Liberty Volleyball Coach inducted into MHSVCA Hall of Fame

What makes a great coach? Some might say their win record, how many state championships they have won or how well their players are doing at the collegiate level. Any seasoned coach will tell you it’s more than records on paper. It’s the hours logged on and off the court ensuring your team is at their best. It’s taking the time to build the program from day one by being involved at the elementary level. It’s spending summers at camps fine-tuning player’s skills. It’s being an active role model for your players, teaching them valuable life lessons.

Not many coaches can achieve a winning record, let alone retain love and respect from their players throughout the years. Possessing all these qualities, Shari Tune, Head Volleyball Coach at Liberty High School, was recently inducted into the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association (MHSVCA) Hall of Fame.

Former player Brenley Stearns who now coaches along with Tune for the Club Chaos Volleyball team had this to say, "A lot of unforgettable things happened from 2013-2017 when I played for coach Tut. I remember her speaking a 2014 state championship into existence all season, hearing her scream 'No!' when I two-hand tipped the ball in the state championship and then scream and jump because it won us the game (she won’t ever let me forget it). I remember the bitter loss in sectionals in 2016, and our last moment as player and coach in the third place state championship in 2017 when I stepped back to serve at game point, looked at her and she said 'take us home'. I also remember the emotional team meeting in the storage closet where we all took turns getting personal things off our chests, and when she told me to knock it off when she heard I was making dumb choices. All of this happened because Coach Tut is many things. She is determined, a leader, a family woman and a tough lover. She made me work harder than I thought I could in order to accomplish the goals we had set and in turn, taught me the value of hard work that I carry with me today. She would set me straight if she saw me roll my eyes, but also be the one to rub bio freeze on my purple ankle when I sprain it. Coach Tut stayed humble every win, handled every loss, cherished every moment and gave all of her time to every season."

Recent 2021 Liberty graduate and former player, Kelstin Roy, reflected back on her years under Tune. "I am grateful not only to have had Coach Tut as a coach, but also to have more recently had the opportunity to work with her as a mentor through coaching. She has taught me not only volleyball fundamentals but life lessons as well. She deserves every ounce of recognition for the work she has put into her players and the sport.”

Current player Lexi Shumpert had this to say, "I love Coach Tut. She has high expectations for you and always pushes you to exceed them. She wants you to be the very best person all around while pushing you to get there. I’m very thankful for everything she’s done for me and that I got to play for her for the past four years!"

Tune’s volleyball career began before high school where she graduated from Summersville in 2003. She attended The Rivers Community College from 2003 to 2005 and then Columbia College from 2005-2007, playing college volleyball for four years.

"Volleyball has been my passion since the fifth grade," Tune reflected. "Going to college on a volleyball scholarship was a goal of mine since seventh grade. I love playing it. I was not ready to give it up so coaching was the next best thing."

Tune began her coaching career at Eminence High School coaching from 2007 to 2011. During that time frame her record was 158-26-12. The team went on to be Conference Champions in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; District Champions in 2008, 2010 and 2011; Sectional Champions in 2008, 2010 and 2011; and Quarterfinal Champions in 2008, 2010 and 2011. At the state level the team was State Runner Up in 2008, third place at state in 2018 and State Champions in 2011. Tune was named Big Springs Conference Coach of the Year in 2011. She had seven All-State players and five collegiate players from Eminence.

"I love being able to teach life through volleyball. Grit, competitiveness and just watch as the girls succeed is such a blessing to experience," Tune said. “I love the connections and relationships I get to develop. Life is a competition. You get what you work for."

Currently coaching at Liberty High School, Tune began her career in 2012. Her record is currently at 275-72-28.

Under Tune’s leadership, the Lady Eagles went on to be Conference Champions in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018; District Champions in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2021; Sectional Champions in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2021; and Quarterfinal Champions in 2014, 2016 and 2018. At the state level the team was named State Champions in 2014, they received third place at state in 2016 and fourth place at state in 2018. In 2014 the team was named Large School Volleyball Team of the Year by the Ozarks Sports Zone. Tune was named SCA Coach of the Year in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018; Missouri Class 2 Coach of the Year in 2014; Ozark Radio Network Banquet Volleyball Coach of the Year in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2021.

In 2016 Tune became the winningest coach at Liberty High School. Over ten players have received All State honors with several getting the honor for multiple years. Collegiate players include Kylie Acklin, Johonna Walkup, Kaitlyn Raith, Trinity Clark, Brenley Stearns and Piper Francis (Basketball).

Big wins rank high among Tune's favorite memories at Liberty. 

"Obviously being the first team to be state champions is up there," she recalled, "However, we have had so many big wins. Upsetting Strafford in sectionals in 2016 and winning districts this year in 2021 are big moments."

Tune's combined record is 433-98-40; 10 District Championships; 10 Conference Championships; 6 Final Four appearances and 2 State Championships.

"God is my first. He blesses me daily and thankfully supplies me with plenty of grace," Tune said, counting her supporters, "My husband is in my corner 24/7. He never fails or complains about the work coaching involves. My parents got me here. I’m so thankful for everything they have done for me and continue to do. My children are my biggest fans. I have had the best coaches since day one. I also have the best friends a girl could have to help me. The community and administration support has been a blessing every year. I would like to say a special thanks to Jodie, Jessica and Erica. These girls have been the best assistants a coach could have. I’m so very thankful for their time, hard work, dedication and friendship."

Looking towards the future, Tune said that as Head Volleyball Coach at Liberty, "We will compete and every year we will give our all. I’m excited to see my daughter’s class come through and the talent that is coming up in the next six years is incredible. Lord willing I’m going to be here to take it all in. I will give my all for six more seasons."