Steady hands and fearless digs: Breann Shumake’s rise at Sarcoxie
Breann Shumake stands just 5‑foot‑1, but the Sarcoxie senior plays volleyball with a large presence. When head coach Erica Spittler previewed the 2024 season, she identified Shumake—a returning junior libero—as one of the players who would anchor the Bears’ defensive core. Spittler said Shumake was “ready to take her role to the next level and back up any teammate we put on the floor.” That faith proved prescient: the back‑row specialist developed into one of southwest Missouri’s top dig leaders and a steadying voice for a youthful roster.
Early success and leadership
Shumake cut her teeth in varsity volleyball as a sophomore in 2023. She played 90 sets and recorded 11 kills while hitting .186, but her value came on defense. Over 178 varsity sets through her junior year, she amassed 656 digs, 875 receptions, 23 assists and 16 kills. Those numbers reflect not only the sheer volume of balls she kept off the floor but also her accuracy in serve receive and her willingness to set hitters when needed. As Spittler fostered a team‑first culture— “the more we know about each other, the more we can grow into a winning team” —Shumake embraced the role of floor general, communicating defensive coverage and encouraging younger teammates.
Shumake’s defensive presence was particularly felt during the 2024 campaign. Ozarks Sports Zone’s end‑of‑season report ranked her 12th in the entire coverage area with 505 digs. Only a handful of Class 2 players finished higher, underscoring her importance to a Sarcoxie team that improved its defensive efficiency. She also gained experience at serve receive, finishing with more than 300 receptions while keeping her error rate low, and she served as the team’s libero during nearly every rotation.
Senior year: raising the bar
By her senior season in 2025‑26, Shumake had become a centerpiece for the Bears. MaxPreps’ quick stats show she played 88 sets, averaged 3.9 digs per set and collected 345 digs, 526 receptions and 20 serving aces. She continued to receive the ball cleanly and turned defense into offense, pushing Sarcoxie’s transition game. The Bears posted a 10‑16‑5 overall record and reached the Class 2 District 11 semifinals, where they defeated Pierce City 3‑1 before falling to Diamond. While hitters like Ariel Wilson and Alexis Letts provided the power, Shumake ensured the rally stayed alive.
Impact beyond statistics
Shumake’s contributions extended beyond the stat sheet. Her relentless pursuit of balls and fearless diving resonated with teammates. Spittler noted that returning juniors Jordyn Misner (setter) and Ariel Wilson (middle hitter) would need to step into new roles, but Shumake’s steady presence eased that transition. She often mentored sophomore defensive specialists Sophie Wagner and Yeimi Lopez, showing them how to read hitters and position themselves to take away angles. During practices she embraced film sessions and worked closely with the coaching staff on serve‑receive patterns, demonstrating the leadership Spittler envisioned when she entrusted her with the libero jersey.
Shumake’s versatility also shines as a multi‑sport athlete. MaxPreps lists her as a member of Sarcoxie’s varsity softball and basketball teams. On the diamond she played limited games but contributed offensively, and on the basketball court she saw minutes as a guard, illustrating her athletic range and commitment to Sarcoxie athletics. Those experiences, combined with her volleyball success, have made her a well‑rounded competitor capable of excelling in different roles.
Legacy
As Shumake heads toward graduation in the spring of 2026, her legacy at Sarcoxie is one of consistency, tenacity and team‑first leadership. From Spittler’s early praise to her place among the area’s dig leaders, she has embodied the Bears’ culture of positivity and hard work. Her 505‑dig junior season and 345‑dig senior campaign will remain benchmarks for future Sarcoxie liberos. More importantly, the example she set—communicating on the court, supporting teammates and striving to improve—will continue to influence younger players long after she leaves the blue and white.
