Tiger Volleyball set to begin its season at the Mizzou Invitational

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A new chapter is about to begin for the Mizzou volleyball coach Dawn Sullivan.

The 2026-27 season has arrived for the Tigers, who are set to open the year with a trio of games at the Mizzou Invitational.

Just 10 players return to Columbia for the season, with the rest of the roster spots filled in with transfers and freshmen. While teaching the new group how to play on the court has been the main focus, that returning group has put an emphasis on showing them what Mizzou volleyball is really about.

"I feel like just like leaning into that leadership role, like helping the new people and like our transfers, our freshmen, understand how our culture is and understanding what do we do to support each other as like sisters," said returning fifth year Kimani Johnson.

Johnson came to Mizzou a season ago, and has quickly adopted that mentality, and embraced a new leadership role heading into the season. She credits her development in that area to the many players that she learned from since coming to Columbia.

"[I've learned] to just show up every day and be present," said Johnson. "I think there were days where I haven't been as present but I would always see them show up when they weren't, so just really showing up and giving to the team, especially with the new girls."

With the new roster brings new challenges in the line up. Coach Sullivan has had her hands full testing different lines in the early exhibition games, but says this group is capable of competing no matter who steps onto the court.

"One of the first things I've learned is they can battle, it doesn't matter who I have out there," coach Sullivan said. "We have a lot of depth on our team that I can trust really anybody to step in and kind of show up at any point."

Up Next - The Tigers begin their season at the Mizzou Invitational, where they'll host Western Illinois in the first game of the weekend. Tip off is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28.