Lions promote Moore to head volleyball coach

A familiar face will take over the Missouri Southern State University volleyball program.

Former MSSU interim head volleyball coach Joshua Moore has been promoted to head volleyball coach.

“I am extremely excited to name Joshua Moore our head volleyball coach,” MSSU Director of Athletics Rob Mallory said in a statement. “Joshua stepped up for this program in difficult circumstances last spring and has done an outstanding job. While we fell short of our goals on the court this fall, anyone watching could see how competitive the team was against high-level competition. He has recruited well despite carrying the interim title. I love the current culture of the program, and I am excited to see it flourish under Joshua’s leadership.”

Moore, who has served as an assistant in the program for three prior seasons, said in a statement: “I’m honored to be officially named head coach of the Missouri Southern volleyball program. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited for our future. I’ve been so humbled by the love and support I’ve received from fans, players, alumni and the department, and I can’t wait to continue the growth and development of our team.”

Moore filled in late in 2024 for then-coach Kalie Carlile, who resigned in January 2025. MSSU then hired Kelly Richardson for the position in March 2025. Richardson changed course days later, and Moore took over as interim. Moore, with little time to recruit, led the Lions to a 10-18 mark in 2025 after the team finished 6-22 in 2024. He coached MSSU to four MIAA wins in 2025, including a season sweep of Newman. Under Moore’s leadership this year, Alana Moesch was named to the 2025 All-MIAA volleyball second team after she led MSSU and the league with a career-best 370 kills and 423.5 points.

Moore, of Webb City, graduated from MSSU in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in education. He also earned his master’s degree in management from Southern in 2023. He also served as an assistant coach and English teacher at Carl Junction High School for three years and has coached with Club JOMO Volleyball. Prior to Carl Junction High School, Moore was a junior high volleyball coach in the Neosho School District and has also served as a staff member, coordinator and tutor with the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri. Moore is the son of Rhonda Lawrence, Webb City High School head volleyball coach.