Varsity volleyball player Maise Stagner-Speer is a setter for the Lady Zebras. Her passion for the game and her team is obvious when you talk to her about Claremore volleyball.
“What I love the most about my team and teammates at Claremore, has to be the environment. The environment of Claremore is always a fun experience, we all have a lot of spirit, and drive to make each other the best that we can be,” Maise said.
This season was full of surprises, but the biggest surprise happened before the first game.
“The biggest surprise this season in my opinion, was all the transfers who came in. I had never even imagined how many girls would come to Claremore and how much of an impact it would have on my life, and my team’s season. I am happy to have every girl who transferred,” Maise said.
Her favorite memories always involve her teammates, including the ones that help shape who she is as a player, but her inspiration comes from home.
“My favorite moment or memory from this season has to be when we were at Branson for the summer camp. The memory specifically was when we were in our hotel room and our smoke detector was beeping, almost as if its battery was low, and I tried to take it down. It was just a really funny night for everyone,” said Maise. “My biggest inspiration has to be my mom. She pushes me to be the best version of myself, while also making sure I know how proud she is of me. My mom has been through a lot in life, but still makes sure my feelings are seen and understood.”
Volleyball is her main focus, but Maise does spend time with the Superintendents Committee of Students. In the classroom, Maise admits she enjoys all of her classes.
“I honestly don’t have a certain “favorite” subject. I’m strong in Science and English. Although, I find History the most engaging. I would say my favorite teacher would be Coach McQueen. He taught me my freshman year for Pre-AP Biology,” Maise said.
As for her team, Maise said there are certain teammates who are always more vocal than others and certain ones who keep everyone laughing.
“The teammate that is most vocal is Grace Baughman. She always is very positive, and a really great example and leader. I look up to her a lot. I think Ava Tanner, and Mariyah Dupuch keep everyone high spirited and laughing,” Maise said.
As for next season and her travel team, Maise continues to work to get better.
“I think my strength is probably being able to grow in the areas my coaches want me to. If my coaches as me to work on something I try my best to improve on it to the best of my abilities. My weakness is my own head. If I get myself worked up too much, it’s a crash and burn from there. I can be my own worst enemy in certain situations,” Maise said.
In her free time you can find Maise spending it with friends.
“I also like to be lazy sometimes and just hang around watching TV shows and movies. However, I will be starting up my club volleyball soon,” Maise said.
