Claremore High School junior Maise Stagner-Speer has already made a name for herself on the volleyball court, building a reputation defined by resilience, growth and a strong sense of community.
Stagner-Speer, who will be entering 11th grade this fall, considers her early success on varsity one of her proudest accomplishments. “The accomplishment that I am most proud of is playing on varsity as a freshman,” she said, reflecting on a milestone that set the tone for her high school career.
That early experience came with challenges, but it also shaped her mindset as an athlete. Through volleyball, she said she has learned how to respond to adversity. “My sport has taught me how to make mistakes but not sulk on those mistakes and rather learn from them,” she said.
Her growth has been supported not only by coaches and teammates, but also by teachers who recognized her efforts in the classroom. Stagner-Speer pointed to two educators in particular who made a lasting impression during her sophomore year. “My favorite teachers would be Ms. Lahr and Mr. Riggs,” she said. “Both of these teachers always made my academic accomplishments feel acknowledged, which I appreciate tremendously.”
While she values individual relationships, Stagner-Speer emphasized the collective influence of her teammates. Rather than singling out one person, she credits the entire team for helping shape her experience. “Each one of them have taught me something that was extremely impactful,” she said.
Off the court, Stagner-Speer is an active supporter of Claremore athletics, frequently attending games to cheer on her peers. “I love going to watch games and support friends no matter the sport,” she said.
Her connection to Claremore extends beyond athletics. She said the town’s sense of familiarity and support is what makes it special. “My favorite thing about Claremore is the community, because I know many of the people it just really makes me feel at home,” she said.
