BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
Another Cassville volleyball senior has signed a national letter of intent, committing to continue playing her sport at the college level in the fall.
On Jan. 24, Josie Keeven, Cassville libero and defensive specialist, signed to Missouri Valley College in Marshfield after initially choosing forgo volleyball after high school.
“Mentally, it was hard,” she said. “I wanted to focus just on school [in college], but my love of volleyball is extreme, so I wanted to continue playing.”
Paige Huddleston, Cassville volleyball coach, said she is excited to see what Keeven can do at the next level.
“I’m elated,” she said. “Josie kind of made this decision late, but when she decides she wants to pursue something, he really jumps on the ball. She emailed schools and reached out, and she’s a great kid, so I knew she’d land somewhere. It was just a matter of where.
“A lot of that attribute to her qualities as a person. She is one of the hardest working kids, is always happy, and her drive is unparalleled. I knew when she set her mind to this, nothing would slow her down.”
Keeven said she landed at Missouri Valley for a few reasons.
“Their program is incredible, I love the people and the school, and the coach is very sweet,” she said. “They also have a great business program, which I wanted because I am going into marketing.”
Huddleston said Keeven’s skills on the floor will translate well at the collegiate level, and she played a major role in Cassville’s success this season.
“Jo was our libero and DS, and she has a great serve,” Huddleston said. “She could be a serve specialist for anybody, and we needed her in crucial moments. I know she will be a DS and will fight for the libero. She will fit well into Missouri Valley.”
Keeven said she hopes her serve-receive skills will carry her going forward, and a team-building attitude.
“You can just never give up,” she said. “The whole team’s emotion is based on one another, so if you’re bringing one another up, the team does good, and if you’re negative, it brings the team down.”
Keeven said of her time at Cassville, many of her favorite memories happened off the floor, though not all of them.
“My greatest memories are the bus rides with all the girls and those bonding moments,” she said. “This team is like a family. We are so close, and we’ve grown tremendously. We’ve had so many ups and downs that have made us closer.
“I’ll always remember that — and how coach would get so excited during our wins.”
Huddleston said though Keeven waited to sign, she said it is the right move.
“I am incredibly proud and excited for Jo’s next adventure,” she said. “She waited because she was unsure, but I’m excited she’s taking that leap. She will do great things.”
Keeven said for those looking to follow her path, it’s never too late.
“Keep trying and don’t give up because you don’t know what can happen,” she said.
Keeven is the daughter of Shawn Keeven, of Cassville. She intends to major in business marketing.
