Tonya Peck, High School Counselor, recently made the decision to step away from her position as Fair Grove Varsity Volleyball Head Coach. Peck served in this role for 24 years, and during her time cultivated numerous winning teams.
Peck explained, “I have had so many amazing memories! Obviously, winning two state championships have put me over the moon. But more than the wins are my girls. Anything with them…summer camps, float trips, the pizza cellar, sleep over in the UE (Upper Elementary) gym and the foot chase across campus (IYKYK), bus rides, Halloween practices, Bible studies, the list could go on.” She continued, “However, my top two most favorite memories are being asked to be a bridesmaid for one of my past players and helping lead a past player to Christ.
Jorden Simmons (better known to the Fair Grove community during her time attending Fair Grove as Jorden Stacey) played for Peck from her freshman year in 2012 to her senior year in 2016. During her time playing for Peck they won the 2013 District Championship, the 2014 District Championship, and got 4th at the State Tournament during the 2013/2014 season.
“Coach Peck made a huge impact on my life from the moment I stepped into the program. She was someone who believed in me and pushed me to achieve the high expectations we had set. She is someone who taught me a lot about volleyball and a lot about life,” stated Simmons.
Simmons added, “The lessons I learned in high school from her have shaped me into the person I am today. Also, as I started my coaching career, she is someone who I would go to for advice and she was always willing to help!”
Lindsay Dunning, Fair Grove High School Science Teacher, SADD Sponsor, and Middle School Cheer Coach, had the unique opportunity to not only play for Coach Peck but also work alongside her. Dunning played for Peck during her senior year in 2001; which was Peck’s first year as a coach. They got 3rd in the State Tournament.
“As much as I loved playing for her, I love being a fan of her even more. It is truly incredible the legacy she has left here. The volleyball program is second to none. It has been awesome seeing her rise to such a successful level, as volleyball has become more and more competitive in the area,” said Dunning.
Brooke Daniels (12) won two state championships with Peck. Daniels has undoubtedly been one of Peck’s most accomplished players. She has been selected as an all-state player, academic all state, numerous all conference and all district honors, and all- team regional player for the 2024-2025 year.
“Coach Peck is truly a one of a kind coach. She truly cares about each individual player and always pushes us to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be. Coach Peck has always trusted me being the setter for our team, and that has given me so much confidence in myself over my four years of high school,” stated Daniels.
“Coach Peck is a role model and such an amazing woman to look up to and play for. I truly could not have had a better coach or mentor these past 4 years. She will not only leave a legacy at Fair Grove, but also in the hearts of each player she ever got to coach,” added Daniels.
Dani Kepler, Fair Grove 3rd Grade Teacher, also had a unique opportunity to play under Peck and work alongside her, but as the Assistant Volleyball Coach. Kepler played for Peck from 2008-2011, and has served as the Assistant Coach alongside Peck for the past seven years.
Kepler stated, “She started as my favorite coach as a high school athlete, then became my mentor coaching alongside her, then became my very close friend. As an athlete, she practically taught me the game of volleyball that I still love to this day, and helped instill lifelong values in me.”
“Coach Peck is also ingrained in my coaching style, philosophy, and beliefs as a coach. I have learned a lot about what it takes to be a great coach and great human being from her,” added Kepler.
Peck noted that her most favorite of the accolades she has received in her years aren’t even hers at all, but rather those of her athletes. ¨I LOVE seeing my athletes get recognition. Some of my most valued and favorite are athletes of the week, post season honors, breaking records, scholarships, academic achievement, citizenship awards, and personal goals being met,” explained Peck.
Peck also pointed out that the 2024-2025 volleyball team was named the Team of the Year award at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Springfield Commission Awards; an honor that is very special to her.
“When doing something that you love for so long, I’m not sure there is a “right” time to leave that all behind. This program has never been a job for me. It has been a calling. God opened doors for me 24 years ago and has blessed me in this time of my life,” explained Peck.
Peck added, “Now, I’m trusting His new calling to be more present with my own family. They have been the rockstars behind my career and it’s now time for me to lay down my coaching and focus on them.”
Despite her departure Peck still has high hopes for the future. “After pouring my heart and soul into the program for so long, the last thing I want to see is for the program to stop growing. I believe with my whole heart that this will not be the case,” said Peck. She added, “FGVB (Fair Grove Volleyball) tradition is strong. The coaching staff that is still here will love it and continue to hold it to a high standard. They will make it their own and it will continue to be successful!”
Peck ended, “…Stepping away feels like I am losing a piece of myself. But I am excited to be the biggest cheerleader for those still playing and for the program as a whole.”
