Neely Schaaf is the last of four Schaaf sisters to walk through the doors of El Dorado Springs high school.
“You know, all four Schaafs have a state championship ring, which doesn’t happen very often,” said El Dorado Spring Head Basketball Coach Beau Swopes.
Yup, you heard that right. Neely’s experience is unique with the Lady Bulldogs. Winning a state title her freshman year with her sister, Reese Schaaf. Plus, appearing in a final four the past three years.
“I’d love to see us make it back for another final four run and I think that’s a major, major goal for her,” Swopes said. “You know it’s it’s going to be tough whenever the Schaafs run out, because I think she’s the last one. Unless the older sisters start moving back into town.”
Neely doesn’t have the frame like her sisters, but she still finds ways to leave a giant impact.
“Her sisters were a little bit taller than her and a little bit quicker,” Swopes said. “She’s really had that guard skills and really played well. She sees the floor extremely well.
Neely earned All-State honors and Ozark Highlands Conference player of the year.
“She just so easily molds into whatever role we really need her to do and she accepts the role,” Swopes said.
She’s also successful on the volleyball court and on the track, but basketball is her calling. She is committed to Central Missouri where her sister is a junior.
“I mean the coaching staff there is amazing and the campus is beautiful,” Neely said. “The fact that I get to be with my sister again, I’m just really excited.”
Neely and Reese are excited to join forces again, but she’s not done leaving her own mark at Eldo.
“She was always Reese’s little sister and she’s kind of really grown into herself and become just become Neely Schaaf,” Swopes said.
