_The Missouri volleyball team has worked together nicely on the court this season. However, it is what fans don’t see that makes this team and the athletic program so special._
**Missouri coaches and players reflected on the team atmosphere:**
Mizzou added three freshmen to its squad this season, and all three made it clear as to why the family dynamic on and off the court helped them chose Missouri.
**Freshman Riley Sents:** “Mizzou felt like a family. I come from a small town, and the athletic department just felt like home.”
**Freshman Andie Hanus:** “The athletic department has such great chemistry and is a family atmosphere.”
**Freshman Kayla Caffey:** “Mizzou had such a family atmosphere, and all the girls on the team make me feel at home.”
Upperclassmen have also expressed their love for the program and their teammates.
**Senior Carly Kan:** “The coaches and girls have changed me. I’m savoring every moment. All my years here have been so special and I’m not taking it for granted.”
**Junior Courtney Eckenrode:** “There is such a family atmosphere here at Mizzou, and I know this is where I want to be. As teammates, we push each other to be the best.”
Coach Wayne Kreklow knows how much the team will miss its seniors, including Kan.
**Kreklow:** “Carly is the heart and soul of the team. The girls will most likely miss her all-around game.”
Together, the coaches and players are looking to have the volleyball program reach its full potential.
**Junior Kira Larson:** “Something that we really try to focus on is that it’s our team. It’s us 15 girls, whether it’s on the court or on the bench.”
The Tigers have been training for this season since August, and they still have until Nov. 26 before regular-season Southeastern Conference matches come to an end.