Mountain Grove volleyball ready to make impact on the court in 2026

Though the Mountain Grove Lady Panthers’ volleyball team has a new head coach, Kali Jones is not new to the program.
For the past nine years, Coach Jones has coached at both the JV and Junior High level in the district.
She also created and runs the Mountain Grove Elite program featuring players in grades 3-12.
Before her time as a coach, the Class of 2013 graduate was a Lady Panther who helped the team take third in the state.
She also played college volleyball at Central Methodist University.
Her returning key players include seniors Sadie Schober (libero), Sophee Peterson (hitter), Rowen Kelly, Aubrie Gerla (setter/hitter) and Hadley Driskill (setter).
“We have five very strong consistent seniors,” Coach Jones said.
“I am soaking in every moment with them because they are a truly special group. They are setting the standard for the younger girls with hard work on and off the court and just being all around great humans.”
Other key players include juniors Lyla Golden, Elly Criner, Kaylee Virtue, Hannah Dowden, Aubrey Owens and sophomore, Briley White.
Coach Jones said her team has put in some hard work in the weight room and on the track.
Then during camps this summer, they went 13-5 beating teams like Jop;lin, Rogers, Ark. and Fronenac at Pittsburgh State University.
They also went 14-6 at a three-day team camp in Branson and received many praises for their efforts at a skills camp hosted by Drury University.
“I have high expectations for these girls, as do they,” Coach Jones said.
“They are not pleased with how their season ended last year and are hungry to do better and compete. I am looking for my five seniors to really take ownership and lead by example. I know they can set the tone and get that energy, but I need it all the time. We are looking to compete for a conference and district championship.”
The Lady Panthers open their season at home against Lighthouse at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 31.
They host Conway starting at 5 p.m. on Sep. 1.