Missouri volleyball’s starting outside hitter, senior Caylen Alexander, isn’t your average star.
The University of Hawaii transfer wasn’t highly recruited, earning two offers out of Centennial High School, yet three years later, she became one of the nation’s highest sought-after transfers.
“Caylen is a special athlete, and she’s gonna compete,” head coach Dawn Sullivan said. “She’s a wonderful volleyball player.”
The 6-foot senior continues to refine her game. Despite leading the nation in kills last year, Alexander is not satisfied.
“I’m still trying to perfect my arm swing, just [by] coming in extra times when I can, doing self toss,” Alexander said. “Coming in with Dawn [Sullivan] or Wendel [Camargo] or any of the coaches, really just figuring out new things I can work on.”
An increased amount of attention and workload does not faze Alexander.
“I’m not used to having such a lot on my plate, but it’s also everything that I’ve ever wanted,” Alexander said. “Stepping up, becoming more mature, owning up to my role –– that’s helped.”
When given the opportunity to brag about herself, Alexander would rather express gratitude for her teammates who have led to her success.
“If I’m having any problems, they’ll do anything to help me out,” Alexander said. “I think the environment here is just very comforting and warm.”
The 2024 Big West player of the year has already become a key player for the Tigers, leading the squad in kills.
“She takes swing, after swing, after swing, that’s some leadership,” Sullivan said.
Alexander isn’t the most vocal leader, but she’s carved out a leadership role in her own manner.
“I definitely want to be more of someone who can lead by example, rather than by voice,” Alexander said.
The outside hitter isn’t just a kill specialist –– on the defensive end, she ranks fourth on the team in digs and third in blocks.
“I definitely worked on it a lot this spring,” Alexander said. “I wanted to become more well-rounded.”
For Alexander, the grind never stops. She is currently working on improving her hits, despite accumulating over 100 kills in her first seven games.
“I need to get my hitting back together,” Alexander said.
That’s the kind of player that Caylen Alexander is.
