(From Missouri Southern Sports)Missouri Southern Athletic Director Rob Mallory has announced the hiring of Kelly Richardson as the new head volleyball coach.
With more than 11 years of collegiate coaching experience, including head coaching tenures at Western Illinois University and Southwest Baptist University, Richardson comes to MSSU from 417 Juniors Volleyball Club, the largest elite club in Southwest Missouri, where she served as the Club Director.
Richardson expanded the club to 37 teams, making it one of the most competitive clubs in the region. Her teams consistently competed at the highest levels, earning top finishes, including a third-place finish in the USAV National Division Nationals in 2024 and a fifth-place finish in the 17 Premier AAU Nationals in 2023.
"I am extremely honored and excited to lead Missouri Southern Volleyball into its next chapter," said Kelly Richardson. "I would like to sincerely thank Athletic Director Rob Mallory, Associate Athletic Director Cori Reid, and the entire search committee for this incredible opportunity. From the moment I stepped on campus it immediately felt like home, and it was obvious why Southern is such a special place."
Athletic Director Rob Mallory shared, "We are thrilled to welcome Coach Richardson as the new leader of our women's volleyball program. Kelly's passion for coaching, her ability to build meaningful relationships, and her commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court align perfectly with our mission and values. Her extensive coaching experience and deep knowledge of the game will be invaluable as we continue to compete at a high level in the MIAA and beyond."
In addition to her role at 417 Juniors, Richardson has served as the Program Coordinator for Sport Management at Evangel University since 2018, where she was responsible for curriculum development, student advising, and overseeing the coaching minor.
Prior to her time at Evangel, Richardson was the head volleyball coach at Western Illinois University (2015-2018), guiding the Leathernecks to their most wins since 2013. Before that, she served as the first assistant and recruiting coordinator at the University of Texas at Arlington (2014-2015), working closely with setters and middle blockers while helping shape a competitive program.
Richardson's collegiate coaching career began with an extensive tenure at Southwest Baptist University (2007-2014). After taking over as head coach in 2007, she led SBU to its first winning season in two decades during the 2013 campaign.
Richardson added, "My family and I have felt welcomed throughout this entire process and feel extremely blessed to be joining the Lion family. I look forward to getting into the gym with our student athletes as we work to continue building not only strong volleyball players, but strong people as well!"
A former collegiate athlete herself, Richardson holds a bachelor's degree in physical education from Evangel University and a master's degree in athletic administration and activity from Southwest Baptist University. She has been recognized for her contributions to the sport, earning honors such as the Wynn Award from the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, induction into the Evangel University Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Judy Sweet Spirit Award from the NCAA Women's Coaches Academy.
Richardson and her husband, Robb, currently resides in Springfield, Missouri, with their two children, Rylan and Hartley.
"I am extremely honored and excited to lead Missouri Southern Volleyball into its next chapter," said Kelly Richardson. "I would like to sincerely thank Athletic Director Rob Mallory, Associate Athletic Director Cori Reid, and the entire search committee for this incredible opportunity. From the moment I stepped on campus it immediately felt like home, and it was obvious why Southern is such a special place."
Athletic Director Rob Mallory shared, "We are thrilled to welcome Coach Richardson as the new leader of our women's volleyball program. Kelly's passion for coaching, her ability to build meaningful relationships, and her commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court align perfectly with our mission and values. Her extensive coaching experience and deep knowledge of the game will be invaluable as we continue to compete at a high level in the MIAA and beyond."
In addition to her role at 417 Juniors, Richardson has served as the Program Coordinator for Sport Management at Evangel University since 2018, where she was responsible for curriculum development, student advising, and overseeing the coaching minor.
Prior to her time at Evangel, Richardson was the head volleyball coach at Western Illinois University (2015-2018), guiding the Leathernecks to their most wins since 2013. Before that, she served as the first assistant and recruiting coordinator at the University of Texas at Arlington (2014-2015), working closely with setters and middle blockers while helping shape a competitive program.
Richardson's collegiate coaching career began with an extensive tenure at Southwest Baptist University (2007-2014). After taking over as head coach in 2007, she led SBU to its first winning season in two decades during the 2013 campaign.
Richardson added, "My family and I have felt welcomed throughout this entire process and feel extremely blessed to be joining the Lion family. I look forward to getting into the gym with our student athletes as we work to continue building not only strong volleyball players, but strong people as well!"
A former collegiate athlete herself, Richardson holds a bachelor's degree in physical education from Evangel University and a master's degree in athletic administration and activity from Southwest Baptist University. She has been recognized for her contributions to the sport, earning honors such as the Wynn Award from the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, induction into the Evangel University Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Judy Sweet Spirit Award from the NCAA Women's Coaches Academy.
Richardson and her husband, Robb, currently resides in Springfield, Missouri, with their two children, Rylan and Hartley.
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