Simons to Lead Smith-Cotton Volleyball Program

During its Monday, Jan. 26 meeting, the Sedalia School District 200 Board of Education approved the hiring of McKenzie Simons as head coach for the Smith-Cotton Tigers volleyball program.

She replaces Emily Ruckman, who resigned from that role in December..

Simons has coached volleyball at the club, junior high and high school levels since 2015. She has been the head coach of the Smith-Cotton Junior High volleyball team the past two years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Severe Developmental Disabilities from the University of Central Missouri in 2018 and a master’s degree in Autism and Behavior from the University of Kansas in 2021.

This past fall, she completed her education specialist degree in education leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.

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“I am looking forward to developing a program where athletes grow on and off the court,” Simons said. “Learning to compete, support one another, handle adversity, and carry those lessons with them long after their final match. I am honored to lead this volleyball program and bring enthusiasm, dedication, and positive energy to the team!”