Comets Volleyball To Be Led By Sarah Wall
Courtesy of Cottey Sports Information Department
Nevada, Mo. — Cottey College has announced the hiring of Sarah Wall, one of the region's most accomplished and respected volleyball coaches, as the new head coach of the Comets Volleyball program. Wall brings more than three decades of coaching experience, multiple championship runs, and a proven record of program building at the high school, junior college, and collegiate levels.
"Sarah Wall and winning are synonymous. Her successful record as a head coach, her approach to building strong teams, and her emphasis on helping student-athletes develop athletically, academically, and personally through the game of volleyball were impressive throughout the search," said Cottey College Director of Athletics Dr. Maryann Mitts. "I am excited for Sarah to lead our volleyball program and to see what can be accomplished under her leadership."
Wall joins Cottey after a highly successful tenure as head volleyball coach at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO), where she transformed the program into a nationally recognized contender. In just three seasons, she compiled a 62–41 record, earned two Region 2 Coach of the Year honors, and led NEO to a Region 2 Championship. During her tenure, the program earned multiple national rankings, including a run that featured victories over the No. 2 and No. 3 teams in the country. Her 2024 squad finished 33–8, set more than 10 school records, and produced the program's first First-Team All-American.
Before her success at NEO, Wall served as assistant volleyball coach at Pittsburg State University from 2018 to 2023. There, she coached defense and serve receive while helping guide the Gorillas to multiple winning seasons and back-to-back MIAA Tournament appearances. She coached two All-MIAA liberos, including one of the top dig leaders in program history.
Wall is also widely known for her impact on the high school and club volleyball landscape. As head volleyball coach at Carl Junction High School from 2006 to 2014, she became the winningest coach in program history with a 203–85–26 record. She led the Bulldogs to a Class 4 state runner-up finish, a Class 3 state second-place finish, six Big 8 Conference titles, and six district championships. She was inducted into the Carl Junction Hall of Fame in 2023 as part of a team honor and again in 2024 as a coach.
Her earlier coaching career includes successful stints at Webb City High School, Midwest City High School, and Carthage High School, along with decades of experience as a track coach and physical education instructor. Wall is also the longtime owner and director of Club MVP Volleyball, one of the region's most established youth volleyball programs.
"I am incredibly honored to be named the new head volleyball coach at Cottey College," Wall said. "My heartfelt thanks go out to Athletic Director Dr. Mitts, Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment Dr. Adams, and College President Dr. Stefanie Niles for their confidence in me and for the opportunity to lead this program.
"It is a privilege to follow Coach Marla Foreman, whose dedication and impact on Cottey Volleyball set a strong foundation for the future. I deeply respect the legacy she leaves behind and am committed to building on the culture, character, and competitiveness she established.
"What drew me to Cottey College is its powerful mission — a place dedicated to educating, uplifting, and empowering young women to excel in every arena of life. Through volleyball, we have the unique opportunity to help student-athletes grow in confidence, resilience, leadership, and self-belief. My goal is to create a culture where our players trust their voices, compete fiercely, support one another, and step boldly into who they are becoming.
"Cottey College is a remarkable institution that champions its student-athletes and empowers young women to excel. I am excited to get started, connect with our players, and move this program forward with energy, purpose, and pride."
Wall holds a Master of Science in physical education from Pittsburg State University and a Bachelor of Science in physical education from Missouri Southern State University.
She will begin her role immediately in preparation for the 2026–27 season.