On Wednesday, Nov. 8, five Ozark High School athletes announced that they have committed to play their sport at the collegiate level. Congrats to all five athletes and we can’t wait to see what they do in the future!

MeKaylee Linnebur – Bethel College – Softball
“She’s an exceptional, absolutely exceptional young lady who I have had the pleasure of coaching for the past six years. She is a two-time varsity letter recipient and starting shortstop for us. She ended this season with a 3.20 batting average, 10 home runs, 33 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases. She was one of our most vocal leaders this year, Bethel is getting a fantastic kid,” said Head Softball Coach Jimmy Nimmo.

Blair Pace – University of Missouri - Columbia – Track & Field
“She is a very hard worker. She’s been pushing herself in the off season, training extra and just doing a lot to get better. She’s very dedicated to her sport. She’s a two-time state medalist and conference champion and last year she got her 400m time down to under one minute. She’s going to be great at Mizzou,” said Head Girls Track & Field Coach David Brewer.

Ava Klinger – William Woods University – Volleyball
“Ava has been a huge part of our team's success during her time with Ozark volleyball. She has the unique ability to perform any position on the volleyball court really, really well. She can pass, she can set, she can hit, she can serve. She can literally do it all, which makes her so valuable because she can be so versatile. I can’t wait to see what she does at William Woods. I know her college coaches are going to love and appreciate her versatility as a volleyball athlete and also the ability she has to empower those around her,” said Head Volleyball Coach Adeana Brewer.

Regan Baade – Missouri State University – Volleyball
“Regan grew into an incredible leader this season with her ability to lead by example. This season she had so much determination to make her senior season her best season yet. She has a way of making hard things look very easy. She has earned multiple awards this post season including first-team for all-conference, all-district and all-region. I expect her success to continue at the collegiate level and we are ready to cheer on Regan and the MSU bears,” said Head Volleyball Coach Adeana Brewer.

Jenna LaBarge – Drury University – Volleyball
“Jenna has had an outstanding year defensively for us as a defensive specialist and has been tremendously successful as a server for our team. I have no doubt that she will continue to fill that role as a Drury Panther as well. Jenna really helped lead our team this season through the passion she brought to the locker room, the bench and the court everyday. She helped bring a sense of togetherness and vulnerability to our team that helped us reason goals this season that we have been chasing for some time,” said Head Volleyball Coach Adeana Brewer.