Coach Peck has been a part of Fair Grove for 24 years and has recently been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Peck was overwhelmed with excitement for being recognized and selected for the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
Coach Peck said, “I never once envisioned myself being worthy of an honor like this. I’m just an average person who tried to follow God’s lead and love on the athletes placed in my care.” Peck mentioned how many countless other individuals were just as deserving and that this recognition is truly humbling.
Peck was astounded when she found out she was selected for this recognition. It was just a normal day for Coach Peck when she got the call. “I was driving in Springfield with my kids. We were doing Christmas shopping. I saw a strange number on my phone and randomly answered it. I was truly speechless,” she exclaimed.
Coach Peck has been a part of Fair Grove for 24 years, and in all these years she has made many of what she considers to be core memories of athletics. She believes her program at Fair Grove has been set apart because she has turned it into something bigger. With Fair Grove being a small community, Peck felt as if she was building something special.
Coach Peck’s goal was to build up young women, and wanted her athletes to be able to look back and see proof that they can do hard things. Peck stated, “That the lessons they learned through the sport would carry into every part of their lives, whether in their professional careers, as wives, or as mothers.”
She wanted to mention shout out her husband, Matt Peck. “Without his support, this career simply would not have been possible,” Peck said. Next Peck mentioned her parents and how they supported her every step of the way. Lastly Peck wanted to recognize others who were with her during her time coaching, “This program would not be what it is without the help of so many, especially Lindy Carver. She has been my right hand person in the offseason, tirelessly working with the Fair Grove girls, preparing them for the fall, and helping run our club program.”
Now that Coach Peck is selected for the Hall of Fame she has many memories to look back on showing how she got to where she is now. Peck said, “When I step back and look at it all, I’m in awe of what unfolded season by season, year by year, often without me realizing just how special it was at the time. It’s hard to believe that chapter has come to an end. I loved each and every athlete who came through our program, and that love never stopped when their playing days were over.”
Peck has also had an impact on several students like Sofee Garret (12) said, “Coach Peck was one of the reasons I moved to Fair Grove,” she continued, “Me and my parents knew she was an amazing volleyball coach and person. She has always believed and encouraged me, which has helped me in numerous moments. Coach Peck impacted my athletic career greatly and I will miss her so much.”
