The pieces didn't fall into place for Ozark's Reece Cook to be introduced to volleyball until she was 12 years old and only after she had tried her hand at a variety of other sports.
Sports have been a big part of her life for about as long as she can remember. But it wasn't until she was in the sixth grade that volleyball entered the picture.
"I was a gymnast when I was little. I was Level VI (with Missouri Valley Gymnastics) going into first grade," Cook said. "But I was told I was going to be very tall. That doesn't work in gymnastics. I completely cut out gymnastics when I was 12. I tried basketball, softball and soccer and then I was thrown into volleyball and have loved it ever since. It gave me a family of girls to work with and became my favorite thing to do."
A year into her volleyball career and basically by happenstance, Cook found her niche by being moved to setter. Now as a sophomore she's assumed the role as Ozark's primary setter and has the Lady Tigers off to a 2-0 start entering their home matchup against Kickapoo tonight.
"Going into my seventh-grade year, we didn't have a setter in the program, so they told me I was going to be a setter," Cook said. "I was shocked and a little nervous. I ended up loving it.
"I love being in charge, being the person telling the others what to do on the court," she added. "Also, it's a little weird, but I love the pressure being on my shoulders. I (perform) better with pressure."
Lady Tiger coach Adeana Brewer is expecting Cook to be among the team's more vocal leaders and is confident she can handle such a responsibility so early in her varsity career. Brewer also feels Cook's teammates will respond well to her.
"Reese has a mature demeanor about her. She's emotionally mature on the court. That gives us a sense of calm and composure," Brewer said. "Also, she works extremely hard. We won't be surprised to see her digging for a ball while diving into the bleachers. She's going to get that ball and help us win a rally. If the setter works hard, it inspires other people to work really hard."
Last year, Cook benefited by having former Ozark setter Ellie Schrader as a teammate and mentor. Schrader was a three-year starting settler for the Lady Tigers.
"She helped bring me in and how to lead the varsity court," Cook said. "I feel prepared because of her. Now, I'm ready to do my own thing with these girls."
As her varsity career takes off, Cook joins a long list of area athletes whose backgrounds include gymnastics as a foundation to build upon toward success in other sports.
"Gymnastics can produce the discipline and drive that you need in any sport," Cook said. "In first grade, you're working 20 hours a week in a gym. I'm always proud of gymnasts making their mark."
The Cook story wouldn't be complete without mention of her strong allegiance to Ozark volleyball.
"She bleeds red and white Ozark volleyball," Brewer said. "She's so passionate about our program. The history of our program means a lot to her. She wants to lead Ozark volleyball to that (elite level) again."
"I love being part of the Ozark program," Cook said. "When it comes to these girls, they're my team and family."
