SPRINGFIELD, MO. — Mission University Athletics continues its upward momentum with the announcement of Men's Volleyball, which will officially join the department and begin competition during the 2026–27 academic year.
The addition of Men's Volleyball at Mission University proves the continued commitment to expanding opportunities within the athletic program. This commitment extends beyond campus, creating new opportunities across the region and state for a sport that continues to gain interest and visibility. While there are numerous clubs around the area, and a handful of high schools joining the trend, there is a lack of university representation. Currently, only one university in the area offers Men's Volleyball as an official sport. The decision for Mission to offer Men's Volleyball is a significant one that comes at an opportune time for the local volleyball landscape and the sport as a whole.
Mission Men's Volleyball, the Patriots, will compete as part of the NAIA and the NCCAA. These affiliations not only strengthen the presence of Mission at a national level but also provide student athletes with the opportunity to compete on multiple competitive levels and platforms. Men's Volleyball will add to the list of competitive events held at Hilly Beck Court at W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse, whilst also establishing the Northside as a home for high octane volleyball.
The program will be led by Head Coach Taylor Baker, who will serve as the first head coach in the program's history. Coach Baker has deep ties within the local volleyball landscape. Most recently, she was with Nixa, where she was a part of leading the Eagles to two Central Ozark Conference Championships. She also used to coach for USAV Club Volleyball for 417 Juniors Volleyball, demonstrating a strong presence in club ball. Coach Baker is a familiar face on the Northside as she also leads the Mission Women's Volleyball program. In just one year, she has instilled a winning culture within the program, leading the Lady Patriots to an 11-7 conference record, a trip to the AMC tournament, and NCCAA Regionals.
According to Coach Baker, the idea of adding a Men's Volleyball program had been upon conversations around campus before officially coming together late in the fall semester.
"There are a lot of volleyball fans in offices all over campus, and everyone had the idea floating around, but it finally took a concrete form at the end of the fall semester," Baker said. "With the growth on campus and in our athletics, it's just another way to get great student-athletes at our university."
The timing of the program's addition aligns with the rapid growth of men's volleyball occurring throughout the state of Missouri, particularly in Southwest Missouri. It is here where club participation and foundation building advocacy have surged in recent years.
"There has been a BIG push in Missouri, specifically SWMO, to build men's volleyball," Baker said. "There are guys who are starting clubs that are competing at the national level, advocating for an official MSHSAA sport, and this just builds on all their successes. Now, athletes won't be leaving our area to continue their athletic career in men's volleyball because we offer it right here."
By adding Men's Volleyball, Mission is providing local and regional athletes with an opportunity to continue competing at a high level while remaining close to home. This development is one that Coach Baker views as a meaningful and necessary step for the sport's long-term growth.
As the program is building up to its first season, Coach Baker is excited for the fans to see the vision come together. She is also emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation, as it will define Men's Volleyball at Mission in the future.
"Fans can expect a group of guys that share the same vision as me, build this program from the bottom up, and make Springfield a staple in men's volleyball," Baker said. "Everything we do will be a base for the program in the future. Everyone will be setting the first-ever records by becoming the first recurring class. I think that's such a unique opportunity, and we're proud to be the first school in Springfield to make it happen."
The launch of Men's Volleyball is another milestone for Mission Athletics as the department continues to invest efforts into growing strategically and building competitive excellence, while expanding opportunities for student-athletes on the Northside.
Men's Volleyball will officially take the court in the 2026-27 academic year.
A new era begins, while the Mission remains the same.
