University of Missouri Volleyball Player’s Journey and the Appeal of Beach Volleyball

Maizy Agnello, an outside hitter for the University of Missouri, has been surrounded by volleyball since childhood. Growing up in Crystal Lake, she witnessed her mother, Hilary, competing along Lake Michigan after her collegiate play at Penn State. Agnello recalls, “My mom would sometimes play here at the beach. She would play in the lower leagues with her college friend. So, I’ve always been participating in beach games, volleyball matches, and Cubs games. I’ve always been a part of that world.” This connection to volleyball made Labor Day weekend significant for her.

Agnello and her team will face the number one ranked Nebraska at Wrigley Field on Sunday. This event is a part of the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week. In a prelude to this match, Agnello and her teammates visited Oak Street Beach for the AVP League Championship. They supported Mizzou alumna Kylie DeBerg, paired with Betsi Flint of the Dallas Dream. The Tigers, seated in temporary bleachers, wore pinstriped ‘Mizzou’ baseball jerseys, cheering and dancing along to the music.

Agnello expressed, “We’re all there together. We share this experience, and we won’t forget it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Despite DeBerg and Flint losing their quarterfinal match, Agnello found inspiration in the possibility of a volleyball career after college. She stated, “Being at the beach is incredible. It demonstrates you can continue playing. There are ever-growing opportunities after college.”

The tournament also highlighted volleyball’s burgeoning popularity. Canadian silver medalist Brandie Wilkerson competed with teammate Melissa Humana-Paredes for the Palm Beach Passion. They defeated the Brooklyn Blaze in a semifinal, hoping to reclaim the title after last year’s loss. Wilkerson remarked on volleyball’s significance, particularly in women’s sports, emphasizing that college volleyball now fills large stadiums. She believed the sport was living up to its potential.

For two-time Olympian Maizy Agnello, the event in Chicago marked a standout moment in the AVP tour. Kylie DeBerg, alongside Kelly Cheng, advanced to the semi-final with Megan Kraft. Reflecting on the knowledgeable Chicago crowd, Cheng noted, “It’s incredible when people understand the intricate plays we perform. Chicagoans recognize the skill required, making it special for athletes.”

The day concluded with an exciting match where New York Nitro’s James Shaw and Chaim Schalk defeated Miami Mayhem’s Andy Benesh and Taylor Crabb in straight sets. Shaw appreciated the Chicago atmosphere, saying, “We love the passion for volleyball here, and I always enjoy playing in Chicago.”

Agnello cherished the opportunity to play at Wrigley Field, her childhood venue for Cubs games, as part of an important volleyball event. She expressed her excitement to share these experiences with her future children.

AVP League Championship Schedule at Oak Street Beach

• 10 a.m.: Women’s semifinal — Austin Aces (Taryn Brasher/Kristen Cruz) vs. Miami Mayhem (Kelly Cheng/Megan Kraft)
• 11 a.m.: Men’s semifinal — Palm Beach Passion (Trevor Crabb/Phil Dalhausser) vs. San Diego Smash (Chase Budinger/Miles Evans)
• 1 p.m.: Women’s championship — Palm Beach Passion (Melissa Humana-Paredes/Brandie Wilkerson) vs. TBD
• 2 p.m.: Men’s championship — New York Nitro (Chaim Schalk/James Shaw) vs. TBD