Steele Returns to Missouri State as Assistant Coach
September 14, 2026 | Beach Volleyball
SPRINGFIELD - Missouri State beach volleyball head coach Ashley Emery announced the addition of former Bear standout MacKenzie Steele as an assistant coach for the program. Steele returns to Springfield after concluding her collegiate career last spring as the winningest player in program history with 76 career victories.
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"Mackenzie is someone who knows what it means to be a Bear. She understands the culture, the expectations and what it takes to compete at a high level in this conference. She brings a tremendous amount of grit, a high level of blocking knowledge and, most importantly, a genuine love for this game and this program.
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"Mackenzie has experienced this program from the inside out. She knows what it feels like to wear the jersey, compete on these courts and fight for this program. I truly believe that perspective will be invaluable as we continue to make huge strides in the conference," Emery said.
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As a senior in 2026, Steele posted a team-best 24-6 record alongside Amanda Cleary at Flight No. 2. The duo finished the season on a 15-match winning streak and concluded their careers with a 63-23 record, the most victories by a pair in program history.
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Steele helped the Bears to a 24-6 record last season, the second-most wins in program history, as Missouri State opened the year with 14 consecutive victories, went 9-0 at home and earned its first postseason win at the Conference USA Championship. Steele went undefeated at the championship with victories against FIU, UAB and South Florida.
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"I'm grateful for the opportunity to pour what this program has given me back into this group of girls and continue building something special here at Missouri State!" Steele said.
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Steele earned AVCA Top Flight recognition alongside Cleary in each of her final two seasons and was a three-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. She was also named to the Missouri State Athletics Director's Honor Roll seven times during her career.
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"Mackenzie is someone who knows what it means to be a Bear. She understands the culture, the expectations and what it takes to compete at a high level in this conference. She brings a tremendous amount of grit, a high level of blocking knowledge and, most importantly, a genuine love for this game and this program.
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"Mackenzie has experienced this program from the inside out. She knows what it feels like to wear the jersey, compete on these courts and fight for this program. I truly believe that perspective will be invaluable as we continue to make huge strides in the conference," Emery said.
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As a senior in 2026, Steele posted a team-best 24-6 record alongside Amanda Cleary at Flight No. 2. The duo finished the season on a 15-match winning streak and concluded their careers with a 63-23 record, the most victories by a pair in program history.
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Steele helped the Bears to a 24-6 record last season, the second-most wins in program history, as Missouri State opened the year with 14 consecutive victories, went 9-0 at home and earned its first postseason win at the Conference USA Championship. Steele went undefeated at the championship with victories against FIU, UAB and South Florida.
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"I'm grateful for the opportunity to pour what this program has given me back into this group of girls and continue building something special here at Missouri State!" Steele said.
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Steele earned AVCA Top Flight recognition alongside Cleary in each of her final two seasons and was a three-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. She was also named to the Missouri State Athletics Director's Honor Roll seven times during her career.
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