Hannibal-LaGrange University names Kelsey Pollard as head volleyball coach

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Kelsey Pollard is moving up McMasters Avenue.

After spending one season as the head coach of the Hannibal High School girls volleyball program and five years total coaching within the program, Pollard was named the women’s volleyball coach at Hannibal-LaGrange University on Tuesday.

“I’m honored to step into this role at Hannibal-LaGrange University,” Pollard said in a press release. “Coaching is about more than wins and losses — it’s about developing young athletes into strong, faith-driven individuals who can succeed on and off the court. I’m eager to bring that vision to the Trojan volleyball program.”

Pollard has an extensive background in volleyball, having spent four seasons as an assistant within the Hannibal program and leading the Pirates to a 26-8 record and a spot in the Class 4 District 4 championship match last fall.

Pollard follows in the footsteps of her parents in coaching at a high level. Her father, Mark St. Clair, is a Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee who was a longtime head coach at Hannibal High School and currently coaches at Bowling Green. Her mother, MaryAnn St. Clair, coached volleyball, basketball and tennis at Hannibal before passing away in 2015. Pollard credits them for shaping her love for coaching and leadership.

In addition to her coaching success, Pollard has served as a health teacher at Hannibal Middle School since 2019, educating students on physical, mental and social well-being. She also has experience coaching with the Hometown Hitters Volleyball Club (2019-2022) and working in fitness and wellness as a personal trainer and wellness advocate. She holds a bachelor of science in community health from the University of Central Missouri.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kelsey Pollard to the Trojan family,” HLGU athletic director Clay Biggs said. “Her knowledge of the game, leadership experience and faith-driven approach align perfectly with HLGU’s mission of transforming lives through Christ centered collegiate athletics. We are confident she will lead our student athletes with excellence, both on and off the court.”

Pollard holds certifications in CPR, SafeSport, and IMPACT training, along with a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Personal Training Certification. She has also presented at various health and wellness events, sharing her expertise with the community.