With less than 24 hours before Missouri opens the 2026 season with the black and gold scrimmage, one thing has become clear inside the Hearnes Center; almost nothing has been decided.
Outside hitter, middle blocker and setter all remain open competitions as head coach Dawn Sullivan evaluates one of the youngest rosters of her tenure. Yet despite the uncertainty surrounding the lineup, Sullivan believes she already knows what will define this team.
Connection.
“I think they’re connected,” Sullivan told
me this week. “This is a team that you’re going to want to come watch just because of the joy you’re going to see from them and how they play the game and how they play together.”
That chemistry could prove critical for a Missouri team replacing veterans Janet deMarrais and Maya Sands while introducing freshmen, transfers and two new assistant coaches into the program.
The most competitive battle may be on the outside.
Rather than relying on a transfer to replace the position like Sullivan has done every year she’s been at Missouri, she has looked internally. The outside position has turned into one of the most competitive position battles in preseason camp. Paige Felder has impressed early, while Kimani Johnson and Claire Morrissey have each worked on both pins.
Sullivan also pointed to Turkish freshman Ceylin Kuyan as an early standout.
“She’s playing just a really nice game,” Sullivan said. “She has played at such a high level, she understands different scenarios and has really good contact with her hand.”
Freshmen Maizy Agnello and Lydia Stahley have also entered the mix, giving Missouri multiple options as preseason practices continue.
The competition extends to the middle, where Utah State transfer Lauren Larkin arrived with collegiate experience but has been pushed by an emerging freshman class.
Sullivan praised 6-foot-4 freshman Eva Smith’s physical tools, saying she already possesses the athleticism to compete in the SEC despite adjusting to the college game.
“She’s physical,” Sullivan said. “Usually you get those taller kids and it’s a little harder to get control of their bodies, but she’s not. She’s very athletic. She moves really well, gets up fast and has a big arm.”
Freshman Millie Bauer and returner Tia Phinezy have also kept the battle close, leaving Sullivan without clear separation entering August.
“It’s pretty equal right now,” Sullivan said. “It’ll be fun to see which one kind of rises up.”
Setter presents another intriguing decision.
Sierra Dudley, who flashed promise as a freshman before backing up Marina Crownover the past two seasons, is competing with junior Nina Mandovic for the starting role.
“They both bring just such unique qualities,” Sullivan said. “It’s probably a little bit of how this team gels together in the next week or so and who kind of shines.”
While the lineup remains unsettled, Sullivan isn’t concerned about replacing the leadership of departing veterans.
She believes that responsibility has already been embraced internally.
“Sierra Dudley has always been a leader for us from Day one,” Sullivan said. “Claire is another one that continues to lead.”
On the court, Sullivan has also seen Mandovic emerge as a vocal presence, helping direct an offense while maintaining the physical style Missouri wants to play.
Off the court, the Tigers are also adjusting to two new assistant coaches after the departures of Jhenna Gabriel and Cullen Irons.
Former Kansas State standout Lauren Cost joined the staff earlier this year, while Bulgarian coach Atanas Petrov arrived this summer after coaching internationally.
Sullivan said Cost’s personality immediately fit the program’s culture, while Petrov’s international background provides valuable perspective for Missouri’s increasingly global roster.
“I always want to hire people that know the game and have great relationships with people,” Sullivan said.
The Tigers will be tested immediately.
Missouri’s nonconference schedule includes matches against Nebraska at Wrigley Field, Oregon and Louisville before SEC play begins.
Sullivan said many of those opportunities developed through the program’s recent success.
“What an honor for us to play at such an iconic place,” Sullivan said of Wrigley Field. “It’s such a cool experience for these players.”
The Oregon matchup also creates an emotional reunion with former Tiger Marina Crownover, who transferred after last season.
“I loved my time with her,” Sullivan said. “It’ll be great to give her a hug.”
Although Missouri narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament last season, Sullivan rejected the idea that 2025 represented a step backward.
The Tigers finished fifth in one of the nation’s strongest conferences, and she said the disappointment of missing the tournament only strengthened the team’s resolve.
“They’re bought in,” Sullivan said. “They want to be in the tournament. They want to be back in the Sweet 16.”
As preseason camp continues, Sullivan expects the Tigers to experience growing pains early before finding their identity as conference play approaches.
“If I had a crystal ball,” Sullivan said, “early we’re going to be a little young. We’ll have some good matches, we’ll have some learning moments, and then as we get to conference we’re going to continue to build and build and build.”
For a roster still searching for answers at several positions, Sullivan believes the foundation has already been established.
“There is no limit to what they can do.” she said.
