The Missouri volleyball team is filled with young talent that has helped the team with their success. One of those players is sophomore middle blocker Alyssa Munlyn, who has dominated as an underclassman.
Before pursuing a career with the Tigers, Munlyn played for North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Georgia.
“My freshman year of high school, my friend convinced me to try out for the freshman volleyball team,” Munlyn said. “That’s how I got into it.”
In high school, Munlyn was rated as the No. 36 prospect nationally by PrepVolleyball.com, and helped her school finish as Class 6A state runner-up in 2014, the first time her high school made it to the state finals. She was also named USA Volleyball GJNC All-Tournament team and was selected as an AAU All-American for her performance at the Junior Nationals.
Even though Munlyn had not played long before opening up her recruitment, she knew she wanted to play volleyball and Mizzou was the place for her.
“I started my recruitment process sophomore year after playing club,” Munlyn said. “I went on several tours, but at Mizzou I got a gut feeling that it was the place for me.”
Her freshman year, she had one of the best first seasons on the team, earning several Southeastern Conference and national awards. She was a major contributor on defense for the Tigers with new single-season team records in total blocks and block assists. Munlyn was also named SEC Freshman of the Week four times and SEC Player of the Week once already as a sophomore.
In addition to being a successful underclassman, Munlyn has had the opportunity to work with juniors and seniors to learn more about the game.
“It’s a great feeling playing alongside the upperclassmen,” Munlyn said. “They have taught me so much. We trust each other, and I like having them by my side.”
With four seniors, three of whom are hitters, the Tigers are looking to younger players like Munlyn to take ownership of their positions.
“I am really happy for her, that she is coming into her own and really getting ready for next year to take on that leadership role that I know she will fill and do great job with,” teammate Emily Thater said. “She is getting better every game and I’m proud of her.”
Alyssa Munlyn is doing well at the net alongside other big hitters like senior Carly Kan, senior Emily Thater and redshirt Junior Kira Larson. Munlyn is averaging 1.87 kills per set, 1.35 blocks per set and has started in 14 matches this season as a sophomore.
“I want to take on that leadership role,” Munlyn said. “I want to be that role model that the upperclassmen were for me.”
Overall, Munlyn is motivated to fill the shoes of the graduating seniors and help lead the Tigers to more success in the future.
“Hard work does pay off and win,” Munlyn said. “If you work for your dreams, you will end up where you are supposed to be.”
_Edited by Peter Baugh | pbaugh@themaneater.com_