In the modern era of college athletics, the transfer portal has become a more common tool in rebuilding athletic programs. Missouri volleyball has had five transfers with over 53 sets played this season. 

The Tigers’ most recent transfer class featured Marina Crownover and Mychael Vernon, who both lead the team in total assists and kills, respectively. The duo works in tandem on the court, thanks to a strong relationship, on and off the court. 

Marina Crownover

Crownover, a current redshirt sophomore, made the decision to come to Missouri after spending two seasons at the University of Texas at Austin. As a Longhorn, she was a part of two back-to-back national championships. Crownover started the year competing with sophomore Sierra Dudley until eventually taking over the setter position. She enrolled early in the spring of last school year to get comfortable with the team. 

“It was really nice to come in the spring because obviously a setter-hitter connection is pretty hard to get perfect,” Crownover said. “It was really helpful for me to get that whole semester in to… integrate with the team.”

It was not always easy for Crownover to adjust to her new environment and figure out her place on the team. Having common ground with Vernon as newcomers to the program helped the transition. Additionally, she said every teammate has helped her adjustment process go smoothly.

Crownover transferred from Texas to Missouri in search of larger opportunities. She is the main contributor to the Tigers’ No. 2 ranking in team assists per set with 13.77. However, Crownover also gave credit to her hitters.

“They put up great balls for me, and kind of allow me to set anybody I want,” Crownover said. “I’m very confident giving it to anybody, and they just put the ball down, especially Mickey (Mychael Vernon).”

Mychael Vernon

Vernon graduated after four seasons at Oregon State before transferring to MU. She compiled 1,065 kills and 558 digs in her career with the Beavers and registered 60 double-digit kill matches. The change of scenery was much easier for Vernon than she expected due to the positive environment of the team. 

“I feel like I can be myself no matter who I’m around, without judgment,” Vernon said. “I feel like that makes it so much easier to play volleyball and be able to… flourish on the court… without thinking that someone’s second guessing you or what you’re doing.” 

Vernon did not come over as early as Crownover, joining during the fall 2024 semester. Getting the hitter-setter connection down was really important for Vernon and Crownover in their limited offseason time together. They did not have the extra semester to work together, but felt like their connection was still strong despite their limited time knowing each other.

She has reached new heights in her fifth season, setting career highs with 37 kills and 17 digs against Arkansas. Vernon credits her teammates, and said that they make the game easy for her.

“Being able to just run the offense knowing that we’re in a good position where I could have a one-on-one, or someone else can have a one-on-one,” Vernon said. 

Their relationship

Crownover and Vernon both clicked even before they were officially Tigers. The two were introduced to each other during Vernon’s official visit in January of 2024 and knew they wanted to be teammates. Both were able to find common ground coming into a new environment, clicking as soon as they met. 

Head Coach Dawn Sullivan’s recruiting has led to Missouri’s new dynamic duo, who have produced a top offense in the nation, ranking No. 6 in hitting percentage. Crownover is No. 2 in the SEC in assists per set and Vernon is No. 6 in kills per set. Sullivan has noticed the pair’s special connection and likes the fastball that Crownover sets for Vernon.

Their strong connection on the court can be attributed to a growing friendship off the court. Vernon took her visit in January, getting the chance to see Crownover for the first time in years. Vernon knew the two of them would become fast friends as their personalities meshed very well together.

After the visit, Crownover knew it was only a matter of time before they were wearing the same uniform.

“I was waiting for her to come here, I was counting, like, she better commit here,” Crownover said. “That’s a friend. We just meshed pretty quick and I think our personalities are pretty similar.”

They both had to make difficult decisions to leave their schools to come play for Missouri. 

Crownover was searching for a chance to take her game to the next level and get more time on the court. 

“[I] saw what it was like to… be great, and saw that standard,” Crownover said. “I just wanted to create that here, so that’s kind of what I’m working on, just building a legacy, something that I’m really proud of.”

Vernon wanted to take a step out of her comfort zone and advance her academic and athletic career with her aspirations of becoming a dentist.

“It didn’t matter where I went afterwards, because I just knew that I would end up comparing it to my experience here,” Vernon said. “Taking that step into different opportunities academically as well, just being able to put myself in a position to be able to apply for dental school and get that ball rolling.”

The duo has high expectations for themselves and the team going forward. Crownover exacted a measure of revenge against No. 9 Texas in a 3-2 win. Vernon set a Missouri volleyball record for kills in a game and continues to develop in the late stage of her career.

“I want to win the SEC, I want to go as far as we can in the [NCAA] tournament and just… show that Mizzou is that team,” Crownover said.

Edited by Dylan Heinrich | dheinrich@themaneater.com 

Copyedited by Claire Bauer and Hannah Taylor | htaylor@themaneater.comE

dited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com