SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State head beach volleyball coach Ashley Emery announced four commitments for the 2027 season on Wednesday. The incoming class features a set of twin sisters, a Springfield-area standout, and another talented freshman who will join the Bears next fall.

Missouri State's newest commitments include:
Tara Venable • Blocker • 5-11 • Ozark, Mo. • Ozark High
Mylah Hogan • Split • 5-9 • Galena, Mo. • Homeschooled
Caleigh Hogan • Split • 5-9 • Galena, Mo. • Homeschooled
Ritsa Özel • Blocker • 5-11 • Valrico, Fla. • Bloomingdale High


Tara Venable • Blocker • 5-11 • Ozark, Mo. • Ozark High
A standout from Ozark, Mo., Venable helped lead the Tigers to the Missouri Class 5 state championship game during a stellar junior campaign. Despite playing through a patellar tendon injury, she earned AVCA All-America Honorable Mention, AVCA All-Region (Region 6), and Missouri Class 5 All-State honors. Venable was also named to the All-District and All-Conference first teams and set an MSHSAA single-game record with an .816 attack percentage. Her standout season culminated with being named the Springfield Sports Commission Volleyball Player of the Year, becoming the only underclassman nominated for the award. Ranked as the No. 1 player in her position and No. 3 overall in Missouri by Prep Dig, Venable has built a reputation as one of the state's premier all-around talents. After recovering from injury, she returned to beach volleyball training in Kansas City, competing alongside top 2025 and 2026 commits.

Coach Emery on Venable:
"We're thrilled to welcome Tara Venable to Missouri State. Since the first time I watched her play volleyball at a Missouri state camp, I knew she had to be a bear. She's a tremendous competitor who has had a big impact on her high school and club programs. Her athleticism, power, and drive make her a great fit for our program. Even more special is that she's a local player who has grown up right here in the Ozarks — and now she gets to continue her journey as a Bear. Tara represents everything we love about southwest Missouri volleyball — toughness, heart, and pride in her community. We're excited that she chose to stay local and continue her growth as part of our Bear family."


Mylah Hogan • Split • 5-9 • Galena, Mo. • Homeschooled
Mylah joins the Bears from Galena, Mo., where she has been a standout on the junior beach volleyball circuit. She has earned bids to several elite events, including the BVNE East Coast National Championships, Kauai Bikini West Coast Nationals, and the AVP Juniors West Coast Championships. Competing nationally with Play It Forward Club at Volleyball Beach Ozark, Hogan has developed a reputation for her quick defensive reads and steady play in transition while facing some of the top talent in the country.
 
Caleigh Hogan • Split • 5-9 • Galena, Mo. • Homeschooled
Caleigh comes to Missouri State alongside her twin sister, Mylah, following an accomplished junior career on the national beach circuit. She has also earned bids to the BVNE East Coast National Championships, Kauai Bikini West Coast Nationals, and the AVP Juniors West Coast Championships. Training and competing with Play It Forward Club at Volleyball Beach Ozark, Hogan has showcased her strong net presence and versatility, competing against some of the nation's best as she continues to elevate her all-around game.

Coach Emery on Mylah and Caleigh:
"I've had my eye on Caleigh and Mylah since my very first day on the job. They're fierce competitors who play with passion, discipline, and heart. Each brings her own unique strengths to the court, and together they make each other better. Their connection, competitiveness, and genuine love for the game make them a perfect fit for our program. It's incredibly special to be able to keep these two home. Watching the Hogan twins develop through the years into such talented players and remarkable young women has been a joy, and I can't wait to see them continue that journey in maroon and white."

Ritsa Özel • Blocker • 5-11 • Valrico, Fla. • Bloomingdale High
Özel joins the Bears from Bloomingdale High School in Tampa, Fla., where she has competed in both indoor and beach volleyball. A versatile blocker with seven years of indoor experience, she has spent recent seasons training and competing with Optimum Beach Volleyball, one of Florida's premier beach programs. Known for her strong work ethic and leadership, Özel has balanced her athletic career with excellence in the classroom, maintaining a 4.5 GPA through a combination of Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment courses. Outside of volleyball, she is a dedicated violinist and active member of her school's Student Government Association.

Coach Emery on Özel:
"From our very first phone call, I knew Ritsa Özel was the kind of young woman I wanted in our program. She embodies everything we value — grit, positivity, and a hunger to get better every day. She's going to make an immediate impact both on and off the court. At Optimum Beach Club, Ritsa has competed against some of the nation's top talent, honing her skills under elite coaching and helping her rise through a highly competitive circuits in Florida. We can't wait to see her thrive in this environment. Her future is incredibly bright, and we're proud she chose to make it happen here."