Building Joplin Volleyball’s Future

Early glimpses of potential

When Payton Cunningham arrived on the Joplin High School volleyball roster as a freshman in 2024, she and classmate Leighton Pena were middle‑blocker prospects getting their first taste of varsity speed. Head coach Emily Killion spent the offseason stressing fundamentals and positivity to a roster with only two seniors, Aubrey Strickland and Lydia Barwick, and a swarm of sophomores and freshmen. The young Eagles invested in their craft, competed in summer leagues and spent hours in the weight room to make up for their lack of experience. By August 2025 Killion believed the sophomores were ready for expanded roles.

Growing into a pivotal role

Cunningham opened her sophomore campaign as the Eagles’ starting middle hitter. In the first days of the season she played with energy and confidence, reinforcing her coach’s decision to trust the underclassmen. During a five‑set victory over Springfield Central on 9 September 2025, she delivered several momentum‑changing plays. She stuffed a Central attack early in the decisive fifth set to ignite a 5‑0 run, rose again for another block that sealed match point, and added a kill that pushed Joplin’s lead to 12‑7. Afterward, Cunningham described the final block as “a rush of adrenaline” and said that helping her team finish a tight match was “super fun.” The win improved Joplin to 1–2 and gave the young team confidence they could compete.

Setting the tone at the net

Killion praised her middle hitters for setting the tone. She told reporters that Strickland and Cunningham’s presence at the net fuels the defense: when they “come to life,” the back row becomes more comfortable knowing balls are being touched up front. Cunningham’s length and timing allow her to alter opponents’ swings, and her quick arm swing turns free balls into points. In an interview after the Eagles’ first win, she noted that last season Joplin “didn’t have much success” but that their early 2025 victory showed “what we’re capable of.”

Mental resilience and team culture

Cunningham has fully embraced Killion’s emphasis on mental preparation. The Eagles adopt the mantra “beat your ghost” – a reminder to be one percent better every day – and strive to “love and support each other” regardless of the score. Payton credits the team’s “goldfish mentality” for allowing players to move on quickly from mistakes. This mindset helped them remain calm when the match against Central went to five sets. Killion echoed that sentiment, saying the team “embraced the pressure” instead of folding under adversity.

Looking ahead

With only two seniors, Joplin’s 2025 roster will continue to lean on Cunningham’s energy and presence in the middle. Her sophomore season has already shown glimpses of her potential – timely blocks, clutch kills, and leadership in pressure moments. As she gains experience and builds chemistry with setter Jordyn Misner and outside hitters like Peña, the 6‑foot middle hitter looks poised to become one of southwest Missouri’s most impactful blockers. For a program intent on climbing back into contention, Payton Cunningham embodies the blend of talent, work ethic and mental resilience that coach Killion hopes will carry Joplin volleyball into a brighter future.