Powerade Scrimmage

Powerade Scrimmage tonight starting at 5pm. Don't forget your small bottles of sports drink. Parent meeting to follow.

Academic All-State Requirements

In order to receive Academic All-State recognition from the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association (MHSVCA), you must have a 3.6 cumulative GPA and played in 75% of Varsity matches during the season.

What We Should Say When Our Kids Perform/Compete

The most liberating words parents can speak to their student-athletes are quite simple.  Based on psychological research, the three healthiest statements moms and dads can make as they perform/play are:

Before the Competition:                                    After the competition:

1. Have fun.                                                        1. Did you have fun?
2. Play hard.                                                       2. I’m proud of you.
3. I love you.                                                       3. I love you.

Six Simple Words…

For years, I wondered what the student-athlete would say about this issue. After decades of work with athletes, Bruce E. Brown and Rob Miller found out. They suggest six simple words parents can express that produce the most positive results in their performing children. After interacting with students, they report:

College athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel great, that amplified their joy during and after a ballgame. Their overwhelming response:

“I love to watch you play.”

That’s it. Those six words. How interesting. How liberating to the parent. How empowering to the student-athlete. No pressure. No correction. No judgment. (That’s the coach’s job). Just pure love of their child using their gift in competition.

When I learned this, I reflected on the years my own kids competed in sports, recitals, theatrical plays, and practices. Far too often, I wanted to play a role that added more stress to their life. Instead, I now realize—I just need to love them, and to love watching them play.

From a parent’s view—this is the best way to cultivate an emotionally healthy kid.

- See more at: http://growingleaders.com/blog/what-parents-should-say-as-their-kids-perform

Ozark Sports Zone Opinion - Top Sophomores

by Jordan Burton

Emma Brand, Glendale – It didn’t take long for Brand to establish herself amongst the area’s elite. I guess 278 kills, 293 assists, 219 digs and a modest 58 blocks will do that for ya. She’s just the latest big-time player in what seems like a factory for Coach Bates.

Aubrey Cheffey, Nixa – Cheffey was a force for a very strong Nixa team, leading them in kills (153) while also picking up 122 digs. Look for the 6-foot-2 outside hitter to have an even better sophomore campaign with a year of varsity experience under her belt.

Maria Chism, Carl Junction – There were no freshman jitters for Chism in 2012. The 5-foot-10 outside hitter was a threat no matter where she was on the court, leading the Lady Bulldogs in kills (235), while also picking up 303 digs, in helping lead CJ to a Big 8 title.

Haley Gilpin, Buffalo – Gilpin wasted little time making her mark at Buffalo. She led the Bison with 188 kills, while finishing second in aces (47) and notching 230 digs. The 5-foot-7 outside hitter will see an even bigger role in 2013.

Kelsey Larsen, Glendale – There’s something in the water with this 2016 class at Glendale. Larsen was also able to come in and contribute in a big way for the Lady Falcons, dishing out 334 assists and digging up 223 balls. That year of experience and a great summer suggest she has more in store for 2013.

Jacqui Mostrom, Parkview – It’s all in the genes for the Mostroms. The younger Mostrom came on strong for Parkview, picking up 56 aces (19.8%) and a team-high 494 assists. Just like her big sister Gabi, Jacqui has also given a verbal commitment to Wichita State University.

Rachel Rippee, Kickapoo – Rachel Rippee couldn’t have been in a better place her freshman year. The 5-foot-11 outside hitter had a chance to learn from a pair of D-1 signees (Emily Thater-Missouri; Maris Below-Miami (Oh.)). Even then, Rippee was able to grab All-Ozark Conference honors behind 160 kills and 41% kill percentage.

Kendra Sater, Ozark – Few programs place expectations on freshman like Ozark, and Kendra Sater answered the call. With the loss of Caroline Clifford, Sater stepped up, finishing the season with 199 kills, 250 digs, and 404 assists. If Ozark is to make it to a fifth straight Final Four, Sater will have to continue to step up for the Lady tigers.

Jorden Stacey, Fair Grove – Stacey’s freshman year couldn’t have gone much better. Starting for a team that beat Rogersville for the first time in a decade, Stacey led Fair Grove with 50 aces (15%) and finished second on the team in assists with 327.

Jamboree

One week from tonight, Monday, August 26th, the Varsity Falcons will participate in a volleyball Jamboree with Ozark, Nixa and Carl Junction. The Jamboree starts at 5pm at Ozark High School and will consist of matches that are shortened and provide for coaching opportunities. This is the first year that MSHSAA has allowed volleyball to hold a pre-season jamboree. It will also give us a final look at the Ozark Tigers before our match up with them on Tuesday, September 2 at Glendale. Go Falcons!

"Meet the Falcons"

Powerade Scrimmage/Parent Meeting

The annual Powerade Scrimmage will be held at Glendale High School on Wednesday, August 21st starting with the Freshmen/JV match at 5pm, followed by the JV/Varsity match at approximately 5:45pm.  A informational parent meeting will follow.