Nealy Thomas will begin her first season as Head Volleyball Coach at College of the Ozarks.  Thomas graduated from Branson High School in 1995 and received her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Secondary Education from College of the Ozarks in 2000.  She is currently working on her Masters Degree at Missouri State University.

Thomas played four years as middle hitter for College of the Ozarks from 1995-1998.  In 1999 she assisted in taking the College of the Ozarks to their first appearance in the NAIA National Tournament.  She has also coached a combined three years of high School volleyball and two years of club volleyball.

She and her husband Greg live in Branson with their two daughters Kayli (6) and Allison (4).

Thomas replaces Nick Sharp who assumed the position of C of O’s new Dean of Students.  Thomas served as Assistant Volleyball Coach last year and helped take the team to a 29-8 record.

Preston Peper will become the new Assistant Volleyball Coach as Nealy Thomas takes over the head coaching reins.  Preston grew up on the east coast, outside of Annapolis, MD and graduated high school from Arundel High School.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and a Master of Science degree in Sports Management from South Dakota State University.  He currently serves as the Assistant Parks & Recreation Director for the City of Branson.

While attending South Dakota State University, Preston played on the men’s college volleyball team as a first team outside hitter.  He helped the team to a 9th place finish at the NIRSA club nationals in Tucson, AZ in 1997.  He was co-captain during the 1996-1997 season.  Preston has coached at the high school level, coached many club teams, including one that attended the national tournament while assisting the college team at South Dakota State University.