “This has allowed us to be able to move things around. On any given night, our lineup has the possibility of changing based on our opponent.”
Kenna Fishback, Addy Nunley, Shayla Haddock and Leila Huff round out a deep junior class and could all contend for varsity playing time.
“These girls, and possibly others, will have the opportunity to practice and play with the varsity group throughout the season,” Peck said.
Fair Grove begins the regular season Aug. 31 at the Branson Tournament.
While repeating as state champs is Goal No. 1, the Lady Eagles always put a priority on the intangibles.
“The summer can be a good indicator of how (chemistry) will play out during the season, and our summer was a great one!” Peck said. “We are ready to get some more practice time to fine-tune the skills and work on even more team chemistry.”
